10 Minute Genius | Veena Sahajwalla: There's no such thing as waste

UNSW Centre for Ideas

Waste has a bad reputation. Rubbish, unwanted, disgusting, gross. But when we hold our noses as we scuttle past an overflowing bin in the street, we are passing by a world of recycling opportunities. In nature there is no such thing as garbage, it's a series of complex circular eco systems where everything has a purpose, and nothing is left to waste – so why should our lives be any different? According to material scientists, it doesn’t have to be.

Rather than bury our trash or toss it in the bin, we should be excited by the idea of creating something entirely new – the idea of a used can, a discarded tyre or a smashed iPhone is a gateway to a brave new world of recycled products, like components for 3D printers, green ceramics and home furnishings. So, think twice next time you discard your plastic water bottle because it may actually hold the secrets to unlocking a greener type of steel.

In under 10 minutes, or the time it takes to melt an aluminium can, material scientist and engineer Veena Sahajwalla explains why not everything belongs in the bin.

For more information, visit unsw.to/VeenaSahajwalla.

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