Pollution: Solve the problem with your passion

Every year Australian landfills deal with 20 million tonnes of waste. Over 100,000 marine mammals and 1,000,000 seabirds die from ingesting or getting entangled in plastic. More than 3,000 Australians die premature deaths from urban air pollution.

Humans create a lot of waste and it’s slowly choking our planet.

But your natural talents can help in some amazing ways.

Get creative

Waste is often out of sight, out of mind. The world needs creative people to spread the message about the effects of pollution. Photography can bring the problem of trash to people’s socials feeds, art can start conversations about waste, documentaries can shine a light on a world beyond our backyard. As a right-brain thinker you’re well-positioned to help solve the world’s pollution problem.

How UOW grads are getting the job done

• Digital media grad Artiso Risi is an award-winning photographer and conservationist: @aristorisi
• Visual arts grad Claire Foxton painted this mural for Sea Walls to highlight the plight of our Great Barrier Reef: @claire_foxton

Engineer a pollution solution

The world needs engineers. They don’t just build bridges and cars, they create solutions. Environmental engineers develop new ways to treat waste and rehabilitate mine sites. Materials engineers prevent waste through better product design. Civil engineers design water and sewerage systems. The opportunities in this field are endless.

How UOW grads are getting the job done

• Civil engineering student Vivian Nehme worked on the Team UOW Desert Rose house using recycled materials for its green wall.
• As part of his engineering degree, Matt McCann went to remote villages in Sri Lanka to see how they were dealing with issues such as waste management.

Use your love of science

A career as a scientist will put you right in the thick of it. Environmental scientists look at the impact humans are having on the natural environment and create solutions to problems, including waste and pollution. Marine scientists study the ocean and investigate the impact pollution is having on our marine environments. Conservation biologists work to minimise the impact humans have on their environment. It’s your research that will influence policy and strategies. If science is in your blood, you can have a real impact.

How UOW grads are getting the job done

• A UOW-led study will help in understanding and managing urban air pollution in Sydney's rapidly growing western suburbs.
• Environmental scientist Yasir Al Yazichi conducted research into sediment pollution in the Georges River and Port Hacking.

Harness your power of persuasion

The ability to influence others is a game-changer when it comes to curbing our pollution habits. As a lawyer you could be you reviewing and creating environmental legislation to reduce pollution. A communications career with a background in psychology will allow you to influence consumer behaviour through marketing campaigns. As a journalist you can digest complex issues and communicate them to a huge audience. Use your power for the good of the world.

How this UOW grad is getting the job done

These examples are just the start. We’re sure you can find many more.

If you want a make a difference in the fight against pollution, but feel your talents and skills lie elsewhere, look for ways to combine the two. It’s here you’ll find a purposeful, rewarding career. It’s here you’ll find your why.