The Right to Repair
Circular Weekly newsletter from GreenBiz We’ve all been there: the frustration of a cracked phone screen, malfunctioning USB port or flickering laptop display leaves us at the mercy of a chipper so-called genius. A seemingly minor hardware problem often forces the choice between a pricey, time-consuming repair or simply replacing the device entirely. This decision between replace and repair contributes to the 50 million metric tons of e-waste that will be generated this year, according to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum. Only about 20 percent of it will be recycled. The rest is landfilled, burned or
... read moreAuditing Improves WHS Performance
The client’s problem A metal manufacturing company identified that their health and safety management system’s effectiveness could be improved. There was a widely held belief throughout the company that WHS was a reactionary process controlled by the WHS Coordinator. Consequently, WHS initiatives proved difficult to implement. Organised, planned or systematic methods did not have the commitment of all employees and managers. Metal fabrication and manufacture is a hazardous industry associated with high risk levels, requiring logically planned controls to either eliminate hazards or significantly minimise risk. Solution The company’s executive management recognised the need to redevelop its approach to safety
... read moreIncident Investigation Procedure
The client’s problem As there was not a consistent definition or interpretation on incidents & their investigation, a small civil construction company was having difficulty identifying the root causes of incidents. Solution In consultation with their employees, the existing procedure was redeveloped to provide managers and supervisors with concise guidance on the: Definition of an incident. Importance of data / information quality. Responses required at the time of an incident. Timelines needed for immediate and systemic improvements. Use of risk assessment to determine the depth and extent of an investigation. The procedure specified that all hazards, incidents without injury, injuries,
... read moreAncient grain, teff, enters the retail market.
Current interest in the nutritional value of ancient grains like quinoa and chia has been the driver of an increase in their consumption. Grain growers in the New South Wales Riverina recognised the popularity of ancient grains and aimed to diversify their crops by including an ancient grain called teff. Teff is a gluten-free whole grain with a higher fibre content than wheat and rice. It is the world’s smallest grain, and it originates from Ethiopia where its main use is in Injera bread. With assistance from the CSIRO, Outback Harvest changed its focus from growing traditional grains (barley, corn,
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Nature vs Nurture Part 9
We have seen how the human population remains fixed in between a ‘rock and a hard place’ trying to deal with the challenges brought by rapid population growth and yet as new technologies are introduced to deal with those issues the
... read moreNature vs Nurture Part 8
Australia, along with 5 other countries did not sign the Kyoto Protocol, instead, declaring a pact to share new clean technologies as they were developed. (Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which Canada joined in 2007.)
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