Food waste is a global crisis. Australians discard about 3.1 million tonnes of edible food a year. Researchers in South Australia are combatting this through sustainability initiatives, opening a $132 million Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to reduce food waste.

As Australians become more aware of the impact that plastic waste has on the environment, they’re looking for ways to make a difference. Viva la Cup, a reusable coffee cup network, is taking action on the problem of single-use cups – but how can it address the value-action gap among consumers?

Social activism around the world is big business. But in Australia, demonstrators are distilling worthy causes at large down to a local level. Why? Because people are engaged more if they can see the direct impact of their actions, especially in a hyperconnected world thanks to social media.

Aussie retailer Coles has faced criticism from shoppers and environmental groups following a series of flip-flops over its efforts to eliminate single-use bags. Though people want brands to take action on plastic waste, the incident showed that they don’t want to be inconvenienced in the process.