Clothes to cleaning - upskill to learn to live sustainably in Laois
Portlaoise Library to host workshops which might also cut your bills
Laois people are set to get a chance to equip themselves with skills that will help them live more sustainably while also saving some euro on clothes and cleaning.
Europe Direct Portlaoise has announced a series of sustainable living workshops in September at Portlaoise Library to highlight ways to live sustainably in everyday life.
Held in tandem with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week, the organisers invite you to explore practical ways to live more sustainably and contribute to a greener future.
The workshops get underway with a clothing event for teenagers. Loved Clothes Last with The Sustainable Life School aims to give your clothes a longer life by learning practical skills that save money and reduce waste.
“In this fun and hands-on 90-minute workshop, participants will learn simple clothing repair techniques, including how to sew on a button and mend small holes in garments.
“Alongside practical sewing skills, we'll explore sustainable ways to source, care for, and re-home clothing. You'll gain a better understanding of different fabrics and discover how proper clothing care can help your favourite items last longer.
“Perfect for teens who want to learn useful life skills while making more sustainable fashion choices. Participants will learn to: Sew on a button and carry out simple clothing repairs. Identify different fabric types and understand their care requirements. Extend the life of clothing through proper care and maintenance. Explore sustainable ways to buy, share, and re-home clothes,” say the organisers.
The workshop takes place on Wednesday, September 2 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. It is suitable for teens aged 13 and over.
The second workshop aims to help you discover practical ways to save money, improve your wellbeing, and reduce your reliance on harsh household chemicals.
The Natural Home: Clean, Grow & Preserve with Anna Browne is described as a “informative and inspiring workshop” that will introduce participants to simple, sustainable approaches to cleaning, growing food, and preserving home-grown produce.
“Learn how everyday household staples such as bread soda and vinegar can be used to keep your home naturally clean, explore easy ways to grow food in gardens, balconies, or small outdoor spaces, and discover straightforward methods for preserving seasonal produce so you can enjoy nature's bounty throughout the year.
“Whether you're new to sustainable living or looking to expand your skills, this session will provide plenty of practical tips you can start using straight away. Participants will learn to:Clean effectively using natural household ingredients such as bread soda and vinegar. Transform garden, balcony, or outdoor spaces into productive food-growing areas. Grow simple crops including herbs, salad greens, and soft fruit. Use easy preservation methods to enjoy seasonal produce year-round,” say the organisers.
The workshop takes place on Wednesday, September 9 from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Workshop three aims to help children to get creative while learning about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way. Creative Recycling for Kids will use a variety of clean, reused materials to allow participants to design and create something completely new while discovering the value of the resources that surround us every day.
“Through imaginative making and play, children will explore the principles of recycling, reuse, and the circular economy, gaining a better understanding of how everyday materials can be given a second life instead of ending up in landfill. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
“A wonderful opportunity for young creators to develop their creativity, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills. Learning Outcomes: Learn about the principles of recycling, reuse, and composting. Explore how everyday materials can be transformed into something new. Understand the concept of a circular economy and the value of resources. Develop creativity through hands-on making and invention,” say the organisers.
The workshop for children ages 6-12 years takes place on Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
The series concludes with a workshop titled Practical Guide to Creating Spaces for Biodiversity with Understory.
The organisers say participants will discover how even the smallest outdoor space can become a thriving haven for wildlife. Led by Understory, this event explores ways to practically support biodiversity in gardens, courtyards, balconies, and larger outdoor areas.
“Learn how to attract and support a wide range of native wildlife through habitat creation, food sources, and shelter. The session will provide practical examples, creative ideas, and accessible actions that anyone can take to make a positive impact on local biodiversity.
“Participants will also explore how reclaimed and natural materials can be used to create wildlife-friendly features such as nest boxes, bee hotels, and bumblebee nesting sites. Learning Outcomes: Discover a variety of habitats that can be created in outdoor spaces. Learn about the wildlife species that can be encouraged and supported. Explore practical ways to provide food, water, and shelter for wildlife. Use reclaimed and natural materials to create homes for pollinators and birds. Gain simple, achievable ideas for increasing biodiversity at home,” say the organisers.
The final workshop takes place on Saturday, September 12 from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Europe Direct is an information service and network managed by the European Union to help citizens learn about EU policies, legislation, rights, and funding.
To register your interest to any of our sustainable living workshops go to https://tinyurl.com/y4rm8k or check with Portlaoise Library.