Parents’ efforts to keep their children amused during COVID lock-downs has resulted in an increase in demand for toys and games, which is great news for manufacturers but not so good for the environment. Marketing company Bazaarvoice reviewed more than 6000 brand and retailer websites and found that page views for the toy and hobby...
By Eva Ross An unlikely hero in the fight to protect the environment is none other than the humble compost heap, quietly driving the shift towards a circular economy with almost effortless waste management and creating a healthier planet for years to come. Currently, recycling is one of the most ingrained waste-reduction habits in our...
In a landmark case, 25 young people aged 13 to 30 are mounting a legal challenge to the massive, Clive Palmer-owned Galilee Basin coal project. This will be the first time human rights arguments are used in a climate change case in Australia. Palmer’s proposed Waratah Coal mine in the Galilee Basin will dwarf Adani’s...
By Anastasia Ivleva Founder and owner of Inditex, Amancio Ortega, whose brand pool includes Zara, Massimo Dutti and Oysho, was named the richest man in Europe in 2016 and his company, the wealthiest retailer on the planet, amassed a fortune of $79.7 billion. Quite a fitting way to begin an article on excessive consumption and...
By Indiana Lee Corporate social responsibility comes in two forms. The well-advertised side is the company’s attempts to set themselves apart from their competitors through their choice of ingredients and materials, or business practices. But the quieter side often deals with regulation. In the United States, the beauty and cosmetics industry sits in a funny...
While many cafes across Australia have been holding off serving coffee in reusable cups for fear of spreading COVID-19, this precautionary measure was not broadly advised against or banned in most state or territory health departments – who confirm there’s no proven benefit for hospitality venues switching to disposables. Responsible Cafes – a network of...
The City of Stonnington is partnering with the City of Glen Eira, City of Port Phillip and City of Yarra to deliver an online sustainable living series. City of Stonnington Mayor, Cr Steve Stefanopoulos, says it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills to support sustainable living and self-sufficiency while we spend more time at...
Are you feeling anxious or irritated during the coronavirus lockdown? Do you constantly want to get up and move? Maybe you need a moment to engage with nature. Getting into the great outdoors is difficult at right now. But our research soon to be published in Australian Forestry shows you can improve your mood by...
Intensive farming of wildlife creates an unnecessary and unacceptable risk for human and animal health, says Humane Society International/UK Mink on two fur farms with more than 20,000 animals in the Netherlands have been found infected with COVID-19, after exhibiting breathing difficulties. Animal protection charity Humane Society International, which campaigns for a global end to the...
No Meat May, a global initiative challenging people to ditch meat for the month of May, will forge ahead, bigger and bolder than ever despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its eighth year, the non-profit movement, which attracted a record number of participants of more than 10,000 people across 50 countries last year, will...
Hong Kong: The Redress Design Award announces the semi-finalists in its 10th anniversary cycle, hand-selected from entries from across the globe by expert regional judges. The 32 talented designers – separated, for the first time into menswear and womenswear categories – represent the future of the fashion industry, ready to apply their skills to solving the...
By Ruth MacGilp The world is on lockdown, and for many of us, that means buying new clothes (or even getting dressed at all) is the last thing on our minds. On the surface, this could be spun as positive news for ethical fashion. A pause on overproduction and overconsumption, more people than ever mending...