Blog

  • Cycling for Zero Waste: Meet our Newest Climate Ambassador

    Cycling for Zero Waste: Meet our Newest Climate Ambassador

    Our newest climate ambassador, Niall Quinn, has decided to take the matter of zero waste into his own hands, or rather, pedals. Having began his journey in his hometown of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, he has given himself the challenge of spreading the zero waste message while travelling through 5 counties in Ireland on a bike.…

  • Zero Waste Alliance Ireland do Body & Soul 2022

    Zero Waste Alliance Ireland do Body & Soul 2022

    With the colder winds and the shorter days creeping in, it’s really starting to feel like Autumn. We’re already feeling nostalgic for the summer and reflecting on those blissful few months is all too easy. One of the highlights that stand out has to be our attendance at Body & Soul music, arts and culture…

  • On Climate, Deep Ecology, and Art.

    On Climate, Deep Ecology, and Art.

    Post by ZWAI member Kezia Wright. The gravity of the climate crisis is so terrifying that we turn our faces away. We cannot possibly contemplate the collapse of our civilization every single day. We have jobs to worry about, people to love, food to put on the table. I go about my day-to-day and every…

  • Patagonia Dives into Hemp

    Patagonia Dives into Hemp

    The Switch to Organic Cotton In 1991, Patagonia commissioned an environmental assessment of its production. It found that the supply chains had a significant negative environmental impact. Cotton production in particular was causing environmental damage through the use of insecticides, herbicides and defoliators. In response, founder Yvon Chouinard decided to switch to organic cotton, even…

  • The Implications of the Fast Fashion Industry on our Planet and Health

    The Implications of the Fast Fashion Industry on our Planet and Health

    Article written by ZWAI member Loanna Votskou. The Fast Fashion Industry and its Serious Effects on our Health “Beautiful fashion shouldn’t cost the earth” has been one of the most outstanding rallying cry lines of Greenpeace International, which has repeatedly urged global clothing brands to stop the use of harmful chemicals in textiles and apply…

  • Improving Ireland’s Municipal Waste Recycling Rates: Assessment and Way Forward

    Improving Ireland’s Municipal Waste Recycling Rates: Assessment and Way Forward

    Article by ZWAI member Nazia Naheed Husain. What is the EU Waste Framework Directive? A quick glance The EU Waste Framework Directive (EU WFD) 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council was adopted on 19 November 2008 to enable European Union (EU) Member States to manage, recycle and reduce their waste. The Directive,…

  • Can you Build a Home with Hemp?

    Can you Build a Home with Hemp?

    The Hidden Cost of Building in 2022 As the need for new housing in Ireland becomes more urgent by the day, we face a dilemma. On one side is a housing crisis, on the other is rapidly accelerating climate change. We must dramatically increase the rate of construction, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, buildings…

  • The Importance of Adaptive Reuse in our Built Environment

    The Importance of Adaptive Reuse in our Built Environment

    Guest Post by Emma Walsh. Adaptive reuse, within architecture, is defined as a process in which buildings are adapted for new uses while retaining their historic fabric and features. This approach enhances both the space and experience of a structure while also reducing the carbon footprint associated with its construction. By reducing the amount of…

  • From our Highest Mountains to our Deepest Oceans: Our Addiction to Plastic is now “in our Blood”

    From our Highest Mountains to our Deepest Oceans: Our Addiction to Plastic is now “in our Blood”

    Large quantities of plastic waste find their way into the environment every year and microplastics now contaminate the entirety of our planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. It is a rapidly increasing concern throughout the world and it is now considered one of the most urgent environmental and ecological issues,…

  • Monoculture Forests – Wasted Space, Wasted Opportunities

    Monoculture Forests – Wasted Space, Wasted Opportunities

    Faustmann’s formula dates from the 1840’s; it gives a value for forestry land and indicates the optimum time to cut forest to maximise profit. It considers the price of timber, the stock of timber in the forest at the present time and the rent paid for the land. However, this approach does not consider a…

  • A Word in Solidarity With Ukraine

    A Word in Solidarity With Ukraine

    ZWAI would like to express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We advocate for peace and prosperity, and our hearts are with the Ukrainian people during this difficult and traumatic time. We strongly condemn​​ the Russian military aggression of Ukraine and express our unwavering support for Ukrainians, their sovereignty and their freedom. We would…

  • World Water Day 2022: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” & the Problem of Septic Tanks

    World Water Day 2022: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” & the Problem of Septic Tanks

    The United Nations is making “Groundwater” the primary theme of this year’s focus. Ground Water and Septic Tanks Ireland has almost 500,000 registered septic tanks and this accounts for about 30% of the national population. After the settlement of solids in septic tanks, the water which appears to be clear is then percolated into the…