Green & ethical consumption - Consumers' Federation of Australia

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.…

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…

13 February , 2018

Queensland’s plastic shopping bag ban

It is estimated that close to one billion single use lightweight supermarket style plastic shopping bags are used in Queensland each year. Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection advise that while most of these end up in landfill, around 16 million enter the environment in Queensland each year. The lightweight plastic bags often end…

24 January , 2018

Electric car revolution gains momentum, but will it last the distance?

Electric cars might finally be having their moment in Australia – as costs fall, Australia will inevitably see an electric car revolution. Surveys show up to half of Australian motorists would consider going electric the next time they buy a car however the most important factor that affects consumers’ decision to buy an electric car…

24 November , 2017

Why is Australia slow in adopting electric cars?

In the race to adopt electric vehicles, Australia is sputtering along in the slow lane. Rather than growing, Australian sales of electric cars are actually in decline. In 2016 they represented just 0.02% of new car sales – even lower than in 2013. Contrast that with Norway, the country with the highest levels of electric…

29 November , 2016

CI fights for UN recognition of World Consumer Rights Day

In early 2016, Consumers International (CI) has proposed the United Nations to recognise World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) as an official UN International Day. CFA is happy to report that over the year, the recognition of WCRD has made significant improvement. The proposal was raised for debate at the pilot UN Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting…

11 December , 2014