Non-Governmental Organisations

Blue Flag Programme
The Blue Flag Programme is in operation all across Europe and many more countries around the world. To gain a blue flag, beaches/marinas must meet certain criteria including water quality, facilities, safety, environmental information etc.
Green Schools
Green Schools is an environmental education programme that encourages long-term positive environmental action. Schools must follow Seven Steps to be awarded a Green Flag.
Green Homes
This programme encourages participants to become more energy efficient in the home. It focuses on waste prevention, sustainable transport, and energy and water conservation.
Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL)
Set up in 1996, IBAL believes that the image of Ireland as a clean, eco-friendly country is important in helping our economy, especially in the area of tourism. One IBAL initiative is the Anti Litter League, which rates the performance of each Local Authority in preventing litter.
Clean Coasts
This is a joint project between Ireland and Wales that aims to improve the coastal environment. This is achieved through giving a Green Coast Award and involving local communities in Coastcare groups.
National Spring Clean
National Spring Clean is an anti-litter initiative that was set up in 1998. Communities organise a clean up of their local area during the month of April. Photography competitions are also run for the participants of the clean up.

Green Communities project
Green Communities is an environmental project operated jointly by the An Taisce Education Unit in Ireland and Keep Wales Tidy. It is available in certain counties in both Ireland and Wales. Volunteer community groups are provided with support, training and a small grants scheme to actively enhance local biodiversity, while also minimising the carbon footprint of group activities.

Young Environmentalist Award:
The Young Environmentalist Award is a national competition run by ECO-UNESCO, Ireland's Environmental Education and Youth Organisation. The competition is open to young people between the ages of twelve and eighteen, who are involved in projects to protect and enhance the environment, as well as raise awareness of environmental issues.