Green Project of the Year Finalist: The Little Redo making a big difference

The Little Redo is a community group that meets weekly to create "funky" art pieces. It focuses on the circular economy and recycling. Each creation is made from recycled items that would otherwise be dumped.

The group is a Cavan County Local Development initiative, which is run by Barbara Carolan.

They source materials primarily from St Vincent de Paul Charity Shops in Cavan. The items used cannot be sold in the shops for a range of reasons. They revamp the pieces and hold exhibitions, competitions, attend shows and Christmas fairs to showcase their work.

“A lot of it goes back into the St Vincent de Paul shops,” Barbara added.

In 2022 the project won the best sustainable window display for St Vincent de Paul Charity Shops National competition using all recycled materials.

On occasion, the group has also delivered free outreach sessions to other groups such as hens sheds and also to Ukrainian refugees.

“Through these workshops, The Little Redo has shown what can be done with broken jewellery, old materials and broken crockery,” Barbara said.

The group are about to open a concession shop at The Rediscovery Centre in Dublin, The National Circular Economy Hub and plans are also underway for an exhibition in Cavan County Museum in June.

“Each member is passionate, hardworking and loves to show other community groups what can be done to reduce waste,” Barbara said, adding that they meet twice weekly in Ballyjamesduff.

She was thrilled when she heard the group had been shortlisted as finalist in this category.

“I’m not really the creative one, I leave that to all them.

“I am delighted for the group that are involved in the project, they’re very worthy of an award.”