In Short:
– Methamphetamine is the most detected drug in Australian workplaces, appearing in over 50% of positive tests.
– As the holiday season approaches, increased socialising raises workplace drug use risks, urging managers to address these concerns proactively.

Australian workplaces are facing a growing challenge as methamphetamine continues to be the most commonly detected drug in employee testing. Glenn Dobson from The Drug Detection Agency reports that meth now accounts for over half of all positive results, fueled by its addictive nature and rising availability in the market.

Dobson notes that both frontline and corporate sectors are feeling the impact. The drug’s widespread presence has increased workplace risks and prompted many businesses to adopt regular testing protocols to protect staff safety and maintain productivity.

With the holiday season approaching, Dobson urges managers to engage employees early about the risks and responsibilities associated with drug use. Ensuring staff are well-informed about workplace policies and demonstrating commitment from leadership are key. He also recommends implementing return-to-work testing for employees after the holidays to maintain safety standards.

The Drug Detection Agency supports businesses by helping create effective policies, providing staff training, and offering guidance on testing protocols to address these challenges.

In Short:
– Yosef Farm in Israel grows organic crops using advanced water management despite harsh desert conditions.
– The farm exclusively sells produce, including cucumbers and tomatoes, to the Israeli organic market.

For thousands of years, it’s been a global human challenge – how to farm agriculture in dry, arid environments.

Yosef Farm in Southern Israel, is redefining desert agriculture with innovative organic farming methods. By employing advanced water management and leveraging ample sunlight, the farm successfully grows crops in a challenging climate while keeping pests at bay thanks to its remote location.

The farm specialises in cucumbers – baby, regular, and cornichon – grown in greenhouses during winter, along with fresh tomatoes. All produce is sold exclusively to Israel’s organic market, partnering with local shops and dealers to bring quality crops to consumers.

Human touch

Water efficiency is a cornerstone of Yosef Farm, using Mediterranean desalination facilities, drip irrigation, and high-pressure systems.

Founder Roey Yosef advocates for agricultural development in desert areas, encouraging others to consider desert farming and choose crops wisely.

He also explains the importance of readiness and resilience, drawing from his experiences responding to regional crises near the Gaza Strip.

On October 7, Roey was on his farm when word came through that there had ben an attack. As an army reservist, he instinctively knew how to respond, having his farm in the hands of his workers while he went to the border to protect his country.

Ahron Young traveled to Israel as a guest of the Foreign Ministry climate delegation.

In Short:
– HomeBiogas, founded in 2012, transforms food waste into cooking gas and fertiliser for over 30,000 households.
– The Bio-Toilet converts human waste into energy, promoting clean sanitation without polluting drinking water.

HomeBiogas, an innovative Israeli company based in Beit Yanai,  is transforming the way households manage waste and energy.

Co-founder Oshik Efrati told Ticker News how the system converts everyday food scraps into clean cooking gas and nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser, creating a circular, off-grid energy solution.

Established in 2012, the company set out to offer sustainable, accessible technology that empowers families to generate their own clean fuel.

Safer gas

Today, more than 30,000 homes around the world use HomeBiogas systems daily, with the mission to expand to one million households globally.

The product is fully developed, manufactured, and distributed by the company, ensuring quality and consistency. Many users report replacing smoky fireplaces or polluting cooking methods with the cleaner, safer gas produced by the system.

Their Bio-Toilet addresses the daily struggle faced by two billion people who live without proper sanitation infrastructure. This innovative solution transforms human waste into usable energy while maintaining an entirely ecological treatment process.

By turning organic waste into renewable energy, HomeBiogas offers an ecological solution that reduces landfill pressure and supports cleaner cooking practices. The company continues to innovate and scale, bringing practical sustainability into everyday life.