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Here are some examples of our work at UTS contributing towards SDG 12.

About Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

The planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity loss and pollution are all under-pinned by unsustainable production and consumption. Our consumption of natural non-renewable resources far exceeds the planet’s carrying capacity, yet despite this global material consumption rose 70% in the 17 years between 2000 – 2017. If we are to achieve sustainability, we must change the way we use resources, recycle more, waste and pollute less, and switch to cleaner more planet friendly technologies.

At UTS we’ve developed a plan to phase out single-use plastic packaging, and in 2019 opened Australia’s first fully plastic free Food Court. Our cutting-edge researchers are working on new technologies such as making bio-plastics from algae rather than petroleum oil. We’re proud of our on-campus recycling, and the Institute for Sustainable Futures hosts e-Waste Watch, a think tank focused on incorporating circular economy principles into the e-waste sector. Below are some examples of our impact.

plastic bottle waste

India's revolutionary roadmap to tackle plastic pollution

India is on a mission to reduce plastic waste, driven by value chain innovation and socio-technical solutions with a new circular economy roadmap that will guide the way.

 


Pile of garlic bulbs

Circular economy food waste recycling at UTS

UTS is facilitating the circular economy by processing 50 tonnes of food waste on-campus per year into soil conditioner, sent to local farming communities to grow garlic, which returns as food to UTS and other Sydney outlets.

 


Ceramic white bathroom

Ceramics made from recycled glass

A recyclable ceramic material made from glass powder promises to reduce the carbon footprint of bathrooms, kitchens and roof tiles.