This report is a celebration and acknowledgement of the work they carried out in support of our network in 2022, without whom we would not exist. It is also a celebration of their increasingly important work in reuse, repair and recycling.
With increased supports, we’re confident that the community reuse, repair and recycling sector can deliver a Circular Economy that has incredible environmental, social, and economic benefits not just for some, but for all.
Throughout 2021 the CRNI network continued to be valued by members and stakeholders alike. Members connected with each other through ongoing Zoom sessions, and received valuable information on funding, business supports, opportunities, and training.
CRNI continued to contribute to significant policy developments as part of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, as well as reuse policy at EU level and policy developments affecting social enterprises nationally.
Additionally, we expanded our communications with new circular economy online tools and growing social media reach.
The EPA’s core funding also enabled CRNI to participate in 4 externally funded research projects and 1 funded promotional campaign to help advance our aim to mainstream community resources.
Delighted to share our 2020 highlights of how we supported our reuse, repair, recycling
The Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) was set up by CRNI in 2020 as part of a DAERA-funded pilot project (see here). The annual report below provides an update on progress made for this exciting new network in 2020.
In response to growing citizens engagement in climate and waste issues, CRNI boosted communications and featured 16 times in media and at 14 national and international events. We ran 3 successful events in Sligo, Cork and Athlone reaching over 390 people on the themes of sustainable fashion, Sustainable Development Goals and Jobs and Skills for a Circular Economy. To further support our members, we grew the network with 5 new members and provided new business opportunities including Ireland’s first consortium for green and social public procurement. To help mainstream the sector, we completed and disseminated two EPA funded research projects ReMark and Bulky Item Reuse and kicked off a new EPA funded research project to qualify and quantify reuse and a feasibility study for DAERA on the viability of a reuse network in Northern Ireland.
The year 2018 saw an increase in CRNI’s reach, engaging new stakeholders through our biennial conference, showcase of social enterprises with the EU’s DG GROW, and coordination of reuse month including regional events on behalf of the three waste regions. Duhallow Revamp became our first accredited member to the pilot Quality Standard ReMark (EPA Green Enterprise project) and we began work on another EPA funded Bulky Item Reuse project, engaging facilities managers and other key stakeholders throughout the country. Two new members were welcomed to the network. Finally, CRNI published its new 3 year strategy for the period 2019 – 2021 (available here). For a summary of this and other activities, see our video here.
The year 2017 saw growth of the network, strengthening of its position in the sector and improved communications through wide engagement and involvement in key campaigns. Five new members were brought on board and two research projects were initiated including the EPA funded Quality Standard (“Re.Mark”) project, which aims to establish the value of a reuse quality mark for Ireland / Northern Ireland in strengthening consumer confidence in reuse goods.
2016 was another important year in raising the organisation’s profile at a national level. The network published a White Paper on reuse, recycling and social policy, held a very successful conference on Business models for reuse, hosted the European RREUSE network meeting, worked with the three regional waste authorities on Ireland’s first Reuse Month October, revamped the CRNI website and was awarded Green Enterprise funding for a Quality Mark research project from the EPA.
2015 was an important year in the raising the organisation’s profile on a national level. It is clear that the hard work building the network in the early years of its life paid dividends in 2015, and the impact and significance of CRNI on the resource efficiency landscape in Ireland has grown.
2014 was a year in which CRNI cemented its role as a key stakeholder in the Irish environmental sector. The network completed two exciting Green Business projects funded under the EPA Strive Programme in 2014; the Reuse It! smartphone app and the Revival by CRNI pop-up shop and educational space.
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CRNI receives core and operational funding through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
For more information, check out their website.
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.
CRNI is the all island representative body for community based reuse, recycling and waste prevention organisations. We are funded by the EPA under the National Waste Prevention Programme and through membership contributions. CRNI is a proud member of the European RREUSE network.
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