SOME five years ago, local environmental activist, Diana McChesney, faced a dilemma that many experience on a daily basis.

She had amassed a few items that she no longer needed, but ever-mindful of Mother Earth, Diana didn't want to simply throw them in the bin.

Instead, she created a Facebook page, 'Fermanagh Free-cycle', which she used to find new homes for her unwanted wares.

Five years on, and the page has grown to some 22,000 followers - and Diana's efforts have seen her shortlisted as a Green Champion!

The category, sponsored by Mannok, seeks to recognise people who contribute to the sustainability in the local area.

It is just one part of the Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc.

"I am surprised; this has been very out of the blue!" said Diana, expressing her delight at having been shortlisted.

"I wasn't expecting this at all! I don't know what to say!"

Diana explained how in 2019 she set up the group with the aim of increasing sustainability in Fermanagh and beyond.

"Back then, I was despondent at the sheer amount of stuff that was getting thrown out by places that really shouldn't be throwing things out," she said.

"I had a load of things to offload; I didn't need them any more, but I didn't want to put them in the bin.

"So, I set up a group and added 50 of my friends and started listing stuff. They started to add their friends, and it snowballed.

"Now we are sitting at something like 22,000 people in Fermanagh!

"It [the Facebook page] was really just [started up] with the aim of reducing consumerism and just making everything as sustainable as possible.

"It makes everyone a bit more responsible, and at the same time people benefit because one person's trash is another person's treasure."

In addition to using the page to find new homes for a range of items, Diana also regularly posts advice, tips and inspiration to help people on their recycling journey.

"It's all about trying to be as close to zero waste as possible, and feeding information to people who may not realise certain things are recyclable," she said.

"I hope it has contributed to an increased awareness of recycling locally. I hope that it has inspired people to think outside the box, and ask themselves, instead of putting something in the bin, what else can they do with it?

"We don't need to put everything in the landfill, and the page proves that there's is still a lot of life left in many items."

Diana added that she didn't start the page for personal recognition. Instead, it has all been part of her mission to help the environment.

"Being shortlisted is great news to hear, but it's not about getting any sort of glory," she said.

"My goal has always been to reduce waste, reduce consumerism, and increase sustainability, in order to make the economy more circular.

"If people are happy on the back of getting something for free while rehoming an item, then everyone is happy!"

 

Others nominated in the Green Champion of the Year category, sponsored by Mannok, include Ashley Robinson, Curlew Project, Lough Erne Landscape Partnership; Florence Court Gardeners; Mary Polizzi, Doletter Wildlife Rescue; and Supriya Foster, South West College.

The winner of this category and all of the other categories will be revealed at the awards ceremony at the Lough Erne Resort on June 27.