In 2020, Claire Anne Tobin embarked on a year-long journey as a Climate Ambassador, igniting a passion within her. She called upon the community to join her in planting a tree to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day and was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response. Witnessing friends and neighbours engage in various sustainability initiatives, from planting potatoes to installing solar panels, Claire Anne realised the collective desire for change. She immediately logged 30 actions for change in the community.

This spark of inspiration led to the formation of a dynamic team of social entrepreneurs during UCD’s Innovation Academy’s inaugural Design Thinking for Sustainability course in 2021. Comprising Claire Anne Tobin, Michéal Coughlan, Carole Moriarty, Con Bartels, and Deimante Stankeviciute, the team set out to make a significant impact and founded the Green Roots Project. Together, they logged an impressive 1000 community actions spanning 22 Irish counties, as well as reaching communities across Europe and even as far as New Zealand.

Believing that Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes uniquely position it to lead the sustainability movement, as we are a tiny island that is world famous for its forty shades of green. Their mission is to redefine Ireland’s association with the colour green, elevating it to symbolise not only the country’s natural beauty but also its commitment to sustainability and innovation. By aligning culture, heritage, and tradition with a forward-thinking vision of a sustainable future, The Green Roots Project aims to imbue the concept of being “green” with deeper significance.

As innovators and communicators, the team wholeheartedly believes that the future is green. Through their efforts, they strive to inspire individuals and communities to embrace sustainability and pave the way for a greener tomorrow.