Solutions to Plastics

Solutions to Plastics addresses the compelling problem of global plastic pollution. Plastic products are very cheap to make from petroleum but extremely difficult to extract from waste streams. 90% of plastics discharged by waterways come from only ten rivers, two of them in Africa and the rest in Asia. Different types of plastics cannot necessarily be recycled together. There is great value for global society from improving recycling in addition to reducing waste.

The overall purpose of the Solutions to Plastics conference is reflected in the title: to contribute to cooperative engagement and increased understanding across the institutions of the scientific community, government, business, education and empowered citizens and civil society.

9:00 am Welcome
Nancy Guerra, Dean, School of Social Ecology

9:10 am -10:40 am
Defining the Problem and Its Underlying Science

10:40 am -11:00 am
Identifying a Framework for Solutions to the Plastic Problem

11:20 am-12:20 pm
Investing in Zero Waste Cities

1:30 pm-2:50 pm
Companies Turn the Tide

2:50 pm-3:40 pm
Government Set the Standard

4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Changing the Narrative and Culture of Using Plastic

5:00 pm-5:30 pm
Next Steps: Imperatives for Action

This event is free and open to campus and community.