Reducing waste and inspiring creativity, one swap at a time

People in Ireland generate 14 million tonnes of waste annually, and a simple way to reduce it is by reusing and repurposing items they no longer need, but finding new homes for arts and crafts supplies, for example, can be tricky.

People often dive into new creative hobbies, buy the materials and tools, and then discover they’re not really interested, and have unused supplies in search of a purpose.

To address that sustainably and spark creativity, Westmeath Libraries hosted an ‘Arts and Crafts Supplies Swap’ at Mullingar Library on June 14.

In the week leading up to the event, people were invited to drop off lightly used art materials at the library, and on the day of the swap, (11am-1pm), visitors browsed and selected from fabric, yarn, paints, brushes, easels, glass beads, pottery kits, quilling paper, and more.

Donations were also accepted during the event.

More than 50 people attended, and found new treasures to fuel their creative projects.

This event was part of The Rediscovery Centre’s ECCO project, which supports communities in developing innovative circular economy solutions. The swap shows a “strong commitment” at Westmeath Libraries to Sustainable Development Goal 12, responsible consumption and production within the community, a statement from the council.

Attendees expressed interest in future swaps, and one said;| “It was great for me to bring in art supplies that I didn’t use any more, without any guilt knowing that they were going to be put to good use.”

Encouraged by the success, Westmeath Libraries plans to host another Arts and Crafts Supplies Swap in September. For updates and details, visit www.westmeathculture.ie.