Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 145 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-116).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-176). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1996. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-108).

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-90).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 64-66).

M.Sc., Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, 2011 / There has been a genuine problem with plastic carrier bags (PCBs) pollution since the 1970’s. A literature review revealed that very few scientific studies have been undertaken globally on PCB. The South African Government promulgated regulations to reduce numbers, encourage reuse and recycling of plastic bags in 2003. The regulations introduced a charge for PCBs. This study looked at the handling and disposal of PCB after 2003 in Gauteng Province, South Africa; and looked at the movement of PCB from major retailers and informal traders to consumers and recycling and recovery. The study excluded the manufacturers and distributors of PCB. It began with the retailers and informal traders being the source of PCB and extended to consumers during their grocery shopping in large retail stores and purchases from informal traders. The study also looked at the individual waste collectors operating in landfill sites, residential and industrial areas to establish the level of recycling of PCB. Buyisa-e-Bag (B-e-B) was at the end of the collection of PCB pathway where it was supposed to provide leadership in the recovery of the bags. Semi-structured interviews were used to collate data on recycling approach with specific focus on PCB and understanding of the legislation. A total of one hundred consumers were interviewed in the shopping malls. Consumers did not know much about the regulations hence they could not explain the reason they have to pay for PCB. Ninety one percent of consumers did not reuse bags for shopping and 68% reused PCB at home to store waste before it is disposed of. Eighty informal traders were interviewed: all indicated that they did not charge for PCB. Forty chain supermarkets managers were interviewed from the shopping centres covered by the study. The retailers were affected by the PCB regulations; they reduced the number of grocery packers and increased security to prevent theft. Nevertheless, they complied with the regulations by selling only the thick bags. Twenty landfill and recycling facilities managers formed part of the study. All landfill managers encouraged general waste recycling to prolong lifespan of the site. Fifty individual recyclers were interviewed in the landfill sites, recycling facilities and on the road side while pushing their trolleys. They found it economically impractical to collect PCBs. Awareness of plastic litter has increased and less is visible though this was not measured. Legal compliance with regulations and specifications needed to be actively driven by all the relevant parties. PCBs are fully recyclable; hence more public awareness is required aimed at preventing the contamination of bags which deters re-claimers from collecting them. B-e-B has not met most of the objectives of their formation and has since been placed under administration by DEAT. Inadequate communication and collective bargaining between the key role parties resulted in the delays in getting the recycling projects off the ground. Major retailers complied with the Government regulations. Informal traders and consumers were generally unaware of regulations and consequences of PCB use. Consumers bought new PCB and in most cases, failed to reuse them for shopping. Recycling of PCBs is not carried out effectively as it is not economically worthwhile. This requires further research to explore the potential uses of PCBs at the end of their lifecycle

The project undertaken was aimed at extending a current craft based jewellery practice. Related by structure and materiality, the research sought to develop exploratory shapes as low seating objects to exist within small scale living spaces and studio apartments. Signaling an increased conscious way of thinking and working, a reflective process examining each form as series, provided an incremental creative strategy. The availability of discarded materials suggested possibilities for a sustainable cost effective option as a mode of contemporary practice. This combined approach was considered impact negative, diffusing global waste, and impact positive providing valid alternatives through functional and aesthetic objects. At present waste materials exist as products are still designed and made on the basis of planned obsolescence, thus an exploitation and escalation of global resources and resultant hazardous outcomes continues. Citing selected writings by Victor Papanek, (1992), and Edwin Datschefski, (2006) provided an understanding of the misuse high impact advanced technologies imposes on the environment. These notions were discussed during the project and in relation to contemporary models of practice which currently use discarded materials to make objects for living. Based on a survey observing the local homewares and furniture industries within Sydney, Australia, and recent published material, a niche market was discovered for challenging conventions of low seating objects. Initial sketches were transformed into marquettes then developed into full size prototypes of multi functional forms. a series of forms were scaled up, made of discarded materials using simple hand crafted processes and minimal production methods. As a reference influences included architects, sculptors and craft practitioners who were examined particularly for their use of discarded materials or for their construction methods. During experimental studies visual source material drew upon an observation and analysis of architecture, skeletal structures and land formations. In an exhibition originally titled, "Be Seated", these forms made as initial prototypes were exhibited at Kudos Gallery, Sydney, Australia, during May 2007. They were later refined and renamed as "Low Life" for a group exhibition "Contained" held at Kudos Gallery during 2008.

Bibliography : leaves 60-65

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 162-174).