This week some of the NIRN team joined network members for an insightful behind-the-scenes visit to FareShare’s N. Ireland Headquarters. The morning provided an eye-opening look at the vital logistics and dedication driving surplus food redistribution across N. Ireland.

The Circular Communities Pilot programme continued in July, with both the Greencastle Community Association and PRSPR holding meetings to advance local circular economy initiatives. This pilot programme is for community groups not yet active in reuse and repair. Through training and support, it aims to engage these groups and help them build the skills, connections and resources they need to develop their own reuse and repair opportunities. Along the way, it hopes to encourage more sustainable, everyday practices that benefit the whole community.

We would like to officially welcome the Ballymagroarty and Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) to our growing network. Last week Katie O’Donnell, NIRN community Network Manager met with BHCP’s Education Officer, Kate, for an inspiring site visit to learn more about their remarkable work on the ground.

Getting ready for a new school term can be an expensive and stressful time for many families. But that is where our incredible members and community champions step up! From charity shops to community uniform exchanges and pre-loved sports gear sales, you are proving that going back to school doesn’t have to cost the earth or break the bank

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) adds a small, refundable deposit to the price of single-use drinks containers. The UK scheme, managed by Exchange for Change, launches on 1 October 2027 to cut waste and boost recycling.

The votes are officially in. After an incredible turnout and an inspiring week of community action, we are thrilled to announce the winner of the RRWNI26 Favourite Activity Poll: Via Wings: “Threads of Change: most impactful yet. You are the reason reuse and repair are becoming the new normal in Northern Ireland. Let’s keep this momentum going!

There is something truly magical about looking at a discarded wooden pallet, an old tin jar, or a lonely, abandoned drawer and seeing pure potential. That is exactly what the team at Green Re:Make Garvagh does every single day, and we are very glad to have them as a new Northern Ireland Reuse Network (NIRN) Member.

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the brilliant young minds who took part in our inaugural Reuse and Repair Week Schools Competition. From upcycled games to community uniform swaps, our local schools have proven that the circular economy is alive, kicking, and full of creativity.

The Northern Ireland Resources Network recently attended the launch of the Office for Environmental Protection’s Progress in Improving the Natural Environment in Northern Ireland 2024/2025 report at Stormont. The report finds that while commitments in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) have set a foundation for much-needed action, the current pace and scale of progress needs to accelerate to deliver the change required for the plan to be effective.

What happens when a Community Fridge gets a surplus of bread? If you are Mark and Rachel, you turn it into beer! In our latest episode, we explore the incredible story of Crumbs Golden Ale and how the amazing young adults at The Playtrail transformed leftover loaves into breadcrumbs, which Walled City Brewery then brewed into a crisp, delicious golden ale. 🎧 Listen to the episode now to hear how this “simple” idea tackled food waste and empowered young adults.

The inaugural Reuse and Repair Week 2026 has officially concluded, marking an absolute milestone for sustainability across the island. This major event spanned all 11 councils in N. Ireland alongside the Republic of Ireland

It has been an incredibly busy and rewarding period for the Circular Schools Workshops. Pupils across Northern Ireland have been discovering how small shifts in how we view everyday items can make a significant difference to our planet.