Briar Mills, Ray O’Brien, Miranda Mirosa, Sheila Skeaff
{"title":"Food waste initiatives in the tertiary sector in Aotearoa New Zealand","authors":"Briar Mills, Ray O’Brien, Miranda Mirosa, Sheila Skeaff","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.23","url":null,"abstract":"Food waste is a global issue; 30 to 40% of all food is wasted. Despite a growing body of research, information on food waste in the tertiary education sector is lacking. The variety and size of foodservice operations at tertiary institutes provides an opportunity to address food waste and work towards Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3. We investigated food waste initiatives at 13 tertiary institutes in Aotearoa and identified challenges to further initiative implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff working in sustainability at each institute. The most common initiatives included worm farms (n=11), solutions for leftover foods (n=11), and composting (n=9). Challenges to the initiatives included: the Covid-19 pandemic; contamination of organic food waste destined for composting; attitudes of individuals and institutes; and funding and resources. Although a range of initiatives are in place, these approaches are near the bottom of the waste hierarchy. New initiatives should be developed to reduce the volume of excess food, focusing on prevention and avoidance rather than recycling and recovery. Tertiary institutes in Aotearoa should also adopt the “Target, Measure, Act” approach to tackle food waste, through setting formal goals, regularly measuring food waste, and acting by implementing a wide variety of initiatives.","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139321198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial Student Voice","authors":"Gabby Arnott","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.21","url":null,"abstract":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds is a journal that embraces the unknown and encourages resolution-based exploration into topics such as the climate-focused challenges Aotearoa is facing today. This issue captures both lived and perceived experiences of students at Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou, and offers us a hand to collaborate in issues that not only affect us now, but will for years to come.\u0000Climate change is affecting everyone. For our generation and those to follow, an anxiousness has settled within our community surrounding our current trajectory towards an unsustainable and damaging future. Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has provided a space for students to participate in these complex conversations, and by doing so, has inspired us to envision one very important thing: we can be the tailwinds towards climate solutions. This journal has also embraced a variety of academic backgrounds; this has allowed for no limit of student participation, and supports the notion that we all have a role in this journey with our respective experiences and knowledge.\u0000Toitū te Taiao ki Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou (the University of Otago's Sustainability Office) has been the heartbeat of these kōrero, and we have experienced enormous support and unity working alongside one another under the uplifting and encouraging guidance of the Sustainability Office team. These reports have required collaboration both within the office and with those in the community, and I think this is reflective of how we should be embracing any challenges that come our way as we progress towards our sustainability goals.\u0000To the Toitū te Taiao whanaū, tēnā rawa atu koutou for your energising passion, your patience, your guidance, and for providing us with this amazing opportunity that Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has become.\u0000To fellow and future interns, embrace the unknown and don’t hesitate for one second in knowing that every single one of you is important in this journey.\u0000Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.\u0000Kia ora rawa atu,\u0000Gabby Arnott\u00002022/23 Student Lead \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"131 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123273876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Conference Timing","authors":"Richard T. Wang, Sherry H. Y. Tseng","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.13","url":null,"abstract":"The planning of an online conference can be challenging due to factors such as the geographical distribution of participants, the difference in working hours between time zones, and the need to accommodate participants from particular countries. There have been no solutions to these specific problems so far. Therefore, my objective in this project is to begin the development of a tool that will assist in resolving the problem of optimizing conference times. This tool will enable us to accommodate international conferences spanning multiple time zones by weighing participants based on factors such as country, quality of life and time zone. It was accomplished by gathering university data from Wikipedia and writing a program that allows universities to be evaluated. Scores are calculated in the program for the most optimal time for online conferences, taking into account those weighing options. This application allows different factors such as quality of life, time zone, particular countries and quality of life to be considered when planning a conference. By using the application, air pollution can be reduced, and universities' spending on conferences will decrease, which will benefit developing countries. Furthermore, it can also increase academics' productivity by not attending conferences during unfavourable hours.\u0000Supervised by Ray O'Brien (Sustainability Office), Prof. David Eyres, (Department of Computer Science), Prof. James Higham (Department of Tourism), all University of Otago.\u0000Scholarship funded by: He Kaupapa Hononga","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130493804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Traversing Perceptions on Te Araroa","authors":"Kate Bonné","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.20","url":null,"abstract":"Landscapes come about through two-way interaction: just as we construct a landscape through modification and story-telling, it also shapes us. Te Araroa is New Zealand’s long distance walking trail. It stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff, encompassing many different landscapes along the way. Opened in 2011, the trail is in its relative infancy, with its distinct character still being shaped. The aim of this project is to identify ways that Te Araroa can develop deeper connections between walkers and the land, so an ethic of kaitiakitanga can be more strongly associated with the trail experience. Primarily, the project considered the living landscapes that emerge from walkers’ accounts of their journey. These were used to write place descriptions for 74 moments along Te Araroa, which are to be displayed on six annotated maps of the trail. The project also considered which walking attitudes and actions are conducive to developing place connection, and which pose barriers to doing so. The project’s findings, along with the annotated maps, may be used by the Te Araroa Trust in their approach to developing the trail. More directly, they may be used to prepare future Te Araroa walkers to set off with a readiness to greet and be greeted by Te Araroa. If walkers see the land as a living being and themselves as part of it, both walkers and te taiao o Aotearoa can be restored together. Supervised by: Professor Mick Abbott, Lincoln University and Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago.","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123924919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Finding solutions for the management of e-waste on Otago University’s Dunedin campus","authors":"Faiqua Fatima","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.12","url":null,"abstract":"Electronic waste is a matter of increasing concern in many countries. Ewaste comprises of inoperative laptops, tablets, batteries, etc. that must be disposed of safely. Global statistics show that in 2019, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was created. E-waste consists of chemicals and metals, if disposed with food waste and general waste, this waste can turn toxic and harm human and environmental health by polluting the environment by leaching of lead, mercury, and arsenic. Therefore, it is important to minimise electronic waste generated to ultimately minimise the risk of pollution and maintain a standard of sustainability. Furthermore, it is important for consumers to understand that e-waste relates to many of the Sustainable Development Goals charted out by the United Nations. This project is based on finding practical solutions to help minimise e-waste and to improve disposal methods at the Dunedin Campus of the University of Otago. Previously, similar projects were undertaken in some universities globally to help tackle e-waste. To find solutions, companies dealing with the disposal of e-waste were approached and their methods were observed, as similar methods could be applied at the university. The project was started by familiarising with the current solutions on campus, including E-waste Recycling Centre and by understanding the material flow. Following which, interviews with select participants took place, where we obtained an understanding of their processes. To finish, a diagram that illustrates the flow of materials was constructed to help with a better understanding of current methods and future methods.\u0000Supervised by Ray O'Brien, Head of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, Univeristy of OtagoScholarship funded by: Waste Management NZ","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122707295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysing the modal competitiveness of public transport through the concept of generalised journey time","authors":"Kate Higham","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.8","url":null,"abstract":"Amongst a range of factors, travel time of the bus relative to the equivalent journey in the private car is considered the strongest predictor in the selection of travel mode. In order to incentify a shift toward more sustainable modes of transportation, the bus must decrease its travel time to compete with the car and attract and retain ridership. There is limited literature on the travel time ratio between the car and the bus, and very little work that addresses this issue in the context of Ōtepoti Dunedin. It is a complicated area of research that has no simple answer, as there is no single measure of time related quality of the typical bus service. This report uses the concept of Generalised Journey Time - which recognises that a single bus journey is a multimodal trip and breaks the journey into different stages. It then makes policy and governance suggestions that focus on the broader picture and aim to foster the delivery of a faster and more attractive public transportation system in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Increased public transport usage will reduce the reliance on global fossil fuel markets, generating cities that align with modern, sustainable, environmentally conscious visions. \u0000Supervised by Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, University of OtagoScholarship funded by: Dunedin City Council","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124025637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights and Recommendations from the 2022 University of Otago Staff Travel Survey","authors":"Toby McLean","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"The 2022 University Staff Travel Survey at the University of Otago was analysed to describe staff's commuting habits and explore the potential for mode shift. Reducing travel emissions through mode shift of staff's travel is part of the University of Otago’s plan to achieve net carbon zero by 2030. Still, staff travel behaviour, and its driving factors need to be understood before effective interventions and policies can be developed. This report analyses responses from 968 staff based on the Dunedin campus and surrounding facilities. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were generated for variables of interest. Travelling alone in a private vehicle was the most common mode for staff to travel to work by, followed by travelling in a private vehicle with others, and then walking/travelling on foot. This appeared to vary across distance brackets and suburb groups. The most common reasons for mode choice were convenience, speed, the need to transport others, and cost. Different modes were associated with different most common reasons. Some areas of potential mode shift were identified. However, further research is needed to quantify the potential for mode shift. In addition to analysing the 2022 staff travel survey, recommendations for future surveys were provided.\u0000Supervised by: Dr Vanessa Beanland & Associate Professor Rebecca McLeanScholarship funded by: Sustainability Office/Transport Research Network","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131694896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A solution-based approach to reducing adult sanitary & PPE waste from rest homes in Aotearoa","authors":"Gabby Arnott","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.10","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This research project aims to explore solutions for minimising landfill contributions from incontinence and personal protective equipment (PPE) waste produced by rest home facilities (both care/support units and retirement villages) in Aotearoa.Research Question: What evidence-based solutions to decrease sanitary and PPE waste exist and can these be applied to rest homes in Aotearoa? \u0000Method: A narrative literature review was conducted surrounding PPE and sanitary waste minimisation, alongside interviews with industry representatives and waste experts, to ascertain the practicalities of such solutions in Aotearoa. A waste hierarchy for sanitary waste was created; highly recommended solutions were place at the top and least recommended at the bottom based on factors such as accessibility, environmental impact, and patient wellbeing. \u0000Results: The order of these solutions was (from top to bottom): pelvic floor muscle exercises, reusing, recycling, organic ecomposition, landfilling, and incineration. Fewer opportunities were available for waste minimisation of PPE; current alternatives to landfilling include companies such as Future Post (an organisation recycling face masks into functional fence posts). Developing technologies such as the disinfecting and recycling of PPE through Auckland University are emerging, although theyare not currently accessible for public contributions. \u0000Conclusion: For both sanitary and PPE waste, the requirement of such products should be minimised where possible (such as through awareness of hand hygiene (PPE) and pelvic floor muscle strength (sanitary waste)). If necessary, reusable rather than single-use products should be applied. \u0000Supervised by Ray O'Brien, Head of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, University of Otago and Arveen Horsefield, Arvida.Scholarship funded by: Arvida, Metlife Care, BUPA, Summerset, and Oceania Healthcare","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114942965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cultural considerations related to climate change and transition on the University of Otago - Ōtepoti campus","authors":"Kaila Tawera, Daizy Thompson-Fawcett","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.16","url":null,"abstract":"Internationally, Indigenous communities have been some of the first to encounter the direct effects of climate change due to their relationship with the environment and its resources. Climate change can exacerbate political and economic marginalisation, loss of resources, social contexts and livelihoods. However, Iwi-Māori have been responding to the impacts of climate change and climate transition in creative ways, drawing on mātauranga Māori and hundreds of years of environmental experience and practice to devise solutions to tackle current and impending changes. Risk to Māori culture, heritage and social structures has been identified as major or extreme in the national climate change risk assessment. Therefore, using the University of Otago Otepoti campus as a case study, our research has explored some of the cultural imperatives and risks associated with climate change and transition. In our work, we have identified and mapped some of the key physical cultural features, local pūrakau, and aspirations for recognisable Indigenous futures on campus with a view to encouraging the integration of cultural considerations when reporting our climate transition endeavours. \u0000As a result of this research, it is clear that the University would benefit from commissioning a detailed cultural narrative for the Ōtepoti site from mana whenua, which will help with developing actions such as the appropriate reintroduction of native flora and fauna corridors throughout the campus and the telling of local pūrakau throughout. In addition, the University would benefit from an enhanced bicultural partnership approach to leadership that could nurture the potential for the University environment to function as a sustainable Tiriti-based community. \u0000Supervised by: Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett, Geography Department, Univeristy of OtagoScholarship co-funded by: Sustainability Office/Geography Department","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128423871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable Transport in Dunedin","authors":"A. Mills","doi":"10.11157/patr.v1i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11157/patr.v1i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"This report aims to gain a different perspective on sustainable transport (ST) by focusing on demographics, such as age and gender. This report has used a series of processes to find ST solutions or actions suitable for the diverse staff at Otago University. The key ST goals for this report are to get more people using public transport (PT) or active transport (AT) and discover what is holding people back. This report draws information, insights, and data from the Otago University Staff Travel Survey (OUSTS), and insights from national and international reports and surveys. Personas have been used to represent staff members at Otago University, which were discussed alongside barriers and drivers for ST and initiatives for change. This report highlights the most common barrier and effective actions that would benefit a diverse range of people. Key questions have been reflected throughout the report, such as how age and gender impact the way people use ST. How do societal structures impact how different groups interact with ST? Can different actions or solutions be found by focusing on demographics? Ultimately, this report summarises some key areas that Otago University can focus on to expedite or improve sustainable transport for staff.\u0000Supervised by Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, Univerity of OtagoScholarship project funded by: Dunedin City Council","PeriodicalId":313856,"journal":{"name":"Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121896746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}