There is broad agreement that Australian plastic bag consumption should be reduced. To this end, recent South Australian legislation has banned certain types of plastic bags. But other states wishing to reduce their plastic bag consumption may find a tax rather than a ban the more appropriate policy instrument.

There are several significant drivers, such as climate change and water scarcity, that are changing the waste debate, according to this report. In the committee's view waste policy needs to address issues that are relevant to its own sphere and at the same time, complement policies in other spheres particularly in relation to environmental protection...

Throughout industry and among community groups in Australia there is increasing awareness of the importance of advancing sustainability and as such, a desire to adopt more sustainable practices. In fact, there is a wealth of existing research, strategies and technologies in the area of sustainability and these are part of a host of measures contributing...

This reports the results of a three-year investigation which aimed to develop a measurement of prediction of community intended behaviour in relation to the reuse of different wastewaters for different uses. It has been apparent that communities support the concept of water reuse as a means of responsible water resources management. However, many technically sound...

Australians generate solid waste at a high rate compared with most other OECD countries. Technologies and processes to avoid, reduce and recover waste are generally not used as extensively in Australia as in some other OECD countries. Non-optimal levels of waste represent lost value and opportunities, while imposing undesirable economic and environmental costs on society...