This is my last environment column for The Irish Times and I’ve radicalised myself
None of my own small changes is going to save the planet, but everyday choices and habits of individuals do matter
Making a Difference
Clubs can help parents swap to save money when it comes to pricey sports gear
Buying new kit for growing kids is expensive. Swapping can also help cut huge textile imports as well as costs
Our streets can be made safer for children to walk, scoot, cycle and play outside
If you grew up on a street, a road or an estate in the 1980s, you will probably have plenty of memories of playing outside
Putting unused medicines in bins, toilets or down the sink is making the planet sick
Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, often through bins or flushing, leads to contamination of water and soil
Bike theft can mean a real loss of independence for teenagers
A new scheme from Fingal County Council aims to ensure children can continue cycling despite the losses of their bikes, bringing many benefits to them and us
How we name plant-based dishes can increase how often they are chosen
Giving plant-based dishes more attractive names on restaurant menus can increase their appeal, research finds
We are consuming our way into a climate crisis, and parcel delivery has speeded up the pace
Oxfam’s Postback scheme allows unwanted stuff to be taken to a charity shop straight from your door
Truly circular living - one power washer at a time
Clúid Housing is helping residents to save money by offering a free lending service for infrequently used items
Irish people tend to underestimate impact of meat-free diet on our carbon footprint
How much time we spend talking about climate change measures may be key to better understanding
Lent offers a chance to develop a habit good for your pocket and for the planet
With food prices escalating as they are, freezing eggs for a year could even be an act of financial hedging
Good vibes payoff: Chase that helper’s high with a beach clean up
The #2MinuteBeachClean is a simple idea – take just two minutes to pick up litter when at the beach
When it comes to discarding used batteries, there’s a right way and a dangerous way
Batteries are considered hazardous and require special handling. The good news is they can be recycled for free
What to do with unwanted gifts - including the ones you haven’t bought yet
Before you buy, think of the resources, energy and pollution that go into making and transporting those reindeer head slippers
Five small ways you can help the planet in 2026
From reducing your laundry to taking slightly shorter showers, you have the power to make a difference
Thinking about a clear out? Don’t just chuck everything in a skip
When renovating or doing a home blitz allow time to sort stuff so recyclable and resusable items don’t end up in landfill
Hidden hoards of critical raw materials are gathering dust in Irish cupboards and drawers
If you do one thing this January, drop off old and broken electronic devices, batteries, and cables for free recycling
Sample the slow travel gems on our doorstep – they are better for you and the planet
Overseas holidays bring unexpected stress, but ones closer to home mean you can really relax
What’s better for the environment – a real or a fake Christmas tree?
An artificial tree used over many years can be better for reducing emissions than buying a real one every year
Uncomfortable conversations about Christmas gifts can make a big difference
With a little planning you can keep the magic - just with less waste
Become a climate ambassador in 2026 and it could bring you to all kinds of places
Against the scale of a warming planet, small actions can seem futile, but conversations and local actions build towards change
Black Friday is followed by Returns Tuesday. It’s bad for the planet
Some shoppers wait all year for Black Friday to make necessary purchases they would otherwise not be able to afford, but others are enticed to buy stuff they otherwise wouldn’t
What’s not to like about curling up in front of a cosy fire? Fine-particle air pollution
Solid fuel use is one of the biggest sources of air pollution in Ireland, posing a serious public health challenge
Airlines are never going to tell us that flying is not sustainable
Messaging about ‘green fares’ or ‘responsible’ aviation is often misleading
Toy libraries are helping families save money, cut down on clutter and reduce waste
What if you could borrow a toy for a child instead of buying it? The idea is a win-win for families and the environment
How we do Halloween is adding to the planet’s mounting graveyard of waste
Halloween can be an environmental shocker, but there are more nature-friendly ways to celebrate
We are throwing away about a month’s worth of grocery shopping every year
A small amount of care could help you to significantly reduce bills linked to food waste, and the environmental impact of that waste
Do you take photos of your cat or dog everyday? There is a cost
Green internet use can help tackle the problem of ‘dark data’
We can help speed up road safety reforms by slowing down
Reducing your speed when you drive through a town, village or housing estate is also better for the environment
Don’t rely on price to indicate how hard wearing a T-shirt is
Textiles have the fourth highest impact on climate change
Poor air quality has serious health implications – how clean is your area?
A citizen science project aims to measure the level of nitrogen dioxide in Waterford city following the success of similar projects elsewhere
Next time you are organising a party, why not borrow a party kit?
While governments talk about reducing plastics and lobbyists lobby them not to, communities are taking action
‘Ireland’s teens are succeeding in school, but struggling in life.’ Could cycling help?
In the Netherlands, safe cycling infrastructure liberates kids from their parents – and parents from their kids
How spending two minutes picking up plastic on the beach can make a big difference
Plastic litter isn’t just ugly - it kills marine life
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
The GlossOpens in new window
Read the digital edition of The Gloss magazine now
Family NoticesOpens in new window
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices