In the 2020 2021 fiscal year Australia generated close to 76,000,000 tons of waste.

70% of land waste could’ve been recycled.

Only 13% of plastics were recycled.

130,000 tons of plastic find their way into the marine environment.

It is believed that 99% of sea birds have ingested plastic.

It’s also believed that if the current trajectory continues the oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.

A recent 2022 study done in the Netherlands found ithat over 80% of individuals tested had micro plastics in their blood. They’ve also been found prevalent in human lungs , placenta and breastmilk. Plastics contain over 16,000 chemicals, many of which remain untested so we don’t know exactly how many are toxic to human health. We do know that at least 4,200 (or 26%) of these are highly hazardous to human and environmental health . Landfill also aids in the production of greenhouse gases which scientists are generally in agreement that will adversely affect our climate for human habitation even though they still debate the extent of said damage.

One person who is trying to do her part to help with these and other associated problems is Kathryn Scarborough.

Kate has over 20 years experience in

Waste management, reduction , analysis , educational and staff training management .She works with businesses, councils, and even sports teams on these issues and she joins us here today .