Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Pauline McDonagh, a spokesperson for MyWaste.ie, about the expansion of food waste collection to rural Galway in 2024.
Did you know…
- From January 2024, new EU legislation means every household will be entitled to avail of a brown bin collection service.
- Up until now, approximately 31% of households in Ireland were not able to avail of a food waste collection service from their waste service collector.
- The brown bin service accepts all types of food including raw and cooked meat and fish, plate scrapings, along with fruit and vegetable peelings.
Why is it important to expand food waste collection services to rural Galway?
- Reduced Methane Emissions: Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change.
- Composting for Agriculture: Collected food waste can be turned into nutrient-rich compost, which serves as a valuable soil amendment.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Implementing food waste collection services provides an opportunity to engage and educate rural communities on sustainable waste management practices.
What can I do to help support food waste collection services?
- Use the Service: If your community or local municipality has a food waste collection program, actively participate by using the provided bins for separating food scraps.
- Reduce Personal Food Waste: Plan your meals and grocery shopping to reduce over-purchasing and ensure that you use perishable items before they expire.
- Join Environmental Groups: Get involved with local environmental organizations or community groups focused on sustainable living.
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!
- MyWaste.ie - https://www.mywaste.ie/
- Irish Waste Management Association - https://iwma.ie/
- StopFoodWaste.ie - https://stopfoodwaste.ie/
For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.
‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.
