People across Connacht are putting their positive intentions into action according to research commissioned by Re-turn.
The findings of the nationally representative study found that 97% of those respondents living in Connacht believe generosity can be shown through everyday choices, while 91% said doing good in their daily lives is important to them. More than three quarters (77% ) define doing good as actions that benefit other people or the environment.
Connacht people are putting good intentions into action
The findings show that people across the region are already taking positive action in their everyday lives. During the previous month, 69% recycled, 79% returned cans and bottles, 64% helped a friend, neighbour or family member, and 55% took steps to reduce waste.
When asked about barriers to doing good, almost half of respondents cited lack of time (44% ) of the biggest block with cost (41% ) and lack of convenience (28% ) also highlighted. The findings indicate that younger adults are already taking positive action, but may benefit from clear starting points, timely reminders and visible opportunities to participate.
Simple prompts help good intentions become actions
Across the Connacht sample, the research shows that convenience and visibility play an important role in helping people follow through. 64% of respondents said the pressures of everyday life can sometimes get in the way of their good intentions.
However, 76% are more likely to take positive action when it fits easily into their daily routine, while 74% are more likely to act when they can clearly see the impact. 65% are also more likely to act when they receive a clear prompt or reminder.
The findings suggest that people across Connacht do not need to be asked to do good but want visible and convenient ways to act on values they already hold.
A visible way to do good at Ireland’s biggest events
There is particularly strong support for making positive choices easier at large events. Over nine in ten people surveyed in the region (91% ) believe concerts, festivals, sporting occasions and other large events should make it easy for attendees to take positive actions, such as recycling and reducing waste.
Summer moments, simple choices
This insight is at the heart of Re-turn’s Re-turn for Good campaign, which is encouraging people to donate eligible cans and bottles through Orange Bins while attending events or spending time in their communities.
Orange Bins provide a clear and visible prompt at the point where people can take action. Throughout the summer, Orange Bins will be popping up for eventgoers on their journeys, whether they are heading to a stadium or festival to see their favourite music act.
Re-turn is making it easy for people to support good causes while enjoying Ireland’s biggest concerts, festivals and sporting occasions, as well as in workplaces and community spaces beyond the summer.
Every can counts for Return for Children
Every eligible can and bottle donated through an Orange Bin contributes to Return for Children, a unique initiative that enables people to donate the value of their drinks containers to six of Ireland’s leading children’s charities through the Deposit Return Scheme: Barnardos, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice and Make-A-Wish Ireland.
Since launching in 2024, Return for Children has raised €515,000 through the donation of eligible drinks containers, helping to support vulnerable and seriously ill children and their families across Ireland.
With millions of people expected to attend live events this summer, Re-turn hopes to build on that success by giving even more people the opportunity to donate their deposits for good.
Commenting on the findings, behavioural psychologist Pádraig Walsh said: “The research shows that people in Ireland genuinely want to do good. What is encouraging is that people do not believe generosity has to be about big gestures. They recognise that small, everyday actions can make a real difference.
"It also shows that people are more likely to follow through when positive actions are simple, visible and easy to do. When doing good becomes part of our everyday routine, those small actions quickly become habits, and collectively those habits can have a significant impact.”
Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see that people across Ireland want to make a positive difference and recognise the impact of small everyday actions.
"This summer and beyond, Orange Bins will be available at concerts, festivals, sporting events, workplaces, community spaces and other venues across the country, giving people a simple, visible way to support Return for Children while they are on the move.
"Every eligible bottle and can donated through an Orange Bin helps Return for Children support charities making a real difference to the lives of children and families across Ireland.”
