What's Up In Waste
Your weekly dose of waste innovation news & stories in 3 mins.
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The Power of Local Communities in Recycling: A Conversation with Maria Remova, Founder of REPlace
09/05/2024
The Power of Local Communities in Recycling: A Conversation with Maria Remova, Founder of REPlace
In this episode of What's Up In Waste, we sit down with Maria Remova, founder of REPlace, a community-driven web application to fit your recycling in one click. We explore the vital role local communities play in transforming how we approach household recycling. Join us as we discuss the importance of community-driven efforts in reducing waste, fostering sustainability, and making recycling more accessible to everyone. It's a conversation about grassroots change and the future of waste management! Check out the website for REPlace at replace.today or the Show Notes on layingwastemedia.com.au to learn more.
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Scrunch Time: Tackling the Soft Plastics Recycling Challenge
05/16/2024
Scrunch Time: Tackling the Soft Plastics Recycling Challenge
Welcome back to What's Up in Waste! Today, we're tackling the sticky issue of soft plastics – those tricky materials like snack wrappers and shopping bags that make our lives easier but are tough to recycle. We'll break down the different types of soft plastics, from the lightweight LDPE in bread bags to the sturdy HDPE in milk jugs and versatile polypropylene in takeaway containers. Discover why these materials are such a recycling nightmare and the innovative solutions being developed to overcome these challenges. We'll also explore the global fight against plastic waste, from the UN's ambitious Global Plastics Treaty to Australia's bold national waste targets and the recent $60 million fund to tackle hard-to-recycle plastics. Learn about cutting-edge technologies like AI-enhanced sorting, e-waste plastic recovery, and enzymatic recycling that promise to revolutionise plastic waste management. Find out how you can make a difference by reducing, cleaning, and properly recycling soft plastics. Join us for a fun and intriguing look at how we can all contribute to a greener, cleaner future. Thanks for tuning in to What's Up in Waste. Stay with us for more exciting insights into waste innovation. Until next time! For more insights and sources, check out the Show Notes: plasticwastechallenge
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Urban Mining: Unearthing Tomorrow's Solutions from Today's E-Waste
04/21/2024
Urban Mining: Unearthing Tomorrow's Solutions from Today's E-Waste
In this electrifying episode of "What's Up in Waste," join host Jane Arandelovic as she explores the burgeoning crisis of electronic waste—revealing startling statistics and pioneering solutions that could reshape our tech-filled lives. As the world grapples with an ever-growing mountain of gadgets, Jane explores a breakthrough approach known as 'Urban Mining,' where the very devices we discard could be the gold mines of tomorrow. With an eye-opening look at the figures from a recent UN report, this episode promises a journey through the challenges and innovations shaping the future of e-waste management. Join us on "What's Up in Waste" for a look at how innovation and foresight could turn the tide on one of the modern world’s most pressing waste issues. For more insights and sources, check out the Show Notes:
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What Is Zero Waste & The Circular Economy?
03/09/2024
What Is Zero Waste & The Circular Economy?
Welcome to What's Up in Waste, where we explore the latest in sustainability, waste innovation, and efforts towards a greener future. This episode looks into two pivotal concepts that are redefining our relationship with waste: Zero Waste and the Circular Economy. In This Episode: Understanding Zero Waste: We kick off the episode with an exploration of the zero waste philosophy. It's an ambitious goal aimed at redesigning our lifestyle and systems to ensure that no rubbish is sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. The aim is for all products to be reused in a way that conserves resources and minimises harm to our planet. Diving into the Circular Economy: We take the discussion a step further by examining the circular economy, an economic system designed to eliminate waste altogether. Through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling, the circular economy seeks to create a closed-loop system, reducing the need for new resources and minimising environmental impacts. Historical Roots: A look back at the origins of zero waste and the circular economy, tracing their development from the environmental movements of the 1970s to their current prominence as solutions to global sustainability challenges. Check out the page on our website for sources and the books mentioned in this episode. Until next week, keep it cleaner & greener!
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Sustainable Seas: Ocean Tech & Seafood Waste Recycling
02/28/2024
Sustainable Seas: Ocean Tech & Seafood Waste Recycling
This week on "What's Up in Waste," host Jane Arandelovic dives into how technology and AI are combating ocean waste and protecting our seas. We explore three innovative solutions: Saildrone's unmanned vehicles collecting vital ocean data, Ocean Mind's AI-driven enforcement of marine protected areas, and an eco-friendly method to extract chitin from crab shells and shrimp at the University of Connecticut. These stories not only highlight the challenges facing our oceans but also the incredible potential for technology to foster sustainability. Join us as we navigate the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility.
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AI's Eco Crusade: From E-Waste Recycling to Tracking Methane Emissions
02/17/2024
AI's Eco Crusade: From E-Waste Recycling to Tracking Methane Emissions
Welcome to the latest episode of What's Up in Waste, where we dive into the latest stories and big ideas driving a cleaner, greener future. In this episode, we're spotlighting AI's transformative impact on environmental conservation, with a special focus on e-waste recycling and methane emission monitoring. Our journey begins in the world of electronic waste, where AI is redefining the recycling and extraction of precious metals. Transitioning from recycling to global warming mitigation, we highlight a groundbreaking collaboration between Google and the Environmental Defense Fund. Tune in to gain insights into how AI is being used in our quest for a cleaner, greener world. Join us in this compelling exploration of AI's eco crusade, and stay tuned for more episodes that keep you informed about the big ideas propelling us towards a more sustainable planet. For more information and insights, check our the sources for the stories mentioned in the episode: Google & Methane Emissions Tracking: RecycleEye: AI-powered WEEE and metals sorting, check out their website:
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Red Mud To Marvel: Circular Green Steel
02/11/2024
Red Mud To Marvel: Circular Green Steel
In this weeks Whats Up In Waste News Round-up. We’re diving into the intersection of innovation, policy, and sustainability, showcasing groundbreaking developments across Europe and the United States that promise to reshape our environmental landscape. We begin in Germany, where the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung is revolutionising the steel industry, addressing the management of toxic red mud and harnessing green hydrogen. Transitioning to the policy arena, the European Union has made a landmark stride with the provisional political agreement on the Net-Zero Industry Act. Finally, we turn our attention to the United States, where legislators are addressing the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. If you’re interesed in learning more, here are the sources for our stories this week:
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AI's Climate Forecast: Hope or Hype?
01/24/2024
AI's Climate Forecast: Hope or Hype?
In this episode of 'What's Up in Waste,' we take a look at the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. AI, a technology that has rapidly integrated into various facets of our lives, is now playing a pivotal role in understanding and combating climate change. However, with its expanding influence comes an unknown future. Is AI truly a beacon of hope in tackling climate change, or is it an overhyped solution? Stay Informed and Engaged For those interested in exploring this topic further, we encourage you to . AI's intersection with climate change is a dynamic field, offering both challenges and opportunities. By staying informed and engaged, we can better navigate this complex landscape towards a more sustainable and hopeful future. Sources & References: The research papers mentioned in this episode. 1. Maas, O., Boulanger, J-P., & Thiria, S. (2000). Use of neural networks for predictions using time series: Illustration with the El Niño Southern oscillation phenomenon. Neurocomputing, 30(1-4), 53-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-2312(99)00142-3 2. Strubell, E., Ganesh, A., & McCallum, A. (2019). Energy And Policy Considerations for Deep Learning in NLP. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1906.02243 3. Rolnick, D., et al. (2022). Tackling Climate Change With Machine Learning. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(2), Article 42. 4. AI4Climate Action -AI for Climate Action: Technology Mechanism supports transformational climate solutions https://unfccc.int/news/ai-for-climate-action-technology-mechanism-supports-transformational-climate-solutions
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Unwrapping Innovation: A deep dive into the Consensus Awards with CEO, Julian Day.
12/13/2023
Unwrapping Innovation: A deep dive into the Consensus Awards with CEO, Julian Day.
Hello listeners! Welcome back to "What's up in Waste," your go-to podcast for everything smart and sustainable with your host, Jane Arandelovic. In this episode, we’re talking greentech innovation with the brilliant Julian Day, CEO of the prestigious Consensus Awards. Ever wondered what companies like Atlassian and WiseTech Global have in common, besides being notable Consensus Awards winners? Tune in to find out! Celebrating its silver jubilee in 2024, the Consensus Awards have been shining a spotlight on groundbreaking Aussie innovators across Greentech, Agtech,Fintech, Medtech and more for 24 years. We'll be exploring the exciting trends seen over the years and the characteristics that define winning Aussie entrepreneurs. Our conversation with CEO and founder, Julian Day takes us on a journey through the award's rich history and its evolution from a modest beginning to encompassing 12 distinct award programs today. We'll get an insider's look at the meticulous judging process, involving a panel of over 160 experts, and learn what it really takes to stand out in this highly competitive arena. And for all you budding entrepreneurs dreaming of making a mark with your innovations, Julian has some golden advice for you. With insights on the latest developments and a peek into the future of the Consensus Awards, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a dash of fun. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and join us. Whether you're a tech geek, an environmental advocate, or just love a good story of human ingenuity, there's something in this episode for everyone. Let's dive into the world of innovation, shall we?
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Green Toilets & Wastewater Energy
11/30/2023
Green Toilets & Wastewater Energy
This Week on 'What's Up in Waste': Dive into the world of wastewater innovation with Jane Arandelovic with our 3 minute round up of our innovator stories of the week. This week, we're talking about eco toilets and wastewater energy. 🥇 A Winning Solution: Join us as we explore how a group of Kenyan innovators won a top spot in a global competition for their eco toilet, backed by giants like UNICEF, Microsoft and IKEA, and learn about their vision to expand this winning green sanitation solution to more communities. 🌀 Micromotors & Machine Learning: From tiny self-propelled micromotors turning ammonia into green energy, to smart technologies optimising water treatment, we take a look at the trending research stories of the week making waves in wastewater treatment. 👋 Remember, every small step towards sustainability is a giant leap for our planet. Stay tuned for more stories next week on 'What's Up in Waste'! Keep it greener and cleaner! Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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Innovating Construction Waste with SLURRYTUB: An Award-Winning Solution For Cement Slurry
11/22/2023
Innovating Construction Waste with SLURRYTUB: An Award-Winning Solution For Cement Slurry
In this episode, our host Jane Arandelovic chats with SlurryTub CEO David Flintoff, right from the bustling floor of the AWRE Expo. David introduces us to SlurryTub, an easy to use portable filtering system that provides a simple and cost-effective environmental solution for the disposal of wet trade slurry. This nifty product is not just a win for ease-of-use but a champion for the environment too. It turns messy, potentially harmful cement slurry into filtered water that is so clear, you could use it in your next cement mix or even to water your garden, talk about recycling! David explains how SlurryTub stops damaging material from entering our stormwater drains and waterways. This means the heavy metals and containments that typically get hosed into the drain or garden from a construction site are now being disposed of responsibly. Our episode takes a fascinating turn as the story behind SlurryTub is revealed. It's the brainchild of respected Sydney builder Angus Hudson, who, after 30 years of grappling with job site waste, turned his experience into this innovative solution. And guess what? It's making waves in the industry standards for construction waste management. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about this amazing Aussie innovation, its journey to winning the AWRE Pitchfest award, and how it's changing the face of construction waste management. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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CO2 Chic: Clothes Made of Air, Is Recycled Plastic A Faux Pas or Fix Plus Fashion’s Circularity By 30 Roadmap
11/08/2023
CO2 Chic: Clothes Made of Air, Is Recycled Plastic A Faux Pas or Fix Plus Fashion’s Circularity By 30 Roadmap
In this thought-provoking episode of "What's Up in Waste," we're looking at the latest stories and news from the world of fashion and waste innovation and how to divert clothing from it's ultimate destination—landfills. We kick off with insights from leading environmental scientist and impact advisor, Linda Greer, discussing the implications of plastic recycled materials in fashion and whether they truly embody a circular model. Next is the interesting tech making biodegradable fabric made out of pollution, developed by Rubi Labs, where innovation meets environmental stewardship. Founded by twin sisters who are scientists with a flair for fashion, Rubi Labs is crafting clothing from thin air—well, CO2 emissions, to be precise. Lastly, we take a look at confronting the staggering 200,000 tons of clothing thrown away in Australia each year. Here, the Australian Fashion Council unveils the Seamless Clothing Stewardship Scheme—a visionary initiative striving to revolutionise the lifecycle of clothing down under. From circular design to responsible consumption, the scheme ambitiously targets circularity by 2030, aligning with national net-zero goals. Tune in as we unpack these stories and more, offering a snapshot into the efforts reshaping our wardrobe's impact on the planet. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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AI, Enzymes & EcoRecords - Remixing Plastic
10/21/2023
AI, Enzymes & EcoRecords - Remixing Plastic
In this week’s episode, three trending stories on plastic recycling using enzymes + AI. Plus a snapshot of insights for industrial climate tech start-ups from the recent State of Climate Tech Investment Report by PwC. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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From Silicon Valley To Sustainable
10/14/2023
From Silicon Valley To Sustainable
This week, it's all about big tech's groundbreaking moves in climate and waste. Join Jane Arandelovic on 'What's Up in Waste?' as we spotlight waste innovator Recykal's collaboration with Google AI in revolutionising India's recycling landscape. Plus an Amazon trifecta of world firsts in tackling all things carbon and Microsoft's vision for eco-friendly data centers. This episode is where tech innovation meets environmental stewardship. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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Wired Walls & Green Foundations
10/06/2023
Wired Walls & Green Foundations
This week in waste innovation: two top stories on sustainable construction and key takeaways for the future jobs market in Australia for clean and green industries. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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Bricks, Bottles, and Biochar, oh my!
10/02/2023
Bricks, Bottles, and Biochar, oh my!
Bricks, Bottles, and Biochar, oh my! This week in waste, join Jane Arandelovic on a whirlwind recap: Three hot news stories including a look at the promising world of Biochar, a powerhouse in carbon storage. Plus a sneak peak into our upcoming feature, a conversation on the ‘Green Skills Gap’, we’re asking should Australia follow in the footsteps of the U.S. Climate Corps blueprint? Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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What's Up In Waste
10/02/2023
What's Up In Waste
If you think waste is just crap in and crap out think again! What's Up In Waste host, Jane Arandelovic takes you on a whirlwind tour of the top news stories of the week from the world of waste innovation. Uncover the tech shaping a greener, cleaner future in our 3 minute weekly low down. Thanks for listening! Sign up to our and get curated stories, exclusive interviews and stay up to date on the innovative waste solutions reshaping our world.
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