It's The Law
PODCAST:
A look into regulatory enforcement surrounding the management of waste by Dave West.
Guest clip by Heidi Taylor from Tangaroa Blue on Operation Clean Sweep.
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Take Back Initiatives
Throw away society? Take it back!
Recycling is not a new idea. It’s been practised for centuries from composting to reusing discarded resources or refurbishing and repairing items. But things changed during the 1950s and 60s when the combination of new materials such as plastic packaging and the throw-away society started to become dominant marketing forces. As much as it repels those who support recycling, there was great excitement about having to use household items such as plastic plates and cutlery only once – and then throw them away! ‘Much easier on the housewife too’, the advertising extolled. And of course this spread to the outdoors where polluting litter exploded.
The resulting highly visible litter and failure to properly manage our waste started to become the driver for policy reform. There is a famous 1971 Keep America Beautiful advert depicting the way America’s landscape was being despoiled through the eyes of a native American as he peacefully canoes along his local waterway – take a look at The Crying Indian
Read moreCalling on Environment Ministers to stop the toxic tide
Dear Ministers,
Scientists and community groups have been sounding the alarm on marine plastic pollution – and as you know the 2016 Senate Inquiry, Toxic Tide: the threat of marine plastic, strongly endorsed this concern, finding there is a ‘looming health crisis’.
The report also recommended comprehensive and concerted action on a range of plastic pollution sources. Over the past 18 months the Meeting of Environment Ministers has been considering policies on plastic bags and microbeads. The community is expecting action from your forthcoming meeting in November.
The microbeads industry agreement has world leading scope as it includes facial cleansers like the recent US ban, but also follows the research undertaken in Europe that identifies far larger sources of microbead pollution, namely detergents, synthetic waxes and polishes. Given the timetable set out by ministers and action by an increasing number of overseas jurisdictions we believe it’s time for Australia to complete the industry negotiation process. In addition there must be a regulatory underpinning for free riders – with many products still containing plastic microbeads.
Ministers should ensure a complete phase out by 1 July 2017.
Action on plastic bags is long overdue. Previous voluntary efforts have failed to stem single plastic bag use and litter remains a significant problem for our landscape and marine life. While some states have taken action to ban them, the policies have been weakened by exempting so-called ‘biodegradable bags (which simply break up into small pieces).
We understand Qld, NSW and Vic have been discussing joint action. We strongly urge that an agreement is reached at the November meeting. Our surveys of public opinion (Omnipoll) show that plastic bags are the top priority for action.
The community is expecting a decision and an effective ban during 2017.
Washing machine fibres are also a focus for new approaches as a large amount of microscopic fibres can be released into wastewater during each use of a domestic washing machine, with many likely to pass through sewage treatment and into the environment. Filters on washing machines to capture the fibres are one solution now being reviewed by some leading brands.
The Boomerang Alliance and its 45 allied groups have joined with the community to take action on plastic pollution.
We urge environment ministers to do the same.
Yours sincerely,
Jeff Angel
Director
NSW Container deposit law passes – but we can do better
The Baird government’s signature environment protection policy – the container deposits scheme (CDS) – risks failing consumers on day 1, because the legislation did not establish sufficient convenient sites to collect drink containers and give refunds.
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Cash For Containers being debated in NSW Parliament
Today the NSW Container Deposit Legislation is being debated in the Parliament upper house – the final stage before it becomes law. In his speech, NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman proudly announced the government is on track to deliver a ‘cost-effective, best practice container deposit scheme' in accordance with Premier Baird’s promise - but it’s not.
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NSW CDS Survey Results - The features you want
Convenience and information, is it really that difficult?
Big Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths have decided not to provide space for convenient container redemption.
We recently conducted a survey asking you what you thought of the current NSW CDS draft. You told us that you want convenience and agreed that retailers should provide space and information for redeeming your containers.
With the finish line in sight, let these supermarket giants know that you will feel robbed if you cannot redeem your containers while on a shopping trip!
Read moreBlog Recommencing - We want your feedback
Blog back next week!
Read moreDon't let Coles and Woolies rob you!
Are Coles and Woolworths the new opponents of what the community wants? These major supermarkets are refusing to join Cash for Containers by not providing space within their carparks to allow for consumer refunds. Just when we thought the fight was finally over!
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