On October 23rd, Circular Ocean partners “Maroom E” were invited to take part in the inaugural “Reuse Republic”, the first event of its kind to be held in Cork, Ireland. A collaboration between the SMILE Resource Exchange and Cork County Council, Reuse Republic was a public event that brought together some of Cork’s best upcyclers, reuse initiatives and eco businesses. With an underlying message of Rethink Your Waste, Reuse Republic aimed to showcase just a snapshot of the businesses, support organisations and community initiatives, working in the reuse sector locally.

Exhibitors included quirky yet luxurious luggage, bags and accessories from Mamukko, a Kinsale based company that upcycles sailcloth and tarpaulin; EcoCel.ie exhibited insulation products made from recycled newspaper; IRD Duhallow Revamp project and Macroom Men’s Shed showed off their upcycled furniture, bird boxes and cribs; Food Cloud explained how their surplus food redistribution network operates; the Circular Ocean project presented a colourful display of products from around the work, made out of waste marine plastics; Boomerang Enterprises showed how they dismantle and recycle post-consumer mattresses; Stop Food Waste gave some handy hints and tips for householders to reduce their food bills and waste; Green Business explained how they assist organisations to run more efficiently, reducing their waste, water and energy use; Community Reuse Network advised how they support reuse initiatives nationally; the Southern Waste Region were on hand as the public body with responsibility for meeting waste management objectives; Dress for Success Cork held a collection of gently worn, office appropriate clothing which they will pass on to clients entering or re-entering the workforce.

Reuse Republic is one of a series of events and campaigns taking place during October Reuse Month, a national initiative aimed at promoting reuse and repair. This exhibition was a lively, colourful mix of commercial reuse opportunities, support organisations and community focused initiatives in Cork.