Cleaning up scrambled egg boxes
Only 40 per cent of packaging used over Easter last year was recycled, according to Repak. The industry-sponsored packaging recycling scheme issued tips yesterday on how best to recycle Easter egg cartons.
First off, all Easter egg packaging is recyclable, either through household collections or via bring centres.
Cardboard should be compressed or folded with the moulded plastic insets removed and left loose for recycling. Foil should be scrunched up and preferably put in an aluminium can so it gets recycled with similar materials.
See repak.ie for locations of recycling centres countrywide.
Clear view of birds
The bird observatory on Cape Clear island off west Cork (right) is the focal point for a series of nature events, starting later this month. Weekend birdwatching courses for beginners are held every month, starting from April 25th. A week-long course exploring the natural history of the area will be held in August and a course on seabirds goes ahead in September. Birdwatch Ireland is also looking for volunteers to help with the Kerry Bog ponies at the East Coast Nature Reserve in Co Wicklow. Call 01-2819878 or see birdwatchireland.ie for info.
Join in with the peloton
It’s time to dust down your bicycles, oil the chains and get training for the new public cycling events this summer. People of all ages can rediscover the simple pleasure of cycling by joining in community cycles to be held from May to September.
“Cycling as a sport has huge potential to increase participation in physical activity,” says John Treacy from the Sports Council, who together with Cycling Ireland and An Post have organised cycles in counties Sligo, Clare, Meath, Waterford and Cork this summer. Each cycling event will include short, medium and long cycle routes and offer people a chance to experience the beauty of their locality. See anpost.ie/cycling for full details.
ECOWEB
www.heritageweek.ie
Registration has opened on this site for events planned for this year’s Heritage Week from August 22nd to 30th. Once registered, organisers of everything from historical re-enactments to wildlife walks will get support from the Heritage Council to promote their activities. All events must be registered by May 31st to be included in the Heritage Week Event Guide.