Monthly Archives: July 2019

Reducing Plastic Waste

Sarah, Stephen, Orna and Enda.

The manager & service users of Enable Ireland in Limerick are not just a friendly bunch, they’re an Eco-Friendly bunch! We were recently contacted by centre manager Orna Maguire who told us about their efforts to reduce plastic waste in their Limerick hub. With over 40 service users in Enable Ireland Mungret and most of those with complex physical disabilities, they go through a lot of plastic straws! Straws offer greater independence. For example, those with Cerebral Palsy do not need to rely on someone else to lift their glass when drinking.  The guys in Mungret, being very proactive with their eco-credentials, wanted to find a better option than plastic straws.

Testing Times

And so their search began. The team here at EcoStraws.ie sent a variety of reusable straws to Enable Ireland so they could test them out and decide which ones were their favourite. After days of rigorous testing by the eager service users, Orna came back to us with her results;

 “We just wanted to update you on the progress with the straws. We have trialled them with thickened fluids, regular drinks, hot and cold drinks, we have hand washed them and put them through the dishwasher, all in all they have been through the mill! We are delighted to say that the winners for us were the thinner silicone straw. In the short space of time we are happy with how we have reduced some of our usage of single use plastics.”     

EcoStraws Soft Silicone Straws

We were so impressed with the thorough research carried out that we decided to reward their efforts by sponsoring their first order.

A Warm Welcome

As I arrived at the centre in Mungret I was warmly greeted by Service Users Rep. Enda Gallagher and receptionist Stephen.  Enda gave me a tour of the centre. He showed me the arts room, meeting room, canteen and my favourite, the cosy room! He explained how the silicone straws were the best option for him and other users as they are made from a soft material which maintains it’s shape when used in a variety of drinks. The angle of the straws makes it easier to drink without lifting the glass. Enda regularly travels to Portlaoise to meet with Reps from all over the country and told me he was excited to share the new-found news about EcoStraws with his friends & colleagues.

Enda testing his EcoStraw and SafeSip.

I had an extra surprise for Enda. I had been told he enjoys an occasional Jameson & Coke and so I showed him the safe sip. The safe sip fits over a glass or cup and works in conjunction with the silicone straws to prevent frustrating drink spillages. Furthermore they are so compact, simple to use and can be brought anywhere in a bag or pocket. Enda can now drink independently and with confidence wherever he goes.

Proud Partners

Finally we had a lovely cup of tea and further chats. Orna mentioned how delighted they were to find a Limerick company who cater for those with disabilities by providing innovative solutions to everyday struggles. Reusable EcoStraws are the ideal solution for those who need an alternative to plastic straws. Enable Ireland provide a wonderful service and empower children & adults with disabilities to achieve independence every day. EcoStraws.ie are proud to be a little part of helping them achieve that.

Brian O’Callaghan

Speaking of the partnership, EcoStraws MD Brian O’Callaghan said …

We at EcoStraws are delighted to play our part in helping the care users at Enable Ireland go about their daily business with independence and dignity. We are already supporters of another charity, Special Olympics Ireland, and I firmly believe that disability should not mean inability. It is up to all of us to support these charities, and help these adults, children and athletes reach their full potential, and help them integrate successfully into society with independence and without fear or prejudice.