War on Waste

•www.abc.net.au

How much food does the average household throw out each year? Do plastic bags really get recycled? How much food is being wasted before it gets to the supermarket shelves? A war on waste has begun to find the truth behind the way our nation manages waste, and what we can do about it. Join Craig Reucassel (The Chaser) and Wendy Harmer (ABC Sydney Mornings), as they explore the big issues in waste management, talk to those behind change, and learn how every little bit can make a difference.

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Episodes

Bonus: The War on Waste live debate

The first series got us thinking about recycling and where our rubbish ends up, but has the #WarOnWaste helped Australians reduce, recycle and reuse? Or, is it a load of rubbish? Those are the questions Craig Reucassel put to a group of ABC Radio Melbourne presenters in the first War on Waste live debate. Team Affirmative; Richelle Hunt, Hilary Harper and Anthony "Lehmo" Lehman, go head to head with Team Negative; Jon Faine, Jacinta Parsons and Sami Shah.

Jul 23, 2018•55 min

Information for new recruits

Welcome, recruit! If you’re new to the War on Waste, jump back to episode 1 and join the fray.

Dec 06, 2017•2 min

Turning the tide

Craig and Wendy take a look at how the War on Waste has changed our habits and what still needs to be done to reduce what we throw away.

Nov 27, 2017•8 min

The secret of found food

You might not realise it, but you’re surrounded by plants and animals you can eat – even if you live in a big city!

Nov 02, 2017•23 min

Ladies, we need to talk about waste

In this special ladies-only episode of War on Waste, Wendy Harmer and guest host Yumi Stynes explore waste-free ways to manage your period.

Oct 19, 2017•21 min

A (tiny, green) home to call your own

The larger your living space, the more stuff – and the more waste! Wendy takes a peek at a tiny house and Craig asks Joost Bakker, how can construction practices change to make it easier to reclaim materials?

Oct 05, 2017•23 min

How to buy nothing new

The best way to prevent something going to landfill is to never buy it in the first place, but in a world of short-lived electronics and two-for-one deals it can be hard to resist!

Sep 21, 2017•24 min

A mid-season pause in hostilities

The War on Waste podcast is taking a mid-season break while Craig films the second part of the TV series. Keep sending your handy hints to waronwaste@abc.net.au and we’ll see you again on the 21st of September.

Sep 08, 2017•33 sec

Test-tube fabrics and ol skool op shopping

Six tonnes of clothes are thrown out every ten minutes, so what can we do to change that?

Aug 17, 2017•21 min

Plastic bags and a sewerage expedition

The big two supermarkets have announced they’re going to ban the plastic bag, but with what they’re implementing, will it make much of a difference, or is it just a PR stunt? Craig and Wendy get the latest from environmental campaigner, Jeff Angel. Plus, Craig gets to the bottom of the dog poo bag fiasco by visiting a sewerage plant.

Aug 04, 2017•26 min

Compost secrets, happy worms & flushable dog poo bags

Craig throws on a lab coat to investigate if flushable dog poo bags really dissolve in water. Will he be satisfied with the answer? Wendy learns all about the ‘Compost Revolution’ with David Gravina and gardening guru Judy Horton visits Craig at home to give tips on composting. Does his humus pass muster?

Jul 14, 2017•23 min