Saturday, 3 May 2014

Week 9.3 - Waste Management

Waste management, or more specifically, reduction, is a key criterion of sustainable cities. As a consequence, the habit of 'throwing things away' is one which needs to be addressed, specifically through a greater understanding of 'where is away?' Although the term is widely used, it cannot be said that its implications are fully grasped. Due to the fact that there is no 'away,' a reversal of this physic in necessary to facilitate a move towards sustainable habits. More often than not, waste goes to landfill, a place where toxins leak into the soil, water & atmosphere. As these processes come back to haunt us, and impact on our lives in negative ways, waste is everyone's problem and therefore everyone's responsibility.

In order to draw attention to this issue, Natalie Coulter uses the art of window displays to promote activism in waste management. In effect, this medium is able to appeal to the masses, and is facilitated through 'repurposed' resources diverted from landfill. Furthermore, association's with large scale corporations are able to increase awareness, with messages such as 'one man's trash is another's treasure' being reinforced to customers and shareholders. In Australia, these initiatives are particularly relevant, with each person generating around half a tonne of household waste per year.

Fulwood, A, 2014. Urban explorer's sustainable style. The Australian Financial Review, 24-27 April. 34.

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