Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging everyone across the city and district to support European Week for Waste Reduction (19th-27th November) with a special focus on the textile sector.
For the 14th edition, European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) explores the topic of Circular and Sustainable Textiles, analysing the impact that the textile sector has on our planet and society.
Council will host a number of events throughout the week on waste reduction, with a focus on clothing and textiles, as well as launch their own dedicated Waste and Recycling Chatbot, called Ria.
Ria stands for Recycling Information Assistant, which is an automatic virtual assistant designed to answer all your waste and recycling queries.
Ria can be found at: www.derrystrabane.com/recycling
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said waste is no longer ‘in fashion’.
“We know that the textile and clothing industry is one of the most polluting sectors, along with housing, transport and food.
“This is caused by a number of factors including land use, water pollution and greenhouse emissions.
“I would encourage everyone to think twice before buying new clothes. Can you buy pre-loved from a local charity shop, or swap with a friend? We have great style here in Derry and Strabane, let’s get creative and think of new ways to keep our clothing in circulation.”
Julie Hannaway, DCSDC Waste and Recycling Officer, will host a Nappuccino event, providing parents with information and advice on reusable nappies, wipes and sanitary items.
The event will take place on Tuesday 22nd November from 10am until 12pm in the Foyle Arena, Derry. Julie said this event is a great way to introduce parents to the concept of cloth nappies.
“For centuries women have used cloth nappies on their babies – and they are now experiencing a global revival with substantial savings to be made by parents and the added benefit of being an eco-friendly option.
“We are really excited to deliver another Council-led Nappuccino event in the District area.
“This will be an informal gathering where parents with babies and toddlers can come together, share experiences and get information on reusable baby care over a cup of coffee.
“Washable cotton nappies are a really cost effective option for parents – with research indicating that anything from £150 to £1000 can be saved from birth to potty by opting for re-usable rather than disposable nappies.”
Other events include a Pre-Loved Toy and Clothes Giveaway taking place in The Alley Theatre, Strabane on Wednesday 23d November.
Council will also host a textile workshop for their staff on Thursday 24th November to showcase how to minimise the amount of clothing going to waste in our own region.
Staff will be taught how to upcycle and reuse unwanted clothes – an initiative other businesses could replicate in their own organisations.
Council will also encourage everyone to take part in Unworn Friday on Friday 25th November – a dedicated day to wear something in your wardrobe that you have not worn yet.
In conjunction with EWWR, Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to launch their dedicated Recycling Information Assistant, RIA.
For more information please visit: www.derrystrabane.com/recycling
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