Event keynote video: using waste as a resource

In this video recording, Prof Veena spoke at a free regional community event in the Lake Macquarie area as part of National Science Week, talking about the importance of creating a circular economy including using waste as a resource.

Pre-event information by host:

"To be held at the Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, 39 Lake Street, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, the event is being hosted by Lake Macquarie Libraries and the Central Coast Industry Network as part of National Science Week.

Info and register for the event

"The Lake Mac Libraries network present Lake Mac STEAM, a week-long program of inspiring learning experiences centred around science, technology, engineering, art and maths.

"The traditional economy is being challenged by climate change and in fact it could be said that it is bad for climate, biodiversity, and society as a whole. The circular economy on the other hand, can be seen as a key part in dealing with climate change and the respective socio and economic outcomes."

"Dealing with our waste streams has become more problematic, and it is only in recent times that waste has been seen as a valuable resource. The circular economy can provide this resource."

"This workshop will provide insight into how the circular economy provides tangible benefits to business. We will start with insight from one of Australia’s leading Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Professor, Veena Sahajwalla, an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor who is revolutionising recycling science."

And the below excerpt is from a Lake Macquarie local leader's letter published in the Newcastle Herald about the event: 

"Circular Economy Policy. As the name implies it is a whole-of-society process - not limited to any one local area - underpinned by three principles: design out waste; keep products and materials in circulation; regenerate natural systems.

"Readers might be interested to know that one of the leaders in developing circular economy programs is visiting Lake Macquarie next month. Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Head of Materials Science in the Faculty of Science at UNSW and Director of the SM@RT Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, will be speaking from 10.30am on Friday 19 August at Warners Bay Theatre." Stuart Carter, Munibung Hill Conservation Society president