ECOStep was aimed at engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in creative reuse projects. CRNI was the Irish partner, working with its members Rediscovery Centre and ReCreate in delivering the primary outputs including an international design competition and web documentary.

The project was completed in February 2019.

ECOStep Youth Project

International Design Competition

Twelve youth groups entered the competition to build an upcycled item from secondary materials. They worked with a range of materials from wood to rubber, plastic and metals. All entries are shown here.

We are delighted that the Irish “Tyre Team” won the competition, facilitated by Rediscovery Centre and ECOUNESCO, for their tyre bench entry pictured above.

The Irish jury included a panel of experts including Przemek Drusewicz, Upcycling Project; Tony Fegan, Tallaght Community Arts ; Brendan Madden, Brendan Joseph Studio @brendanjosephstudio; Derek McGarry, National College of Arts & Design; Carrie-Ann Moran, Rediscovery Centre; Deidre Rogers, ReCreate Ireland; Joanne Rourke, Eastern Midlands Region Waste Office.

Web Documentary

Another key deliverable for this project was an interactive and educational webdoc here.

This is designed to inform and inspire people about waste and environmental issues and especially to encourage young people to pursue careers in reuse and repair. It includes videos, images and links to campaigns under different material categories.

ECOStep is funded under the EU ERASMUS+ KA2 programme. It involved youth groups from Ireland, France, Morocco, Spain and Greece. All project outcomes are available at http://ecostep-youth.eu/.
"Tyre Team" receive prize from Lynn Boylan MEP
Lynn Boylan MEP with ECOStep participants
Design Expo - free workshops using wood
"Tyre Team" bench from bicycle tyres & salvaged wood
"Shackleton Team" cable wheel educational tool
"The Last Straw" team lamp from plastic straws

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Our funders

Department of the Enviornment, Climate and Communications

CRNI receives core and operational funding through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. 

For more information, check out their website

Project Funding

Waste Regions Logos

Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair

CRNI’s Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair is funded by Ireland’s Regional Waste Management Plan Offices. This innovative virtual platform is open 24/7 and gives visitors the opportunity to explore green and social procurement opportunities provided by reuse, repair and recycling social enterprises and community-based organisations across Ireland.

Access the Green + Social Virtual Trade Fair here.

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