Embracing Responsible Consumption and Circular Economy in Ballina, Co. Mayo

As we gear up for Ballina’s third Climate Action Weekend on November 24th to 26th, it's the perfect time to dive into the concept of responsible consumption and the circular economy. With climate change increasingly impacting our planet, it's essential for local communities to explore sustainable practices that can make a difference. In this blog post, we will discuss what the circular economy is, why it's crucial, and how it can be embraced.
 
What is the Circular Economy?
 
The circular economy is like a way of taking care of things better. It tries to make sure we don't throw things away too quickly and use products more wisely. In a regular system, we make things, use them, and then throw them away, which creates a significant environmental burden. On the other hand, in the circular economy, we try to make things that last longer and use them again and again, so there's a reduction in waste.

Ballina already offers a good range of services which encourage the circular economy. One good example is shoe repair. These shops such as Harry’s Shoe Repairs or Shoe Hospital fix and refurbish shoes for customers, allowing people to wear them for a longer time instead of throwing them away. 

Another good example would be shops where you can get a refill for bottle products such as liquid hand wash and shampoo. A shop like Wild Rocket actively promotes the principles of reusing, reducing waste, and encouraging more sustainable and responsible consumption habits.

Why is it Crucial?
 
Environmental Benefits: The circular economy helps nature, makes less pollution, and cuts down on carbon emissions that cause climate change. When we reuse our goods to make them like new again, or recycle them, we help the environment and make less of a mess.
 
Economic Opportunities:  A circular economy can create new business opportunities, jobs, and new ideas. When we keep using products and materials again, it fosters local industries related to repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
 
Resource Security: As more and more people live on our planet, the demand for resources is increasing. A circular economy makes sure we use our valuable resources wisely and keep them for the future. This way, we can make sure there's enough resources for future generations.
 
How Can We Embrace the Circular Economy?
 
Reducing and Reusing: Start by reducing unnecessary consumption and reusing items whenever possible. Repair and maintain your possessions rather than replacing them. Here in Ballina, you can repair everything from clothing to electricals to technology to lawnmowers – all in local businesses.
 
Recycle Right: Proper recycling is essential for the circular economy. Sort and dispose of waste according to local guidelines to ensure materials can be repurposed. If you’re not sure what bin to use, check out Repak. Rathroeen Civic Amenity Centre (view map HERE) has recycling facilities for everything you can think of, and it costs just €4.00 per car to bring your recycling in.
 
Support Circular Businesses: Engage with businesses that prioritise sustainability and circularity. By choosing products and services from these companies, you are contributing to the circular economy. Check out our list of Ballina’s circular economy businesses below!
 
Our top ten tips to get you started –
 

1. Reduce your use of disposable coffee cups by bringing your own reuseable coffee cup.
2. Do you need a bag for your purchases? It’s ok to say no, or even better, to bring your own.
3. Is your phone giving you trouble? Why not chat to The Phone Hospital to see if they can fix it before you look for a new one.
4. Can’t wear your favourite jeans because the zip is broken? Ballina Costume Company can fix it for you.
5. Need some new winter clothing essentials, or simply want to add some variety to your wardrobe?  Why not check our range of charity shops in Ballina such as Saint Vincent de Paul to see if you can pick up a second-hand bargain with money going to a good cause, rather than buying new elsewhere.
6. Consider switching to a bicycle, such as those available from Hopkins Cycles to travel shorter distances instead of using a car; less pollution for the environment, and a great way to keep fit and healthy too!  
7. Wild Rocket has a variety of products to help you reduce waste and practice a more sustainable lifestyle, from fairtrade and locally-sourced food to eco-friendly cleaning products, gifts and plastic-free office items. 
8. Need to do some DIY or make changes to your garden, but don’t have the equipment?  Why not check out the range of tools for hire at Davy’s Lawnmower & Tool Hire, for an alternative to buying new tools that is kinder to both the planet and your wallet!
9. Looking for that special Christmas gift?  Caffrey’s Gallery has a range of beautiful craft and art pieces made by local artisans, the perfect choice for a unique, thoughtful present while supporting the work of local artists.  
10. Want a good book to get lost in or a movie to watch on a cosy night in?  Save money and make the more sustainable choice to reuse rather than buy new, by visiting Ballina Library and browsing their collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs.    Library membership is free of charge, and with the ability to order books from other Irish libraries to arrive at your local branch, plus even access to ebooks on your devices through the BorrowBox app, there’s something for everyone.

 
To sum it up, being careful about what we use and following the circular economy idea isn't just needed around the world, but also right here in Ballina. As we get ready for the Climate Action Weekend, it's very important for our community to work together and help businesses and projects that care about the environment and cutting down on waste. If we buy goods thoughtfully and support circular businesses, we can help make our town cleaner and our future better. So, let's use the chance during the upcoming event to promise we'll keep looking out for the environment in Ballina and everywhere else too.


​Non-exhaustive list of other businesses which embrace responsible consumption and the circular economy in Ballina:

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Shop
Killeens Lawnmower repair
Pure Clothing
Found Antiques
A Stroke of Magic
Rouse Jewellers
And more…