10.12.19
What Happens Next?
No Time to Waste – Can We Fight Throw-Away Culture? | 2

This special episode of What Happens Next? was recorded live at Monash University, where former advertising professional-turned-activist Alex Wadelton spoke to Dr Susan Carland and staff about how the simplest ideas for driving change can sometimes be the most effective. In fact, his “Future Landfill” campaign targeting Woolworths’ plastic Lion King Ooshies promotion started with a simple idea and a camera.

Alex underscores the issue of excessive consumerism and short-lived promotional campaigns. Items like the Ooshies are eagerly sought after, but their appeal diminishes quickly, leading to their disposal and contribution to environmental waste.

Susan is also joined by Fiona Newton, Associate Professor of Marketing in Monash's Faculty of Business and Economics. Fiona's research sheds light on the challenges faced by supermarkets in balancing their commercial objectives with environmental responsibility. There's a clear tension between engaging consumers through promotions and the need to address environmental concerns associated with such campaigns.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

In this series:

• Part 1: Trash Talk – Are We Facing a Global Waste Crisis?
• Part 2: No Time to Waste – Can We Fight Throw-Away Culture?
• Part 3: The Mess We're In – How Do We Start Tackling Waste? 

Learn more about the global waste crisis:

• Waste not, want not: Moving towards the circular economy 
• Understanding the informal e-waste recycling sector in Malaysia 
• Biopolymer film: An alternative to single-use plastic food packaging 

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