Environment - Consumers' Federation of Australia

14 October , 2020

World Standards Day 2020 – Protecting the Planet with Standards

On World Standard Day, CFA recognises the efforts of the volunteers who represent CFA on Standards Australia Technical Committees. Each year on the 14 October, the members of standards making organisations celebrate World Standards Day – This year’s theme is Protecting the Planet with Standards. Currently CFA has representation on a number of committees that are developing…

2 September , 2020

What can I do about improving the environment?

Consumers are more aware of environmental issues than ever before and feeling anxious about the state of the planet. There are many opportunities to contribute to global projects working on improving the environment. You can help find out how much plastic pollution there is globally by uploading images of pollution when you see it –…

12 June , 2020

Major consumer-led energy reform finalised

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, the Australia Institute, and Total Environment Centre today welcomed a ‘demand response’ reform of Australia’s electricity market that will improve reliability and reduce prices for consumers. The groups also welcome the AEMC’s decision to maintain the early, 2021 implementation date for the rule which they had advocated for. The three…

21 August , 2019

Circular economy the key to tackling resource depletion and pollution

It’s a well-known fact that the rise in consumerism and disposable products is choking and exhausting our planet. Before we reach the day where there is more plastic in the sea than fish, something has to be done to ebb the flow. According to the World Economic Forum, moving towards a circular economy is the key, and a ‘trillion-dollar…

20 February , 2019

Wastewater and caring for the environment

Consumers are increasingly aware of plastic and other litter damaging our water systems and environment. There are also many products that have the potential to cause significant problems to the environment once in the wastewater system. CFA has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee WS-041 which is drafting a new standard on flushable products to make it…

19 February , 2019

Sustainable development goals to tackle global challenges

In 2015 the UN set an ambitious plan to address some of the pressing issues faced by the world. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.…

19 December , 2018

Only 1 in 4 say their homes are energy efficient

Energy Consumers Australia has released new data that underlines the important opportunity for improving housing quality as a way to tackle high energy bills. Many Australian homes are expensive to heat or to cool because they are poorly insulated, a problem which is often worse for renters. Not only does this make energy unaffordable for…

30 October , 2018

Consumers want more help to reduce the cost of keeping cool

The Queensland Consumers Association wants governments and industry to do much more to help consumers reduce the cost of using air conditioners when temperatures and humidity levels are high. The Association is particularly concerned about the lack of information available for consumers about using air conditioners in eco/econ mode. Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says many…

30 October , 2018

Hydrogen – A fuel for the 21st century

Like natural gas, hydrogen can be used to heat buildings and power vehicles. Unlike natural gas or petrol, when hydrogen is burned there are no CO2 emissions. The only by-products are water vapour and heat. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, not freely available as a gas on Earth but bound into…

30 May , 2018

What can truthfully be labelled recyclable?

With China no longer willing to accept material from Australia for potential recycling, there is a national discussion about what can and cannot truthfully be labelled as “recyclable” going forward in Australia. Standards Australia has played a lead role in the development of standards on environmental labelling as the Secretariat of the ISO TC 207 SC 3 Environmental…

2 March , 2017

ACCC names key enforcement and compliance priorities for 2017

The Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Rod Sims says 2017 will see its enforcement teams hone in on misleading and deceptive practices, anti-competitive conduct and unfair contract terms affecting small businesses. Speaking at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) event in Sydney today, Mr Sims launched the ACCC’s 2017 Compliance…

14 July , 2016

Australian Energy Regulator seeking expressions of interest for Consumer Challenge Panel members

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals to apply to be a member of the Consumer Challenge Panel (CCP). The CCP forms an invaluable part of the AER’s regulatory decision-making process by providing consumer insight and perspective into the AER’s decisions. Individuals with consumer experience and engagement, regulatory decision-making or knowledge of…