The EU Just Transition Officer for Laois, Stephanie Kelly, hosted an upcycling workshop in Laois at The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, Portlaoise, recently.
This one day workshop was funded as part of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Pathway for Just Transition project.
The event was delivered in partnership with Dublin-based The Rediscovery Centre, the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland.
The Centre’s expert facilitators guided participants through hands-on upcycling activities.
The workshop brought Laois residents together to give new life to old items, promoting creativity, reuse, and waste prevention.
From upcycling tips and tricks to painting and upholstery, The CUBE was a hive of creativity as participants transformed worn or damaged pieces of furniture into unique, functional pieces.
Participants learned practical techniques to give these items of furniture a new lease of life, and to reduce waste through repair, redesign, and reuse.
Stephanie Kelly, EU Just Transition Officer for Laois, said: “The Just Transition Fund supports communities in the Midlands to move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
“Initiatives like this Upcycling Workshop show how local creativity and collaboration can drive positive environmental change while supporting new skills and green opportunities.
“By empowering people to repair, reuse and reimagine materials, we are not only reducing waste but also building community resilience and contributing to the region’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
Caroline Hofman, Managing Director of The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, said: “We were delighted to host this Upcycling Workshop here at The CUBE and to see such enthusiasm from the local community.
“Events like this really show how even small, practical actions can make a big difference, helping people to think creatively about reuse and to see the potential in what they already own.
“Upcycling is not just about reducing waste, it’s about building awareness, community connections, and new skills that support a more sustainable way of living.
“It was fantastic to see items of furniture get a new lease of life! We look forward to supporting initiatives like this again in the future.”
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