University of Southern Queensland seeks public input for anti-waste research
A major research initiative seeking to design a sustainable future with ‘no waste’ has put out the call for community members to join their efforts.
The University of Southern Queensland-led ‘New Options for Waste and Saving the Environment’ (NO WASTE) precinct pilot started last year thanks to a multi-million dollar boost from the Federal Government’s Strategic University Reform Fund (SURF).
The goal is to test ways to convert Toowoomba and Ipswich’s unrecovered waste into value-added products while simultaneously creating jobs
Next week, the research team will kick start a series of workshops to assist local entrepreneurs and businesses to transition to ‘NO WASTE’ with a session in Ipswich on September 7.
Co-project lead Dr Polly Burey said anyone from industry, schools and other parts of the community was welcome share their ideas for preventing material going to landfill.
“We want to help them explore their ideas for preventing waste and think about how it can become a reality,” she said.
“We’re looking for concepts big and small – it could be as complex as solar panel or fibre composite repurposing; thinking about what to do with post-consumer plastic; or designing products to do they are easy to re-use or repurpose.
“Creativity is a must and we at NO WASTE will be there to help attendees figure out technical and financial viability. If workshop attendees wish to take their idea further there is potential to join the NO WASTE pilot precinct in future to access further resources.”
The initial session will be followed by workshops online and in Toowoomba on topics such as ‘defining and understanding sustainability terminologies’, ‘leading the environmental sustainability change journey in your organisation’, and more in the coming months.
- What: NO WASTE Pilot Precinct Workshop #1: Developing Your Environment-Saving Idea
- When: Wednesday, September 7 2022, 9AM-12PM
- Where: Fire Station 101, 101 Limestone Street, Ipswich QLD
