Bacteria could help transform a key component of disposable cups, plates and utensils into a useful eco-friendly plastic, significantly reducing the environmental impact of this ubiquitous, but difficult-to-recycle waste stream, according to a study scheduled to appear in an upcoming issue of the American Chemical Society journal, Environmental Science & Technology. [ + ]

The Victorian State Government has established a fellowship to nurture young people making a significant contribution to the future sustainability of Victoria. The fellowship was developed to recognise the contribution of Dr Brian Robinson (AM) to Victoria. [ + ]

The Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) is proposing new measures that address petroleum contamination from underground storage tanks and pipes – one of the major sources of soil and groundwater contamination in NSW. [ + ]

The G3 Guidelines are set to change the face of sustainability reporting. Now is the perfect time to take action and have a say in their development. The draft G3 Guidelines will be released for a 90-day public comment period between 2 January 2006 and 31 March 2006. Get involved and be prepared! [ + ]

The Sustainable Packaging Alliance’s 9th round table, “Recycling Packaging ¬ The Challenges Ahead,†is being held on Thursday 9th March 2006 (8:30am ¬ 2:00pm) in Melbourne. [ + ]

The Australian Environmental Labelling Association (AELA) and the Thailand Environmental Institute (TEI) have entered a mutual recognition agreement aimed at facilitating greater access by industry and environmentally preferable manufacturers to each other's green purchasing markets. Both the AELA and TEI are not-for-profit organisations with the core function of delivering transparent and credible information on the environmental performance of products on the market and promoting the development of green procurement and sustainable consumption. [ + ]

At a time of rising energy prices, increasing demand, energy supply insecurity and climate change, decision makers from the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States, as well as global industries CEOs, will gather in Athens to discuss these key issues at this year’s EWEC - European Wind Energy Conference (Athens, 27th February - 2nd March). [ + ]

The amount of phosphorus entering the Murray Darling Basin from sewerage and water treatment plants fell 31 per cent during 2004-05, the reduction reported in the annual National Pollutant Inventory which was released recently. [ + ]

Water reuse in south-west Western Australia is being targeted by a CSIRO flagship called ‘The Water for a Healthy Country’. [ + ]

The inside story of recycling scrap metal will be on show this month when Simsmetal opens up its St Marys’ yard for a public information day. [ + ]

A new study suggests that some of the microorganisms found in cow waste may provide a reliable source of electricity. [ + ]

Water recycling and sustainable housing will be hot topics at a Central Queensland University hosted water seminar to be held in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, on Friday February 17. [ + ]

As part of its Greenhouse Plan, the NSW Government is offering up to $9.7 million in funding over four years for projects that help minimise greenhouse gas emissions or assist the adaptation to climate change impacts in the areas of waste, transport, forestry, agriculture, industry processes or land use (but not including energy generation and use). [ + ]

The Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswind) has welcomed an announcement from the Howard government declaring that the debate over climate change is over. [ + ]

Green energy - power produced and harnessed during the treatment process in some sewage works in the United Kingdom - is helping to run operations within them. [ + ]