Be Inspired:  The Circular Economy

Be Inspired: The Circular Economy

'Rethink the Future' is the slogan for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. They're looking beyond the current "take, make and dispose of” model for production and consumption, to the "circular economy" which seeks to eliminate waste by intention and design. Our Be Inspired feature this month explores their work and other great innovations - like the recently announced winners of the New Plastics 'Circular Design Challenge'.

Time to Recharge

Time to Recharge

Amnesty International's new report, ranks IT industry giants including Apple, Samsung, Dell, BMW, Renault and Tesla on how much they have improved their cobalt sourcing practices since January 2016. Apple was the only one that had taken “adequate” steps to mitigate its reliance on cobalt mines potentially using child labour. See this vid (from 2016) on the perils faced by cobalt miners; give a 'thank you' to Apple; and sign this petition for change.

Making the coolest choices

Making the coolest choices

Summer still lingering around (just!), so we decided to update our 'Ice-cream Companion'. But lo and behold, there's been some significant ownership changes - most notably with Peters and Weis. You can check out where your favourite ice-treat is made, as well as those that are Aussie owned (only a few), and those that have (and don't have) significant company criticisms. Enjoy Summer... one local lick at a time!

Know your copy paper

Know your copy paper

It seems there's some obvious 'best choices' when it comes to copy paper. People are now thinking about 'choosing recycled' as well as supporting 'Australian owned' companies, and also avoiding companies who are causing 'mischief'. Well and good. But life's never quite so neat and orderly. In fact with copy paper choices it's a minefield. Our new blog post looks into the nitty-gritty of protecting our forests, using waste, and avoiding the spin.

New Alliance for who?

New Alliance for who?

Ten African countries have signed up to the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition – the G8 countries’ main strategy for supporting agriculture in Africa. Sounds good, eh? However the new Action Aid briefing shows that some large companies involved are accused of taking part in land grabs. There's a very real risk of rural communities losing access to and control over their land to large investors. See more on the New Alliance.

Quick Bites

image\ See outstanding documentaries on social and technological innovations, revolutionary ideas and trail-blazing change-makers leading the way to a better world.       » Transitions Film Festival

image\ The 2017 'Corruption Perceptions Index' reveals Australia is now ranked 13th in the world but has a score that has been noticeably decreasing over the past 6 years.       » Transparency International

image\ The new Australian documentary 'Dominion' - filmed using drones, hidden and handheld cameras - exposes the dark underbelly and terrifying scale of modern animal agriculture.       » Dominion

image\ Sign the petition by World Animal Protection asking Aldi to provide adequate information on the welfare standards for animals used in their home-brand products.       » World Animal Protection

image\ Last chance to organise your life and garden! Permaculture Calenders from our online shop are now just $9.95. Inspirational, relevant, thought-provoking. Ooh-la-la! Get yours quick.       » Shop Ethical!

Ethical Consumer Group

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