With tertiary studies in sociology, statistics and evaluation, and over 10 years’ research experience, Jenni Downes is working hard in leading the UTS’ Institute for Sustainable Futures’ efforts towards improving municipal household waste and recovery outcomes.
The principles and thinking behind a circular economy are not new. Academics have spoken about the merits of a circular economy since the 1990s. Companies, big and small, practice its principles and now Australian government bodies are actively exploring policies aligned to a circular economy. So how does a circular economy fit into waste management.
From working in the field supervising commercial bush regeneration projects, to authoring reports tackling strategic responses to rapid urban densification and the China National Sword, Genevieve Daneel, environmental consultant at Jacobs, has already gained a diverse wealth of experience and knowledge in her professional career, despite only having a bit over four years of experience in the resource recovery, renewable energy and planning sectors.
Limited use of technology in the waste industry is preventing the collection of specific, real-time data, according to a preliminary survey conducted by Arcadis. Read more
Australian entrepreneur Rikki Gilbey, founder of ethical bodysurfing brand WAW Handplanes, is turning the tide on plastic waste with the launching of its bodysurfing hand-plane, which is made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled plastics commonly found on the beach, including bottle caps, single-use cutlery and trays.
ABC’s Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis, summed up the challenges in the waste industry as an “incredible 12 months”, due in part to the enforcement of the China National Sword Policy.
A study conducted by Flinders University will find out how many microplastics are swimming in waters at South Australian beaches.
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With less than a week to go until the 2019 Federal election, the three major parties have proposed new schemes that will boost capabilities in the waste sector.
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The need for action on waste is being recognised in a push by Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) for new standards that aim to help organisations better understand and communicate their waste impacts.
Being able to highlight the waste industry in an awards program that recognises women working in “non-traditional” workplaces is something Gayle Sloan sees as important in excelling various industries in Australia.