Carlow people urged to nominate 'local heroes' for national competition with €2,000 up for grabs

People in Carlow have been invited to nominate local heroes who are leading the way in sustainable living as part of a new national initiative - the Full Circle Awards.

Launched by Circular.ie, the Full Circle Awards celebrate the individuals and communities quietly leading the way in reuse, repair, recycling, and sustainable living. The initiative aims to shine a light on Ireland's unsung champions of the circular economy.

As part of this, people in Carlow are encouraged to recognise and nominate locals who are making a difference through everyday sustainable actions in their homes, workplaces, clubs, or across the wider community.

These actions could include organising clothes swaps, embracing zero-waste living, hosting repair workshops, upcycling everyday items, or bringing people of all ages together to champion circular living.

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To highlight the work of young people in this area, Circular.ie is calling for entries for the Young Circular Star category for young people aged between 10-17 who are passionate about putting sustainable ideas into action.

Nominations for people from Carlow for the Full Circle Awards are open across six categories, including the Young Circular Star category:

1. Young Circular Star (Under 18)
Celebrating children or young people leading the way in sustainability and circular thinking — in school, at home, or in their community.

2. Repair and Reuse Champion
For individuals who regularly repair, repurpose, or extend the life of items — including clothing, tools, furniture, or electronics.

3. Community Circular Champion
Honouring people who lead or support community initiatives like sharing libraries, swap events, food waste solutions, or local repair cafés.

4. Creative Circular Artist
For those who transform waste materials into art, furniture, décor, or other creative expressions through upcycling.

5. Circular Living Advocate
For individuals who live by and promote zero-waste, low-impact lifestyles — including educators, content creators, and everyday role models.

6. Best Community Campaign
Shining a light on the best campaigns (community activity or marketing initiative) that Circular Economy community groups are running in Ireland.

The winner from each category will receive a prize of €2,000, as well as the opportunity to receive dedicated, expert communications mentoring for their circular initiatives.

Commenting on the awards, CEO of The Rediscovery Centre and on the competition's judges, Claire Downey said: "The Full Circle Awards are a fresh and inspiring way to recognise the incredible efforts of ordinary people in Carlow who are doing extraordinary things. All across Ireland, individuals and communities are already embracing circular actions, often without even realising it, through simple but powerful actions like repairing, reusing, and reducing waste.

"We’re really excited to receive nominations from Carlow and to discover the stories behind these local changemakers. By showcasing their efforts, we hope to not only celebrate their impact but also inspire others to rethink how we live, keep valuable materials out of landfill, and move toward a more sustainable future."

Clare Downey will be joined on the judging panel by a host of other experts in sustainability, the circular economy, and environmental innovation.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, 25 July 2025 and submissions can be made through the online form at www.circular.ie/full-circle-awards.