Environment - Consumers' Federation of Australia

14 June , 2022

Consumer awareness growing around carbon credentials

A CHOICE survey reveals that consumers notice carbon claims and they sometimes influence purchase decisions. But how reliable are they? Need to know New data shows consumers are increasingly taking note of businesses’ carbon credentials But uncertainty remains for some people around whether to trust carbon neutral claims Significant numbers of consumers are factoring carbon…

14 March , 2022

Consumer Policy Agenda 2022 launched ahead of Federal Election

The Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has launched its Consumer Policy Agenda 2022. CFA is calling for new consumer policy reforms to be urgently implemented to put consumers in the economy recovery. Competition in key markets is flailing, consumer protections are falling behind best practice, and our institutional arrangements for consumer protection are not supporting…

11 March , 2022

Confusing insurance definitions for extreme weather events must be standardised

Australians who face devastating property losses following natural disasters such as the recent floods confront further hardship when trying to claim on their insurance because of confusing terms and conditions and fine print limitations in their policies. This is a media release from Financial Rights Legal Centre. It was originally published on 10th March, 2022. A new report…

27 January , 2022

E-waste – what’s being done about it

E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or power cord that’s no longer working or wanted. It covers a whole range of items from phones and refrigerators to fluorescent light tubes and is growing faster than any other waste stream. E-waste can cause serious environmental problems due to toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and…

6 September , 2021

Going down the toilet! – Have your say

Incorrect labelling and marketing of wet wipes and other items as ‘flushable’ has resulted in serious plumbing issues by contributing to ‘fatbergs’. Wet wipes and other items don’t disintegrate like toilet paper when flushed, wet wipes typically contain plastic so, once they reach the sea, they last for a long time, causing havoc with marine…

4 June , 2021

World Environment Day – 5th June 2021

The United Nations encourages worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has identified the environmental impact of services and products as a priority for participation on Standards Australia Technical Committees as part of the CFA Standards Project. CFA representatives are involved in standards development on Biodiversity and other environmental issues such as Environmental Management,…

28 April , 2021

Morrison Government powering up household battery recycling

The Morrison Government is helping maximise opportunities for Australia’s manufacturers while also driving down emissions and protecting the environment, with funding. This is a joint media release from Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP and Federal Member for Chisholm, the Hon Gladys Liu MP, originally published on 23rd April, 2021. Batteries are…

12 March , 2021

World Consumer Rights Day (15 March 2021) ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution’

Most plastics are made to be used once before being discarded and consumer awareness of the plastics crisis is growing around the world. On average, Australians use 130 kg of plastic per person each year and up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic will find its way into our waterways and into the ocean. The good news is…

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…