The data science industry has grown in the last decade due to advances in computing, mathematics, and data storage. Australia's Industry 4.0 task force has been busy exploring how to improve Australia's economy using tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. Data science has the potential to solve complex issues and drive innovation. However, it is often criticized for unethical data use and unintended adverse consequences. This is especially true in commercial situations where people are treated as data points within annual company reports. Data science shouldn't just be about profit margins and business insights. Big data, when used ethically, can solve many of society's toughest...

Since China closed its market, 58% of New Zealand's waste plastic now goes to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam - all countries with poor regulations and high rankings in global sources of marine pollution. Incineration of waste-to-energy has been proposed as a possible solution. Although it may sound like a good idea, turning plastic waste into electricity creates even more pollution. Also delays the necessary transition to a Circular Economy. Read more: We need a legally binding treaty to make plastic pollution history. Dirty plastics Shipments of recycled plastic often arrive unsorted and contaminated in developing countries. Material that can't...

The majority of people say that they try to avoid food waste, but Australians collectively dispose of almost A$6 Billion worth of food each year. Food waste accounts for about 25% of household garbage. These wastes are usually disposed of in landfills, where they decompose and produce powerful greenhouse gases like methane. This food is mostly leftovers from meals, food that has been partially consumed (such as a half onion), and food that has expired. There is room for improvement when the average household throws away up to three bin liners of 5 liters worth of food each week. We...

The Economist is not without its critics, but it does provide a lot of interesting information. This table, published by EconomistDailyChart, shows meat consumption by country. This data set is full of strange characteristics, but it is accurate enough for me. I have argued before that if we choose the right options, we can feed the entire world. Our current food system produces far more per person than what is required for adequate nutrition. This can continue in the future if we make the right choices. Distribution is the key issue, not production. The meat consumption figures lead me to an even...

The scheme will allow for 10c to be refunded on most beverage containers larger than 150ml. This can be done through reverse vending machines and state-wide depots. This has reignited an ongoing discussion that is largely driven and fueled by the drinks industry. Refunds Work BehaviourWorks at Monash University, as part of the NSW Process, recently reviewed data and research from 47 CDR schemes around the globe. This work was commissioned but not carried out by the NSW Environment Protection Authority. The 47 CDR programs recovered, on average, 76% of beverage containers. In the United States, the beverage container recovery rates in...

Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General) opened the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal with a stark statement: "Without Nature, We Are Nothing." NatureNature is the life support system for humanity, yet they are hell-bent on destruction. The summit brought together over 190 delegates to negotiate the Global Biodiversity Framework for the period after 2020. Its implementation will require a change in how we produce, trade, and consume goods and services that rely on biodiversity and have an impact. Investors and companies have, therefore, been paying attention. Businesses and investors play a crucial role in biodiversity and conservation efforts. They need to invest in...

We must, therefore, make health care services more sustainable and efficient so that we can save money without compromising the quality of health care or damaging ecosystems that are vital to human health. In order to do this, we need to look beyond the traditional and exclusively cost-focused focus in order for us to consider a broader range of factors affecting human health and wellbeing. To be sustainable, an organization must, therefore, balance its books and measure and manage environmental impacts, such as waste management and greenhouse gas emissions, and also consider its social obligations. Among these are the health and well-being...

Millions of people buy aluminum beverage cans every day. The same cans are reused or discarded. Recycling aluminum is extremely efficient and beneficial for both processors and consumers. Because of its versatility and strength, as well as its durability against corrosion, it remains a highly sought-after commodity in a range of markets. In just 60 days, the used could go through the procedure. 1. The cans that are used are taken care of and delivered to local centers, charities, or any other recycling bin. 2. Cans that are used can be separated from recyclable materials by an intermediate processing firm...

Like many other substances we utilize every day aluminum is one of the materials which should not end up in the garbage. Recycling aluminum can ensure that there will be enough for everyday needs. Aluminum is a valuable commodity and provides an economic incentive for people and companies to recycle. Certain communities offer curbside pickup to recycle. Recycling one Aluminum can is about the same as maintaining a light bulb with a power of 100W burning for around four hours or keeping the TV on for 3 hours. Based on the U.S. EPA, recycling Aluminum helps reduce the amount ending...

1. Cardboard waste is a typical kind of waste because of its main use in the packaging industry. Many businesses throw away cardboard containers after removing the contents inside without the idea of recycling or reuse. 2. Recycling cardboard saves natural resources that are beneficial for the environment. It also helps save money since reducing the amount of waste you produce minimizes the amount you will need to pay for disposal services. 3. This kind of recycling isn't difficult to set up. All you need to do is segregate it from the other produced waste, prep it in order to...