Do you toss biodegradable plastic in the compost bin? Here’s why it might not break down
Over one-fifth of all plastic produced worldwide is tossed into uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits or leaked into the environment.
Microplastics are shrinking our mussels
Mussels in Port Philip Bay are ingesting microscopic pieces of plastic used in cosmetics and affecting their ability to reproduce, shares RMIT University eco-toxicologist Dr Charlene Trestrail.
US startup Biomason ‘grows’ cement from bacteria
The resulting tiles and other pre-cast products, dubbed Biolith, contain 85 per cent granite from recycled material and 15 per cent bio-cement.
Climate change: NSW towns become rubbish dump during floods
Brisbane mayor Adrian Chrinner said the floods had generated a year’s worth of waste, with nearly 30,000 cubic metres.
Growing rice alongside aquatic animals can boost production, study finds
They found that the aquatic animals helped reduce weeds, sped up the decomposition of waste, and improved rice yields compared with rice grown alone.
Why Australia’s farmers are increasingly worried about climate change
Empty supermarket shelves still shock Australians, who have become accustomed to being able to buy the food they want. But we can expect to see more.
Blue Summit calls for sustainable actions to address marine environmental problems
The summit is part of the nation’s response to the current UN Ocean Decade.
Toilet taboo: we need to stop being squeamish about recycling human waste
This has left many without toilets that can contain and treat waste safely or use large amounts of water to flush waste to energy-intensive
In a warmer future, ocean carbon sinks could help stabilise our planet
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels on the continent add up to about 45 million tonnes per year, which is 0.12 per cent of the global total.
Consumers have given up on their governments to save the planet
“What is viewed by many as the continued failure of governments to act on climate change now sees consumers putting their hope in the commercial sector where they believe there is a greater desire to act quickly.”
Scientists to ad agencies: Drop your fossil fuel clients
The letter, uploaded online, will be sent to firms including Edelman, and holding companies such as WPP and Interpublic Group, including its “sustainability-focused” clients such as Amazon, Unilever, The North Face, and Microsoft.
5 ways climate change increases the threat of tsunamis
Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, but a significant percentage (about 15 per cent) are caused by landslides or volcanoes.
4 ways to stop Australia’s surge in rooftop solar from destabilising electricity prices
It results in increased periods of large oversupply when weather conditions favour solar energy.
Green hydrogen is coming – and here’s how these Australian regions can benefit
At present, Australia is a long way from producing green hydrogen cheap enough to compete with fossil fuels.
Four plant-based foods to eat every week (and why science suggests they’re good for you)
Plant-based foods are good sources of healthy nutrients, including different types of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
