Small actions, big impact - how Scouts can lead the way
Every November, communities across Europe come together for the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) - a week dedicated to rethinking how we use and manage resources. This year’s campaign runs from 22 to 30 November, encouraging everyone to take action for more sustainable resource and waste management.
The EWWR invites individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups to register local awareness-raising actions that inspire positive change. You can browse past projects or register your own for 2025 on the EWWR website. The deadline to register is 9 November 2025, so there’s still time to get involved!
Why it matters- for Scouting and for society
For Scouting Ireland, waste isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a social and educational one too. How we use, reuse, and dispose of materials reflects our values of care, responsibility, and resourcefulness. When Scouts reduce waste, they also practise problem-solving, teamwork, and community action, all central to our mission of helping young people build a better world.
Reducing waste helps protect nature, cuts carbon emissions, saves money, and promotes fairness by using resources wisely so everyone can share in them. It also sets a strong example for others, showing that everyday actions, from how we camp to how we shop, really do make a difference.
Understanding the Waste Hierarchy
The waste hierarchy is the foundation of EU waste policy, and a simple way to visualise how to deal with waste responsibly. Think of it as a pyramid that ranks waste management options from most to least environmentally friendly:
Prevention : Stop waste before it starts. Use only what’s needed, choose products with minimal packaging, and plan ahead to avoid surplus.
Reuse : Give items a second life. Repair, repurpose, or share equipment, uniforms, and materials.
Recycle & Compost : Turn waste into new resources. Recycle paper, plastics, and metals; compost food scraps to enrich soil.
Recovery : When materials can’t be recycled, recover energy through safe processes like anaerobic digestion or waste-to-energy facilities.
Disposal : The last resort. Landfilling and incineration without energy recovery should be avoided whenever possible.
By understanding these tiers, Scouts can see that every piece of waste has a journey , and we can all choose where that journey ends.
Examples of how Scouts can take part
There are countless ways for Scout Groups and Scout Dens to get involved during the European Week for Waste Reduction:
Uniform or kit swap: Organise a second-hand exchange of Scout uniforms or camping gear. It’s a great way to reduce waste, save money, and build community.
DIY repair workshop: Teach Scouts to repair tents, badges, or clothing instead of replacing them.
Zero-waste camp challenge: Plan a weekend camp that produces as little rubbish as possible, reuse containers, bring refillable bottles, and compost what’s left.
Community clean-up: Partner with your local council, tidy towns group or resident's association to collect litter and sort recyclables.
Library swap ideas: Take inspiration from local initiatives like the DLR Library Halloween Costume Swap- simple, fun, and great for building community connections.
🙌 Get involved!
This November, let’s show how Scouting Ireland is leading the way toward a more sustainable future.
Visit ewwr.eu to learn more about the European Week for Waste Reduction, explore past actions, and register your Scout Group’s activity before 9 November 2025.
Whether it’s a uniform swap, a zero-waste camp, or a creative reuse challenge, every small action adds up to big change - and Scouts can help lead the charge.
📧 Contact: Vincent Harris, Programme Officer for Sustainability & Social Responsibility 📩 sustainable@scouts.ie
