Carlow launches new “Borrow, Use, Return” pilot for greener celebrations!

County Carlow has just rolled out a brand‑new sustainability initiative to help our communities celebrate waste‑free. A pilot reusable Party Pack scheme is now available through selected community groups and Carlow Library.

Developed by Environmental Awareness Officers across the Southern Waste Region and funded by the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Programme, the project aims to cut single‑use plastics and support a more circular, climate‑friendly way of living.Thanks to a great response to our recent call‑out, a limited number of Party Packs have been distributed to local organisations for a 6‑month pilot. These groups will act as lending hubs, offering the packs to families and community members planning birthdays, school events, sports days and more. Keep an eye on their social media or newsletters for more information.

Participating groups include: Carlow County Library , Delta Centre, Hacketstown Tidy Towns, Develop Tullow Association Clg. , St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre , Tullow Road Residents Association, Absolute Beginners Creche, County Carlow Environmental Network – CEN , Bagenalstown Improvement Group and the Cairdeas Centre.

Each pack caters for up to 30 people and includes reusable plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, jugs and colourful bunting made by the Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI) using upcycled textiles. Everything is durable, washable and designed to be used again and again — saving money and reducing waste.

It’s simple: Borrow the pack → Use it → Wash it → Return it.

A small action with a big impact for our community and our planet.