20 November 2009: The first ever European Week for Waste Reduction takes place between 21 and 29 November. In Ireland, a range of activities to highlight waste reduction practices and promote more sustainable consumption and production have been organised by a variety of organisations, and coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Commenting, Ms Laura Burke, Director of the EPA’s Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use, said: “We welcome this important week as it will highlight all the positive work that is being done in relation to waste reduction, not just in Ireland, but across the EU. There is a requirement in the new Waste Framework Directive that each Member State shall have a waste prevention programme. This week will be an important opportunity to showcase best practice”.

Dr Gerry Byrne, EPA Programme Manager and chair of the National Waste Prevention Committee also welcomed the week commenting: “European Week for Waste Reduction will highlight to each person the important role that they can play either at home, at work, travelling or at leisure to prevent waste and reduce their impact on the environment”.

The following prevention partner organisations have been involved in developing the events: Repak Packaging Prevention Programme, Green Hospitality Award, Clean Technology Centre, An Taisce Green Home/Schools, Green Business, Community Recycling Network Ireland along with local authorities in Kilkenny, Carlow, Monaghan, Galway, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Clare and Kerry. All of these organisations are engaged in waste prevention and resource efficiency (waste, water & energy) work on an ongoing basis.

Over 30 different events are planned throughout the week at different locations around the country, many of which are open to the general public. These range from business seminars and public information events in a wide variety of locations to the release of related EPA reports. The website www.ewwr.ie has been set up to provide details of the different events around the country.