European success for Cloughmills ‘CAT’

The ‘Library of Things’ scheme, where people can borrow DIY, household and gardening items instead of having to buy them, was selected in the Association/NGO category at the annual European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) awards ceremony, triumphing against thousands of other entries.

By setting up its unique library, Cloughmills Community Action Team was praised for challenging consumption habits and reducing the number of tools and appliances which ultimately end up in landfill sites.

The award winners were announced earlier this year in Brussels, and this week the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson visited the group to congratulate them on their success.

The Mayor said: “Council is very proud to work alongside Cloughmills Community Action Team to promote the importance of waste reduction and recycling. The group’s volunteers have consistently shown an innovative approach to creating more sustainable communities and they have now proved they are among the best in Europe. Well done to everyone who contributed to this outstanding success and I hope the Library of Things continues to make a positive impact on those who live in the area.”

Patrick Frew from Cloughmills CAT said: “We are delighted at how our Library of Things has developed. Its membership continues to expand and we have a wide variety of useful items which residents can borrow.

“We wanted to reduce the continual demand to make purchases and we are very proud at what we have accomplished. To be selected for an EWWR award, out of over 14,000 entries, is a huge achievement for us. By working together, we have shown that this type of collaboration can help to create come content and fulfilled communities. “