Earlier today, TV presenter and sustainability advocate Fionnuala Jay hosted an eco-minded event on behalf of the CRNI (Community Resources Network Ireland), bestowing the ReMark Quality Mark to seven organisations across the country for their outstanding commitment to circular practices.
In order to achieve the award, organisations that applied were put through a series of assessments that went over key areas such as Social & Environmental, HR, Governance, Health & Safety, Circular Service Management, Data Protection, Customer Service & Communication, and Physical Premises.
The accreditation process culminated in an audit carried out by independent auditors before a decision was made to award each organisation.
Photo: Julien Behal Photography
Speaking at the event, Fionnuala said: "I've long been a fan of a good charity shop haul and am constantly amazed at the treasures waiting to be discovered. But sustainability goes much further than just fashion and involves looking at the things we own through a new lens – how can we reuse or repair them, to help the planet and our own pocket?
"I’m thrilled to see the variety of social enterprises being awarded today, from furniture and bike repairs to charity shops to sustainable festivals, and to see social inclusion to the fore in so many of these organisations."
The following organisations were recognised for their successful participation in the ReMark pilot scheme over the past 12 months:
ReCreate
A Dublin-based award-winning social enterprise based around the concept of 'creative reuse', which encourages the public to reuse materials that would normally be sent to landfill or recycling in all kinds of creative and inventive ways, giving them a new lease of life. In the ten years since its inception, ReCreate has redirected over 1,000 tonnes of material from landfill.
Native Events
A Dublin-based organisation specialising in providing sustainable solutions for festivals, events, and arts and culture organisations, dedicated to helping reduce environmental impact, promote circular economy principles, and create memorable experiences that prioritize sustainability, climate action, nature, and biodiversity.
Simon Charity Shops
Operated by the Dublin Simon Community, the Simon Charity Shops are stocked with high-quality goods, both new and reused, helping to fund the charity's work supporting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan, and Monaghan. With a strong sustainability ethos, Simon continuously seeks to reduce waste through recycling and reuse channels, and are proud to be active members of the circular economy.
An Mheitheal Rothar
A Galway-based community bike workshop that sells recycled bikes, parts, and accessories, and provides paid repairs, training, and services. The organisation takes discarded or donated bikes and uses them to provide valuable training in cycle mechanics for trainees, while creating second-hand bikes for sale to the public. It also holds regular DIY workshops where anyone can be supported to learn to fix their own bike.
IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp
A Cork-based furniture recycling and re-use initiative which was established to provide sheltered training and employment opportunities, help the environment by reducing landfill and provide quality up-cycled furniture at low cost to low-income or marginalised families and individuals.
Deaf Enterprises
A Cork-based profit-for-purpose social enterprise, that employs people primarily from the deaf and hard of hearing community, providing furniture upholstery, French polishing and bike repair services to consumers and businesses.
Hands That Talk
A deaf charity in Dungiven, Londonderry striving for social inclusion for the deaf, offering recreational and accredited courses including Sign Language.
