How tech firms could help us win the war on waste
As the world grapples with the problem of managing our mountains of waste, a few tech firms are coming up with highly innovative and profitable ways to convert waste into commercial products – proving yet again that ‘where there’s muck, there’s money’.
The world is desperately seeking solutions to the landfill and greenhouse gas problem that is generated by 2 billion tons of waste produced annually and which is impossible to ignore. And as younger generations list the climate and environment as a top two issue, it is likely the old methods of waste disposal will themselves be thrown in the trash heap. That could have adverse consequences for the value of the businesses that own the holes in the ground, which have traditionally been the receptacles for the things we discard.
Roger Montgomery is the Founder and Chairman of Montgomery Investment Management. Roger has over three decades of experience in funds management and related activities, including equities analysis, equity and derivatives strategy, trading and stockbroking. Prior to establishing Montgomery, Roger held positions at Ord Minnett Jardine Fleming, BT (Australia) Limited and Merrill Lynch.
This post was contributed by a representative of Montgomery Investment Management Pty Limited (AFSL No. 354564). The principal purpose of this post is to provide factual information and not provide financial product advice. Additionally, the information provided is not intended to provide any recommendation or opinion about any financial product. Any commentary and statements of opinion however may contain general advice only that is prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Because of this, before acting on any of the information provided, you should always consider its appropriateness in light of your personal objectives, financial circumstances and needs and should consider seeking independent advice from a financial advisor if necessary before making any decisions. This post specifically excludes personal advice.
Gabriel Horwath
:
The growth of Industry and manufacturing has generated a great deal of waste and has contributed to climate change. When I was a young man my boss told me to get rid of waste solid matter and toxic
liquids by dumping it on a creek bank 10 meters from the water. The liquids would leach into the soil and would find it way into the water, other times I would burn the solids and liquids this went on for several years. The company was public listed and the largest in the southern hemisphere at the time.
The factory was only 30mts from the creek bank and this creek flowed into the Brisbane river.
Standards have changed for the better but the attitudes of Fed. and state governments have not.
There is a reluctant attitude is address and find a solution to plastics , because it costs money and hard policy decisions. We cant afford to let this waste problem be solved by businesses.
This lazy Fed. Govt. has to act now to find solutions,although I believe they will leave it to some one else , some other political party with more foresight and commitment.
Max Zan
:
Hi Roger
Downer is one Australian Company turning waste into material for road building.
https://www.lakesmail.com.au/story/6204595/teralba-facility-turning-plastic-waste-and-glass-into-roads-photos/