From single-use costumes and plastic decorations to excess packaging and food waste, many of the items associated with Hallowe'en have a relatively short lifespan. Yet with a little planning and creativity, it is possible to enjoy all the fun of the season while reducing environmental impact.

Ballincollig Tidy Towns operates a rainwater harvesting system that helps water approximately 130 flower planters across the town. Developed by local volunteers, the project demonstrates how practical community action can reduce water consumption, lower costs and make better use of natural resources.

In September, Ballincollig's Main Street will once again be transformed into a vibrant traffic-free space for the Open Streets event, creating opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy music, food, games, sports demonstrations and family-friendly activities in the heart of the town.

Most of us are familiar with the idea of reducing, reusing and recycling. However, waste prevention goes one step further. It encourages us to think about our purchases, habits and consumption before waste is generated.

For many local families and visitors alike, the Fairy Trail has become a treasured part of childhood. Hidden among the trees of the Beech Walk, it has delighted generations of young explorers who have searched for fairy doors, discovered magical surprises and immersed themselves in a world of imagination.

When people think about litter picking, they often picture volunteers collecting bags of rubbish from roadsides, parks and public spaces. While this work remains an important part of what Ballincollig Tidy Towns does, the story behind our litter collection data tells a much bigger story, one of community pride, environmental awareness and positive behaviour change.

As part of National Heritage Week 2026, Ballincollig Tidy Towns is delighted to host a special community event that will explore how each of us can play a role in protecting nature and creating a more sustainable future.

For several years, Ballincollig Tidy Towns has been working to create a greener, more biodiverse town through the development of its Pollinator Corridor. Stretching across Ballincollig and connecting key green spaces, this initiative helps pollinating insects move safely between feeding and nesting habitats while creating a richer natural environment for everyone to enjoy.

Most people pass utility boxes every day without a second glance. Our idea was to transform these functional pieces of street infrastructure into something that contributes positively to the public realm. What was once a plain metal box could become a point of interest, adding colour, character and conversation to the streetscape.