scholarly journals Ascending the Waste Hierarchy: Re-use potential in Swedish recycling centres

Detritus ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Leonidas Milios ◽  
Carl Dalhammar
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Electrical Equipment ◽  
Waste Prevention ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Waste Hierarchy ◽  
Suitable Material ◽  
The Times ◽  
Suitable Product

According to the waste hierarchy principle, which constitutes the basis of European waste legislation, waste prevention and re-use are considered – most of the times – better waste management options than recycling. However, prevention and re-use activities are difficult to operationalise and measure, without a monitoring framework in place. This contribution investigates the potential of re-using end-of-life products that have been disposed at recycling centres in Sweden. Recycling centres receive a wide variety of materials for recycling, of which a portion could be re-used instead. The aim is to identify what product groups can be re-used, the share of these potentially re-usable products in the recycling centres, and under what conditions their re-use is feasible. A literature review of similar studies, site visits at recycling centres in Sweden, and semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders were used to analyse the potential for re-use in private recycling centres in Sweden. The most suitable product groups for re-use identified are building materials, furniture and electrical equipment (mainly white goods), as other material types are mostly handled by charity organisations (e.g. textiles). There is significant potential for increasing re-use operations in recycling centres, but in order to be economically profitable it is important to identify the most suitable material fractions (or product groups) and engage in strategic partnerships that will allow more effective organisation of re-use processes.

Addressing food loss and waste prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burcu Kör ◽  
Adriana Krawczyk ◽  
Ingrid Wakkee
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Household Consumption ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Waste Prevention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Loss

PurposeFood waste is one of the most challenging issues humanity is currently facing. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in the prevention of food waste because of world hunger, environmental impacts, resource scarcity and economic costs. The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors that influence food waste and the role of technology in tackling food waste in India and the Netherlands.Design/methodology/approachIn order to explore differences in food loss and waste further this study will examine a number of practices on both the production and the consumer side, in a developing country and a developed country with different culture/economic backgrounds: India and the Netherlands. The factors that influence food waste were examined with a preliminary qualitative study, which consists of semi-structured interviews, and quantitative research that comprises a survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in both India and the Netherlands, which consists of five interviews. The survey data was collected from 78 individuals from India and 115 individuals from the Netherlands.FindingsOne of the main findings of the research is food waste is divided into waste within agricultural production (i.e. food loss) and final household consumption (i.e. food waste). Different factors influence food loss in different stages in the supply chain. Some of these factors include wastage during processing, storage, transportation and at the market-place. New technologies can utilize food loss for new purposes, so food loss is reduced to the minimum. Food waste is mainly influenced by food passing expiry date, food that is left too long in the fridge and consumers buying too much food. In final household consumption, technologies such as digital platforms enable individuals or organizations to share and donate their food, thereby creating awareness on food waste prevention and the environmental and ethical benefits.Originality/valueThe authors examine to what extent and in which ways supporting consumers to minimize food waste can be achieved via three stages: (1) understanding and evaluating food loss and waste, (2) identifying the factors that influence food loss and waste, (3) understanding consumer behaviors to encourage food waste reduction and (4) identifying the technological impact that would reduce food waste. As such, this paper contributes to ongoing debates about food waste by looking at the role of context and culture and by exploring differences between developed and developing countries. Also, the authors advance the debate by exploring both the role of advanced technology such as blockchain and drones in both preventing loss and waste as well as non-technological mechanisms.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding waste management options in Romania: results from a school questionnaire

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin KOLBE
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Human Health ◽  
School Students ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Waste Hierarchy ◽  
Disposal Options ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Environmentally Sound

This study analyses knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in the area of different waste management approaches of pupils in Romania. Examining school students’ knowledge about waste management options and finding out the reasons that prevent them from participating in environmentally sound disposal options is essential for teachers and legislators. For this purpose, questionnaires were designed and distributed in two schools in Romania.The analysis revealed that knowledge is highly developed in Romania regarding the potential of recycling, while the concepts of waste management technologies are far less known about and understood. Landfill is seen as a problem for human health and the environment. However, recycling behaviour is low - partly as a result of limited possibilities. In general, the treatment hierarchy that is recommended in the "European waste hierarchy" is only partly reflected in students’ attitudes towards waste management options.

scholarly journals Disaster response and recovery in two informal settlements: A local government perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 606-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu ◽  
Malcolm Alan Henworth Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
The Impact

Informal settlements in urban areas have long been afflicted by disasters and exposed to exploitation by politicians, shacklords, academics, journalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), tavern owners and government officials. This problem is caused to some degree by limited land for expansion which has resulted in the creation of highly densified and unplanned, irregular settlements using poor, combustible building materials. The purpose of the article is to investigate whether eThekwini Municipality’s strategies are sufficient to respond to and recover from the impact of disasters. The research was undertaken at the Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements located in Clare Estate, under Ward 25, in Durban within eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (refer to Annexure 1). These areas are very important politically as they are densily populated and highly contested between political parties and local resistant’s organizations such as Abahlali baseMjondolo. Questionnaires were self-administered to a sample size of 220 of which 140 respondents completed the questionnaires, thereby generating a response rate of 63.6%. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with municipal officials. The findings indicate that 44.3% of the victims of disasters received assistance from NGOs and regard civil society as playing an important role after disasters compared to 7.1% of the responding municipal officials.

scholarly journals Kaupapa Māori in New Zealand Public Libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Luqman Hayes
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Indigenous Worldviews ◽  
Kaupapa Māori

<p>It is nearly two decades since Tui MacDonald first studied the experience of Māori in New Zealand libraries. Since then libraries have seen many changes and embraced challenging initiatives in creating public spaces which reflect much of the biculturalism of New Zealand society. Bilingual signage has been erected, awareness and obligations to the Treaty are generally better accepted and understood, and Te Rōpū Whakahau has helped to ensure there is a growing professional Māori presence in our libraries. But is that enough? Should biculturalism not be aiming to integrate Māori values and concepts in the ideals of the organisation? Should biculturalism not reflect an equal representation of both the Pākehā (non-Māori) and the Māori worldview in the way information is organised, customers are greeted and activities are carried out in the library? This research project explores the deeper commitments to biculturalism by examining the extent to which kaupapa Māori, or Māori knowledge frameworks, value systems, and a Māori worldview form part of a wider bicultural strategy within public libraries in Aotearoa. The study highlights the bicultural achievements being made in public libraries as well as exploring the evolutionary and transformative challenges which lie ahead for the sector in striving towards an epistemological and cultural balance. Data for this research was collected using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with a selection of library leaders chosen from a purposive sample of public library services in New Zealand. The findings suggest a degree of inconsistency around the integration and understanding of kaupapa Māori concepts and practice, depending on location and demographic. They indicate that while there are personal, organisational and resource barriers to fully incorporating a kaupapa Māori, including a lack of Māori seniority within the industry, these limitations stem from political and historical roots which relate to colonialism in Aotearoa and the commitment to, and interpretation of, the Treaty of Waitangi. The results also reveal an aspiration for advancing the bicultural agenda and for exploring new paradigms for reshaping European designed public libraries in ways which integrate indigenous worldviews. As a contribution to the library and information sector body of knowledge, the subject has significance not only within New Zealand but globally, particularly in relation to the incorporation of indigenous worldviews in library design, development and delivery. Opportunities for further research include exploring Māori representation in public library management, options for altering library classification systems and collection arrangements to integrate indigenous worldviews and staff experiences of kaupapa Māori.</p>

Women's perception of choice and support in making decisions regarding management of breech presentation

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 392-400
Author(s):  
Antonio Sierra
Keyword(s):  
Breech Presentation ◽  
Study Data ◽  
External Cephalic Version ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Lower Segment Caesarean Section ◽  
Postnatal Women ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
Colaizzi's Method ◽  
Professional Guidelines

Background Professional guidelines recommend midwives and obstetricians actively involve women in making decisions about their care. To date, breech research has focused mainly on assessing the effectiveness of different management options. Aim This research explores women's experience of breech presentation and their perception of choice and support in making decisions with regards to breech management. Methods This study uses a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews took place in hospital or women's homes. A total of six postnatal women who were diagnosed with breech presentation after 36 weeks' gestation took part in the study. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's method. Findings A total of 84 significant statements were clustered into four main emerging themes. These include women's feelings, their healthcare expectations, their preferences and their values. Results Breech discussions mostly occurred between obstetricians and women. These primarily focused on external cephalic version, Elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section and Breech Vaginal Birth. These options did not always become choices available to women.

Critical and Inhibiting Success Factors in Interorganizational Networks

2020 ◽  
pp. 63-86
Author(s):  
Viviana Durão ◽  
António Carrizo Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Interorganizational Networks ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Network ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter, based on a single case study, has as its main objective to analyze a real example of creating an inter-organizational network and to perceive what was done for the selection and creation of the strategic partnerships and inter-organizational network and what factors or conditions can inhibit these partnerships from having long-term success and throughout its life cycle. For this, a qualitative study based on action research and semi-structured interviews was conducted. Results show although many companies settle in inter-organizational networks to gain competitive advantage, cases of failure are still quite high. In this case, upstream partnerships have not been based on long-term trust and commitment, which has jeopardized the continuity of the network, although there is an express desire to re-establish contacts. The partnership established downstream did not show the same commitment to continue the partnership with a total termination of the relationship.

Post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-330
Author(s):  
Ghassan Elkahlout
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conflict Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
Housing Reconstruction ◽  
Housing Units

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict context. This paper aims to identify the challenges in applying the agency-driven approach within the context of post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and representatives of project beneficiaries. Secondary data drawn from academic papers, articles, technical reports and media reports were also obtained. Findings The findings support doubts in the literature about the feasibility of using the agency-driven approach in post-conflict housing reconstruction. The paper concludes that an agency-driven housing project successfully constructed a few thousand housing units and provided thousands of temporary job opportunities. The project encountered challenges in beneficiary selection; affordability of housing units; access to building materials; governance issues; and delays in implementation. Practical implications This paper offers valuable lessons for decision-makers, planners and architects to build on in future endeavours in Gaza and in similar contexts. Originality/value This paper particularly confirms the challenges of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict setting. These findings are useful for policy-makers to develop relevant strategies to address housing needs in the Gaza Strip.

Effective Factors on Eco Labeling Building-Construction, Materials and Components

2011 ◽  
Vol 374-377 ◽  
pp. 1254-1257
Author(s):  
Nima Amani ◽  
Seyedmohsen Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Suitable Material ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Consistent Basis ◽  
Sustainable Building Materials

There is need to assess the potential of the construction materials for the green building future generation. Research is necessary for complete assessment of construction materials for present and future generation of green building. This paper provides a consistent basis and specific factors for construction materials based on eco-labeling sciences. Within the methodological framework, three categories of sustainable building materials’ implementation are discussed: economical implementation; environment implementation; and social implementation. The paper shows that green building improvements can be achieved with help of the choice materials based on existing factors of eco-labeling construction. Construction eco-labeling can help to select a suitable material for creating a better outdoor environment and indoor environment of building.

scholarly journals Shaping destination image and identity: insights for Arab tourism at the Gold Coast, Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamila Abodeeb ◽  
Erica Wilson ◽  
Brent Moyle
Keyword(s):  
Arab World ◽  
Gold Coast ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Targeted Marketing ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Destination Brand

Purpose – This paper aims to explore how destination image can be shaped, created and crafted, from an induced-source, supply-side perspective to better cater to Arab visitors, drawing on empirical research conducted on the Gold Coast, Australia. Design/methodology/approach – Two sequential stages of research were implemented. The first stage conducted an analysis of websites to compare and contrast the image of the Gold Coast projected with the image perceived by Arab visitors. The second stage conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals from two destination marketing organisations (DMOs) directly responsible for marketing the Gold Coast to Arab visitors. Findings – Key findings indicate that the DMOs sought to portray a strong destination brand to Arab visitors, specifically around its current branding of “Gold Coast: Famous for Fun”. The Gold Coast has highly evolved strategies to target Arab visitors, including productive working relationships between DMOs and strategic partnerships with tourism organisations in the Arab world. However, analysis of websites revealed some incongruence between core attractions. Arab websites emphasise the beach more than do the Australian, state and local DMOs, and entertainment did not rate as highly as the need for beaches, shopping and accommodation. Research limitations/implications – Importantly, this research highlights the need for DMOs to clearly understand the needs of Arab visitors and integrating such information into targeted marketing campaigns aligned with the core destination brand. Originality/value – The contribution of this research is in providing a more nuanced understanding of the importance of using culture as a key segmentation tool not only to help attract more tourists but to assist DMOs to understand the special needs of various cultures in the destination.

The Impact of the New Material and Technology on Modern Architectural Design and the Role of Promotion

2013 ◽  
Vol 312 ◽  
pp. 934-938
Author(s):  
Yu Liang Zhang ◽  
Quan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Architectural Design ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Architectural Form ◽  
Construction Techniques ◽  
New Material ◽  
And Performance ◽  
New Processing ◽  
The Times ◽  
Design Style ◽  
The Impact

building materials are the carriers of building; it has both functions with use and performance. The implementation of the architectural form can not be separated from building materials; building materials also get value of existence because of attaching building. In today's technological conditions, a variety of building materials, with each passing day, new building materials and new processing and construction techniques continue to emerge, to the architect's design provides a lot of choice, to the architect's space performance provides greater possibilities sex. All this convenience is a new character; prompting some architects to promote the generation of new design style, tactics and thinking, there are a large number of rich architectural forms of the characteristics of the times.

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