The Pat Kenny Show All the ways you can reduce the impact of potential Christmas waste
Nov 27, 2025
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, dives into the pressing issue of Christmas waste and recycling. She shares findings on how Irish shoppers are increasingly choosing recyclable and upcycled gifts. Zoe highlights three eco-conscious behaviors gaining traction: upcycling, purchasing items with second lives, and reducing food waste. She also discusses the strong performance of glass recycling in Ireland and the importance of obeying new regulations on packaging space. Plus, Zoe offers practical tips for cleaning and sorting recyclables effectively.
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Consumers Adopt Circular Habits
- Irish shoppers are taking circular actions like upcycling, buying second-life gifts, and reducing food waste this Christmas.
- Zoe Kavanagh says sustainability ranks after value, price and convenience but awareness is growing.
Clean, Loose And Dry Recycling
- Separate packaging waste clean, loose and dry and put it in the correct bin to improve recycling.
- Rinse containers reasonably well so food residue doesn't contaminate recyclables, Zoe Kavanagh advises.
Rinse Packaging Before Recycling
- Use the tap to remove food debris and give packaging a good rinse and shake before recycling.
- Treat packaging as an item with a second life and take personal responsibility to clean it.