In March 2020, the COAG set their first target for the Waste Response Strategy to “ban the export of plastic, paper, tyres and glass waste between July 2020 and December 2024.” The ban signifies fundamental changes for waste management in Australia, including a circular economy approach that recognises waste as a resource instead of a problem and taking ownership for waste produced in Australia. The ban is designed to address many of the current challenges in the origin and generation of waste, for example improving kerbside recycling rates and driving up domestic demand for recycled products. The University is encouraged by this new national approach that supports our activities and plans for waste management and procurement, as outlined in our Strategic Framework for Sustainability. Read more about the national strategy, waste targets and projected outcomes. New waste targets for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) A big thank you to ISD staff Rowena Zwart for sharing her home-grown garden bounty with colleagues including parsley, sage and curry herbs! We’ve compiled a few uses of parsley, sage and curry along with some interesting facts. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) : This Mediterranean herb can be used to flavour salads, home-made sauces and garnish dishes. It can also be used to freshen up your breath. Sage (Salvia officinalis) : Fresh sage leaves are quite strong and aromatic so use sparingly to garnish or flavour. Sage is commonly used dried, mixed into marinades or combined with mashed potatoes and roast vegetables for an earthy flavour. Sage is also used as a spiritual tool, a sage stick is burnt to expel negative energy, soothe stress and be uplifting. Curry (Helichrysum italicum) : Leaves of curry plants are used in salads and stews, but they have a slightly bitter taste. It’s a very versatile plant that can grow almost anywhere and is generally disease resistant. Its strong fragrance can help keep insects away from you garden bed. Bringing garden bounty to the tearoom, thank you to Rowena Zwart Parsley, Sage and Curry herbs grown by Rowena Zwart
Exciting SIPS projects underway: connecting with biodiversity on campus
Durvillaea sp. or ‘Bull Kelp’ from the Lower Derwent Estuary
Eloise Bennett’s Marine Biodiversity Project The proximity of the University of Tasmania to the Derwent Estuary is unique; for my SIPS project I aim to produce an educational walk that links the southern campuses and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Derwent. The goal of my SIPS project is to raise awareness of the habitats the Derwent Estuary supports from shallow rocky reefs to sandy soft sediments, as well as to facilitate education on some of the rare and special species that reside there. In doing so, I hope I can promote the Derwent Estuary not only as an ecologically significant place but also as an important entity which characterises the Hobart City skyline, defining the landscape, and the personality of this colourful city and our University.
2020 SIPS intern Rani Greig at Newnham Creek
Rani Greig’s River Biodiversity Project My project looks at the Newnham Creek and what past activities and management have occurred. This will give us an indication of what kind of projects are needed to ensure that the creek continues to hold great value for the Newnham campus and the community. Continuing my project from home has had its challenges, however, staying connected to other interns and taking my dog for a walk to the creek has enabled me to stay on track and remain excited about my project.
The University of Tasmania has joined the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) with 40 other leading climate research universities to help accelerate the fight against climate change. The IUCA’s united goal is to ensure all stakeholders have better access to research-based facts on climate change science, impacts, adaptations and mitigation. Upcoming events Virtual Sustainability Career Expo: 7 May International Education Climate Action Summit 2020 Climate Action Network for International Educators (free online panel): 21 May *Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Sustainability Team has had to cancel any physical attendance events for the foreseeable future. We are working to deliver sustainability events on an online platform. Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date.
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Sustainability Bulletin • Issue 13 April 2020
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