A new initiative helping communities celebrate sustainably has launched in County Kilkenny, introducing a simple but impactful idea: borrow your partyware instead of throwing it away.
The “Borrow, Use, Return” pilot scheme provides reusable party packs through selected community groups, making it easy for residents to host birthdays, events and gatherings without relying on single-use plastics.
Developed by Environmental Awareness Officers across the Southern Waste Region including Kilkenny the initiative is funded by the EPA’s National Waste Prevention Programme and supports the move towards a more circular, low-waste economy.
Following strong interest from across the county, a number of local organisations have been selected to act as lending hubs during the six-month pilot. These include Aurora Community Hub, The Rower Community Hall, Graiguenamanagh Tidy Towns, 3rd Kilkenny Thomastown Scout Group, St Kieran’s Community Hall & Town Team, Ballyragget Development Association & Tidy Towns, Droichead Family Resource Centre, KACC Canoe Club, Freshford Community Café CLG and Kilquan Drama Group.
Each pack caters for up to 30 people and includes reusable plates, cups, bowls, cutlery and jugs, along with colourful bunting made from upcycled textiles by Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI). Designed for repeated use, the packs help cut waste, reduce costs and keep resources in circulation locally.
The idea is straightforward. You simply borrow, use, wash and return, a small change that makes a big environmental difference.
Mags Whelan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Kilkenny County Council, said: “Celebrations shouldn’t come at a cost to the environment. This initiative gives people a practical, low-cost way to reduce waste while still enjoying special occasions. It’s circular living in action which is simple, local and effective.”
The pilot will run for six months, after which participating groups will provide feedback to help shape potential expansion of the scheme.
Community groups not included in this phase will have opportunities to get involved in future rollouts or develop their own kits with guidance from the Council.
For updates on how to access the party packs, follow participating groups on social media or local community channels.
