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.

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.

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.