The new initiative starts today. A new scheme that aims to reduce the number of one and two cent coins in circulation is being introduced from today. Customers will now have their change rounded up or down to the nearest five cent in a bid to reduce the number of these coins in shops and businesses around the country. One and two cent coins will still be legal tender and if they wish, customers can also ask for the exact change to be given back. The scheme comes following a trial held in Wexford back in 2013 and the Central Bank has stated that it expects the new initiative to be supported by the public. Meanwhile, charities are asking people to donate their unused coins to good causes and just last week, we brought you the story of Ashling Dunphy, a young Irish girl who is asking people to start a ‘Coppers for a Cuppa’ jar in their homes. This involves putting all of your one and two cent coins in a jar, and later, using the money saved to buy a cup of tea and a sandwich for a homeless person. “With the money you have saved in the jar, go out and buy a homeless person a cup of tea and a sandwich or something small,” she told us. “Be it on your way to work, shopping, walking or whenever you may be passing a homeless person. “It doesn’t take an awful lot to be kind to someone… Every little helps.”