Welcome to the latest edition of Good Environmental News!
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Microsafe Care Australia
For almost 20 years, the MicroSafe Group have worked at the forefront of biomedical science to reimagine the way the world addresses infection and the spread of pathogens. Through their passion for bioscience and healing, they have created a one-of-a-kind technology that has forever changed the way we deal with infection control.
Recycled Products
The rise of circular economy thinking is creating new ways of approaching manufacturing and product stewardship across a breadth of markets. Buying products and materials made from recycled content is a significant step to shift our economy from linear to circular. Unlike other recycled-content products, GECA certified products must also meet criteria for a wide range of environmental issues, human health and social impacts, while proving that they perform as promised.
Stay Tuned - GECA's Innovations for a Circular Economy Wrap Up
A massive thank you to everyone that participated in our recent GECA event! It was an inspiring day filled with circular innovations and much food for thought. Stay tuned for a special edition of Good Environmental News, where we will share exclusive videos from the event, and so much more!
GECA Joins WWF in Calling for a Renewable Recovery
As a world-leading ecolabel focused on sustainable production and consumption, we know how crucial it is to tackle embodied and operational carbon in manufacturing, based on a life cycle approach. That’s why we are pleased to announce our support of WWF-Australia in calling for more action under a renewable recovery as we start to rebuild from COVID-19.
Welcome Raven!
We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member! As our Administration and Marketing Officer, Raven's role will focus on supporting the GECA team, with a significant focus on digital media. With a background in design, Raven brings a creative eye and a passion for the environment to GECA.
GECA Joins Call for Federal Government to Adopt Policies for a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19
GECA has joined a group of Australian businesses, industry groups, universities and civil society organisations to urge the Federal Government to remain focused on the need for a sustainable future as it creates policies to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the group called for the Government to use the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for policies that would strengthen the economy and ensure a better future for all.
Shaw Contract Australia Explores Combining the Declare and GECA Labelling Philosophies
Dave Moolman, Regional Vice President of Shaw Contract Australia, shares his thoughts on the combined benefits of GECA certification and the Living Future Institute’s Declare label.
GECA’s New Green Star Recognised Standards Can Help Australia to Build Back Better
Buildings and the construction industry in Australia have a significant environmental footprint, including waste generation, water consumption, energy usage and greenhouse emissions. GECA is thrilled to announce Green Star recognition for six new standards, which make it easier for architects and other building professionals to select products and materials that are better for people and planet.
Ask A Stupid Question Day Webinar Featuring GECA
On 30 September, our CEO Michelle Thomas joined a panel of experts for Supply Chain Sustainability School Australia's Ask A Stupid Question Day. There is always more to learn, and this was a fun and non-judgemental format for exploring sustainability questions that people might otherwise be worried about asking. If you weren't able to join on the day, you can now access the recordings!
Rebuilding Responsibly - COVID-19 and Resilient Supply Chains
The current pandemic has disrupted businesses around the globe and forced organisations to rethink their operational models. In this article, also featuring our licensee Agar, we spoke to INCLEAN magazine about this new reality and the need for smarter, more resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
How Clean Are Your Hand Hygiene Products?
Recently, hand hygiene has been looming large in our minds. However, the soaps, hand wash liquids and sanitisers used to combat germs can be full of harmful chemicals which could be carcinogenic, cause genetic mutations or affect the reproductive system! Our Standards & Technical Officer, Deepali Ghadge, looks at how to choose a hand hygiene product which not only does what it says it will do but is also better for people and planet.
Meet Our New and Freshly Recertified Licensees!
We're thrilled to welcome our newest licensees to the GECA licensee family.
Microsafe Care Australia is at the forefront of biomedical science, reimagining the way the world addresses infection and the spread of pathogens. Through their passion for bioscience and healing, they have created a one-of-a-kind technology that has forever changed the way we deal with infection control. They have certified under our Cleaning Products standard.
Winstone Wallboards is New Zealand’s only manufacturer and largest marketer of gypsum plasterboard, drywall systems, associated products and services. The company has been operating since 1927 and manufactures plasterboard systems under the GIB® brand. They have certified under our Panel Boards standard.
And congratulations to Krystalshield & Shield Chemicals, CSR Gyprock, Mark Perry Commercial Furniture, Office Link Group, Jasol Australia, Arper SPA, Joyce Foam, UCI, Koh, and ACCO Brands Australia who have recently renewed their GECA certification, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to having a lower environmental, health and social impact!
New Claims Licensee!
Congratulations to the team at Bounce Rubber Bands for going beyond a self-declared claim and PROVING their claim via independent third-party assurance!
According to Mark Moffett, Director of Bounce Rubber Bands, "We found the market is moving to make greener choices and consumers want to easily identify and choose products, services or organisations that are aligned with their eco-ideals. We conducted thorough research and felt the GECA Claims Authentication process would give our customers confidence in our claim that the rubber used in our rubber bands is derived from natural rubber trees."
National Recycling Week
9-15 March, Sydney
Planet Ark celebrates its 15th year of hosting its National Recycling Week. This event provides an opportunity for councils, workplaces, schools, and individuals to improve their recycling knowledge, build better recycling habits, and build trust in recycling.
Sustainability Digital Summit & Awards 2020
12 November, Online Event
GECA is proud to be a strategic partner of the Sustainability Digital Summit in 2020, a phenomenal lineup of crucial sustainability discussions and partner presentations. Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects for 5 Formal Refuel CPD points, you can engage online on the day or catch up on demand. Our Standards & Technical Manager, Judith Schinabeck, will be participating on the panel - Planning for a Carbon Zero/Carbon Positive Future. Receive a special 20% discount on your ticket by using the code SA2020PARTNER.
We're also thrilled to sponsor this year's Best Adaptive Reuse award category, recognising the best projects that transform old buildings for a new or different use.
EduTECH 2020
9-10 November, Online Event
EduTECH is an annual event that brings together the education sector, including pre-school, school, tertiary and higher Ed, workplace learning, and continued adult education for the biggest expo and congress in the Asia Pacific. GECA's Head of Engagement & Marketing, Paula Clasby, will be hosting a Round Table at 2pm on Day 1 on sustainable furniture including a deep dive into design principles and lifecycle considerations.
Australian Build Week
7-11 November, Online Event
From the organisers of Sydney Build Expo, Australia Build Week Online is the leading meeting place for the construction, architecture, and infrastructure industry. Gather gems of knowledge and access world-class content from home or anywhere in the world! Attendance is free.
Circular Cities Week 2020 - Australia [5 November, Online]
Australian Circular Economy Hub Launch [24 November, Online]
Investors lead push for Australian business to cut emissions more than government forecasts [The Guardian]
