The week-long campaign celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and community spirit driving waste reduction across the region. Organised by the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN), this landmark initiative aims to shift public behaviours, proving that when an item is broken, it doesn't belong in the bin — it just needs a bit of love.
In a powerful demonstration of cross-border climate action, NIRN has joined forces with its sister organisation, Community Resource Network Ireland (CRNI). Together, they are delivering a simultaneous programme of events across the entire island, strengthening shared learning and accelerating our collective transition to a circular economy.
Grand Central Launch Leads the Movement
The week officially kicks off on Saturday 30th May at Belfast Grand Central Station with a flagship Pop-Up Repair Café. Skilled volunteer fixers will gather at the transport hub to help commuters and visitors repair much-loved, broken items — from clothing adjustments to small electronics and bicycles.
Beyond the capital, a diverse, community-led programme will roll out across all eleven local authority areas. Key events happening on Saturday 30th May include:
- Carryduff Repair Café: Fixing electronics, toys, and furniture at Cornerstone Methodist Church.
- Foyle Repair & Share Café: Celebrating its 4th birthday at Ulster University’s Magee campus.
- Bikes for a Better World: Launching a bike donation and refurbishment drive at Hope365 in Ballyclare.
- Food Waste Pizza Picnic: Promoting sustainable eating at The Play Trail in Derry/Londonderry.
- Model Yacht Restoration: A unique maritime skill-sharing workshop on Rathlin Island.
Ministerial Backing
The initiative has gained vital support from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), funded via the Carrier Bag Levy.
Welcoming the launch, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir stated:
"We all have a role in building a circular economy to protect our environment. This campaign brings people together in a positive environment, sharing their knowledge, skills, and passions. It is encouraging to see these efforts to help people learn practical ways to keep items out of landfill by repairing or repurposing them."
Highlighting the grassroots spirit of the project, NIRN Executive Director Eimear Montague shared that DAERA and local authority colleagues recently teamed up to hand-craft event bunting from reclaimed textiles.
"This simple act captures the heart of the week," she noted. "Transforming what is thought of as waste and proving that with a little creativity, every item has a second life. This is about keeping items in use for longer, changing behaviours, and encouraging reuse and repair as the norm."
At Sustainable NI, we are thrilled to see this campaign come to life. Keeping resources in circulation is one of the most effective local climate solutions we have. By equipping communities with practical repair skills, this initiative simultaneously addresses consumption emissions, tackles the waste crisis, and supports households during a prolonged cost-of-living squeeze. It represents a vital step toward a zero-waste, climate-resilient future for Northern Ireland.
