Kildare woman driving sustainability network

A new community-led platform designed to help people across Ireland connect through sustainability, local action, wellbeing, and shared values officially launched across Ireland last week (26 May).

Our Earthy Collective (OEC) is a free online space created to make positive action feel more accessible, social, and hopeful at a time when many people are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and uncertain about the future.

Founder Lorna Anne Tierney, based in Kill, Co Kildare, created OEC as an evolution of her earlier project, The Earthy Marketplace, a sustainability-focused platform and directory she spent several years building independently.

“There was definitely a point where I questioned whether to continue the work at all,” she said.

“The Earthy Marketplace had built a wonderful community over the years, but I felt people needed something more connected, practical, and community-focused.

Recent Irish research has pointed to growing levels of climate anxiety, loneliness, and social disconnection, particularly among younger people, alongside increasing concern around climate change and the cost of living.

Grounded in the belief that change feels more possible when people come together, OEC encourages “collective moves”, simple, shared actions that help people connect and make a positive impact in their communities.

People are encouraged to shop consciously, support local, and find ethical businesses, charities, organisations, and grassroots initiatives across Ireland.

Promote circular living by giving, swapping, and finding useful pre-loved items within your community, helping both people and the planet. User can find events, workshops, socials, hikes, and gatherings that bring people together through community, connection, and craic and get involved in volunteering, climate action, conservation, and community projects that help people feel empowered and engaged. 

The collective says the platform is designed to help people feel less alone in caring about their communities and the planet, while also making sustainable living feel more practical and accessible.

So many people care about the planet and their communities, but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. OEC became about creating one accessible place where people could support good organisations, share resources, attend events, volunteer, and feel less alone.

Sustainability is a huge part of it, but so is community, hope, and making positive action feel possible again.

Alongside founder Lorna Anne Tierney, the team includes Dublin-based software developer Rakshitha Ravikumar, who helped build the platform’s digital infrastructure with a focus on accessibility and purposeful technology.

Tipperary-based Social Media Manager James Kimber, who has been instrumental in shaping the collective’s brand development, content, and online presence; Armagh-based copywriter Laura Belton, who helped shape the project’s tone and messaging.

Leitrim-based Community Support Manager Katherine Williams, a key part of the team. 

Visit ourearthycollective.ie for more details.