Welcome to Episode 41 of Rubbish Talk this week, we are thrilled to have Anna Klos as our special guest. Anna’s extensive experience and passion for the environment make her a standout figure in the waste management industry.
Anna’s journey in the waste management sector has been nothing short of diverse and inspiring. From starting her career in a cash recycling centre to holding managerial positions in the waste industry, Anna has amassed a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s daily challenges and demands. Her career trajectory took a fortunate turn when she chose to analyse metals for a waste company rather than join the cosmetics industry— a decision she has never regretted.
Anna’s passion for the environment sparked at a very young age and has fuelled her dedication to ensuring quality, safety, and compliance in all operations. This lifelong commitment is evident in her professional and personal growth, valuing education and continuous improvement. She attributes her rebellious spirit and innovative thinking to the early influence of mentors who taught her how to think independently.
Currently working independently, as a Waste Consultant, Anna’s first collaboration was with us at Albion. Her interest in providing CIWM (WAMITAB) Qualifications stems from her belief in the need for more competent assessors. Anna is determined to offer positive, supportive guidance to those pursuing these qualifications. Her role in offering CoTC (Certificate of Technical Competence) cover across various sites showcases her vast experience and willingness to assist others in the industry.
Anna’s passion for CIWM (WAMITAB) qualifications is matched by her aspiration to delve into training. She firmly believes in passing on her knowledge to others, fostering a more educated and efficient workforce in the waste industry. Her vision for a cleaner environment is deeply influenced by her upbringing in Poland, where cleanliness and anti-littering education are ingrained from a young age. Anna advocates for similar educational practices worldwide, believing that early education is key to environmental stewardship.
To the younger generation, Anna offers valuable advice: Get trained up and apply yourself, as there is immense potential and countless opportunities in the waste industry. Her message is clear—education and dedication can unlock a rewarding and impactful career in this vital sector.
Useful Links
Connect with Anna on Linked In
Environmental News Updates
Following the recent UK Election, Labour leader Keir Starmer has appointed Steve Reed OBE MP as the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This move comes amid speculation about the party’s priorities concerning environmental issues, particularly waste and resources management. Labour’s manifesto, while emphasizing a commitment to transitioning to a circular economy, made scant mention of specific recycling initiatives. However, Steve Reed has expressed interest in emulating the recycling successes of the Labour administration in Wales, signalling a potential area of focus during his tenure.
To delve deeper into the nuances of environmental policy and recycling, revisit our Episode 36 featuring Louise Cowan, Director of the Climate Team at Local Partnerships.
Scientists are turning rhinos radioactive to help beat poachers
There are five species of rhinoceros in the world – black, white, Indian, Javan and Sumatran. All are under threat from poaching, with some critically endangered.
Why? Their horns. The rhinos’ most distinctive feature is also sought after in Asian medicine, where it is ground up and used to treat everything from hangovers to cancer – with no scientific proof to suggest it works at all.
Now however, scientists in South Africa have come up with a radical new solution – radioactive rhinos. A team from the University of Witwatersrand has begun implanting tiny radioactive chips in the animals’ horns– a move described by one conservationist as ‘the best idea I’ve ever seen’. Professor Nithaya Chetty, dean of science at the university, said the radioactive material would ‘render the horn useless… essentially poisonous for human consumption’.
Tents are the new single-use plastic – could cardboard be the answer?
A shocking survey has revealed that 70% of people who boughta tent in the past five years have abandoned or binned it, while more than halfof people have used it only once. In fact, an estimated 250,000 nylon orpolyester tents are abandoned each year – making camping equipment the newsingle-use plastic.
The sea of leftover tents at festivals across the world (and up Mount Everest) shows there is a big problem here, but one entrepreneur thinks she may have found a surprising solution, Cardboard tents.
Tayla Evans, 21, developed her cardboard creation, called EnviroTent, to help tackle the issue of ‘tent trash’. The two-person tent is made of a water-resistant cardboard that can still be recycled, because it has no special coatings – just fewer surface holes.
TRNSMT festival fans face ban on single-use vapes
Scotland’s biggest music festival will search fans for single-use vapes as part of a push to improve sustainability.
TRNSMT will return to Glasgow Green this weekend, with Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon and Calvin Harris all set to headline. The vape ban was in place last year, but organisers have stepped up efforts to stop the disposable pens from littering the sight.
Festival director Geoff Ellis said he hoped those who attend the three-day event “only leave footprints” when the site is packed up. As well as single-use vapes, concertgoers will be banned from taking in flags, glass and selfie sticks.
Albion News
Our 2024 BSI Audit is officially complete and we’ve passed!
Last week at Albion Environmental, Mark Cassidy conducted our three-year BSI accreditation visit, and we are thrilled to announce our success. A special thank you to Mark for your time; it was a pleasure having you at Albion House and out on site.
A big shoutout to Yas Watson for organising everything so seamlessly. Your hard work and dedication made this possible!
Well done, Team Albion, for your continued efforts and commitment throughout the year and during the audit.
Congratulations to Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability Department!
Albion would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all those who completed the “Principles of Sustainable Resource Management SCQF Level 5” award. The dedication and level of engagement throughout the award was truly impressive and it was a privilege to attend the presentation to see everyone receive certification after all their hard work.
To discuss your requirements please contact:
kirstie@albion-environmental.co.uk
Upcoming Training Courses!
2Day REHIS Course – REHIS Working with Waste Management Legislation
Tuesday 13th August – Wednesday 14th August
1 Day HWRC Course – Household Waste Recycling Centre Operators Course
Thursday 29th August 2024
Soil Waste Classification Course
Thursday 5th September 2024
Thursday 26th September 2024
Have you had a look at our Tik Tok Account yet?
We have recently introduced a fortnightly video called “Meet the Team Monday” where we interview our staff and to find out their job roles, favourite part about their job, favourite/funny memory and a “which colleague is most likely to…” question to add some humour. Make sure to follow us and check out our videos.
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