“Ours To Protect” is a new weekly feature on Midlands Today where we embark on a journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Join Will Faulkner every Thursday at 11.20am as he explores the pressing issues that shape our world today, from recycling to fast fashion to agriculture and food waste. 

"Ours to Protect" is funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Television Licence Fee. It builds upon previous initiatives like the Irish Music Month IBI Hot Press project. Over the next 50 weeks, we will delve into various topics, including the climate impact of energy, travel, food, waste, the circular economy, and biodiversity, among others. We will also highlight local initiatives and contributions towards addressing climate change in the Midlands region. For further information, please visit https://ourstoprotect.ie/.

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Listen Back & Weekly Information and Fact Sheets:

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  Week 52

  For the last episode of Ours To Protect, Will Faulkner is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the current environmental trends and topics.

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  Week 51

  K'Gari (Fraser Island) is the world's largest sand island, off Queensland's coast, famed for its natural beauty, ancient rainforests, pristine lakes, and sand dunes.

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  Week 50

  Public transport in Ireland plays a significant role in helping the environment in several ways, see fact attached below for more. 

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  Week 49

  Globally, one-third of food is wasted yearly. In Ireland, households toss €700 worth of food annually, and the food industry produces 80,000 tonnes of waste.

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  Week 48

  Grow your own food for health, happiness, and eco-friendliness. Discover 5 simple methods to cultivate fruits and veggies and reap the rewards.

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  Week 47

  Recognizing the vital role of environmental education, Irish schools are integrating biodiversity conservation into their curriculum. This summary highlights key initiatives driving environmental stewardship among students.

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  Week 46

  Psychology, the study of human behavior and mental processes, reveals how our actions towards the environment are shaped by psychological factors. Here's a summary.

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  Week 45

  "No Mow May" fosters bee-friendly habitats by letting natural vegetation flourish, aiding bee and pollinator health, and promoting biodiversity and ecosystem well-being in Ireland.

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  Week 44

  Introducing the Bottle Return Scheme: incentivizing bottle returns to increase recycling rates, reduce littering, and promote environmental stewardship in Ireland's Midlands region.

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  Week 43

  Cloncrow Bog in County Westmeath, Ireland, is a biodiverse haven and archaeological treasure trove, cherished for its rare species and rich historical significance.

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  Week 42

  Fast fashion's rapid turnover of cheap clothing for trends has significant environmental impacts. This fact sheet outlines its detrimental effects, highlighting key concerns.

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  Week 41

  Fire blight, from Erwinia amylovora, devastates global pome fruit trees. In Ireland, vital apple and pear orchards face threats to crop yields and industry sustainability.

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  Week 40

  Dermot Bannon, renowned Irish architect and TV host of "Room to Improve," shares expertise in architecture, design, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

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  Week 39

  Virtual reality (VR) offers promising solutions for reducing waste during apprenticeship training by providing immersive, interactive, and realistic environments. Here's how VR can contribute to waste reduction in training. 

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  Week 38

  Community engagement in Irish wind farm development ensures transparency, collaboration, and mutual benefit. With Ireland's renewable energy commitment, effective engagement is vital for developers and policymakers.

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  Week 37

  In Ireland, home retrofitting aims to boost energy efficiency, cut emissions, and enhance comfort. Government incentives support this transition toward a low-carbon future.

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  Week 36

  District heating, an efficient method for centralized heat and hot water, is gaining momentum in Ireland for carbon reduction and sustainability. This factsheet details its status and future.

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  Week 35

  Sustainable bioenergy offers low-carbon solutions for hard-to-reach sectors. Strategies include efficient technology usage, emission monitoring, and compliance with EU sustainability criteria.

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  Week 34

  Bord na Móna leads Ireland's green revolution, championing renewable energy, peatlands restoration, waste innovation, and sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener future. Explore our initiatives!

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  Week 33

  Solar energy thrives in Ireland, advancing sustainability. Explore its current status, benefits, challenges, and future prospects in this concise factsheet on Ireland's solar landscape.

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  Week 32

  Ireland's biodiversity and wind farms demand a delicate balance between renewable energy and conservation. This factsheet examines challenges and opportunities for sustainable coexistence.

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  Week 31

  Ireland's offshore wind sector advances with coastal strengths and a goal of 5 GW by 2030, driven by innovation and sustainability.

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  Week 30

  Explore this concise factsheet for essential recycling tips and practices, paving the way to a greener, more sustainable world!

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  Week 29

  Ireland's renewable energy surge offers diverse jobs. Engineers, analysts, and project managers drive sustainability. Discover opportunities shaping the nation's future

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  Week 28

  Wind farms harness wind to generate clean, efficient, and cost-effective electricity. Ireland's growing wind energy landscape drives down prices, benefiting consumers.

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  Week 27

  Elevate your Christmas with eco-conscious choices. Reduce impact, support locals, and embrace sustainability. Check our guide for a greener celebration!

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  Week 26

  Ireland pursues sustainable energy with innovative battery and hydrogen tech for a cleaner, resilient future. Explore in this factsheet.

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  Week 25

  Ireland strives for Net Zero electricity through renewables, smart grids, and offshore wind, shaping a sustainable energy landscape with government support.

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  Week 24

  Cutting home energy use saves money and benefits the environment. In Ireland, where energy costs are high, this guide offers essential tips for efficiency.

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  Week 23

  The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) advises governments and policymakers on climate issues. Fact sheet here for a quick overview.

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  Week 22

  Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a pivotal role in ecosystems and food production, but face habitat loss, pesticides, and climate challenges. Conservation is vital.

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  Week 21

  Discover Ireland's Community Climate Action Program, empowering local communities to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and build resilience while fostering sustainability through education and awareness initiatives.

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  Week 20

  Energy Masterplans: Local strategies for sustainability, integrating renewables, efficiency, transportation, waste-to-energy, community engagement, and climate resilience, enhancing towns' eco-friendly future. Discover the key components and benefits!

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  Week 19

  Swifts in Ireland are known for their agile flight and nesting in buildings. Conservation efforts address habitat loss, and they exhibit remarkable aerial life and social nesting behavior.

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  Week 18

  Explore Ash Dieback in Ireland: a fungal threat causing wilting, leaf loss, and biodiversity loss. Learn prevention and management measures in this concise guide.

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  Week 17

  Join the Battle to Save Ireland's Woodlands: The Cherry Laurel Threat. Discover how the Gaelic Woodland Project fights for nature's survival. Learn and act now!

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  Week 16

  Discover the Vital Role of Irish Bees: From pollination to conservation efforts, explore why these essential insects are crucial for Ireland's ecosystems and agriculture.

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  Week 15

  Ireland may not have the most diverse spider fauna, but it still has a range of unique spider species. This factsheet covers spiders in Ireland, their diversity, habits, and ecological roles.

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  Week 14

  Highly intelligent and adaptable Corvidae family members. Meet Carrion and Hooded Crows, explore their habitats, intelligence, diet, and intriguing role in folklore.

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  Week 13

  The Shannon Callows in Offaly is a vital floodplain along River Shannon. Ecologically rich, it hosts diverse species, faces challenges, and offers recreation while preserving local heritage.

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  Week 12

  Irish bogs, covering 17% of the land, are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and water regulation. Cutaway bogs for fuel and restoration efforts are key. Learn more in this overview.

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  Week 11

  Ireland's landscapes bloom with diverse wildflowers, thriving in the temperate climate and rich soil. Explore our factsheet showcasing captivating Irish wildflowers.

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  Week 10

  The buzzard (Buteo buteo) is Ireland's widespread and recognizable raptor. This factsheet provides essential info on their habitat, behavior, diet, and conservation.

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  Week 9

  Explore nest boxes and the birds they attract. Learn species preferences and habitat creation. Enhance your birdwatching with valuable insights into this diverse and enchanting world.

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  Week 8

  Disposable vaping devices pose risks to waste systems due to batteries and materials. Government explores options that are outlined in this weeks fact sheet.

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  Week 7

  CAP23 is Ireland's second annual Climate Action Plan, striving to slash emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, integrating climate solutions into national development.

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  Week 6

  The Dusk Chorus from birds is a unique behavior observed in regions like Ireland. It involves birds engaging in collective dust bathing, creating a chorus of flapping wings and bill-ruffling. This fact sheet provides key information about the Dusk Chorus in Ireland.

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  Week 5

  Ireland's energy has transformed due to environmental concerns, EU directives, technology, and energy demands. Experts from IRDG, Ocean Winds, and Bord na Móna explain the irreversible changes in energy generation.

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  Week 4

  Fridays for Future: Global youth movement demanding urgent climate action. Started by Greta Thunberg in 2018. Gaining momentum worldwide. Goals, actions, impact, and future outlook summarized in this fact sheet.

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  Week 3

  Transitioning to a vegan diet is a significant lifestyle choice that can have various health, ethical, and environmental benefits but nutritional therapist Breda Maleney believes you should take it step by step.

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  Week 2

  Today, we highlight NanobOx, a company working on innovative water treatment technology that efficiently oxygenates water for chemical-free cleaning and sanitization using nanobubbles.

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  Week 1 Panel Discussion

  For the first panel discussion for Ours To Protect Jack O'Sullivan and Caroline Hofman joined Midlands Today, discussing Portlaoise's low carbon ambition, its 2040 vision, transport, and eco-friendly housing.

Ours To Protect, brought to you by Midlands 103, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee - for more information check out - https://ourstoprotect.ie/