It’s a startling, sobering statistic; that in the first ten years of the 21st century, more plastic has been produced than during the entire 20th century. This useful, adaptable material has become a mainstay of the modern world. But plastic waste can be found everywhere from the bottom of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks. For ZWC 2017 speaker Richard C. Thompson, the benefits plastic can offer are undisputed. However, he’s committed to helping the world understand plastics come with a cost that cannot be overlooked.
Understanding the Impact of Plastic
Richard Thompson is Professor of Marine Biology and Associate Dean, Research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Plymouth University. Much of Professor Thompson’s work over the last decade has focused on marine debris, with numerous publications and significant research funding on the topic. Thompson’s extensive academic work on marine debris and the impact of plastic on our natural environment has made him an in-demand source of expertise for global leaders from G7 countries, the United Nations, and numerous science organizations including The Royal Society. From the effects of plastic litter ingested by wildlife, to its chemical impacts on the human body, Thompson’s work tackles the complex economic, social, and environmental factors that accompany our ever-growing use of this ubiquitous material.
Plastic – from Waste to Resource
Recognizing the vital role of plastic in areas such as medicine and technology, while offering a timely warning regarding its continuing impacts on the natural world, landfills, and human health, Thompson’s nuanced perspective will give Zero Waste Conference attendees much food for thought and a greater understanding of the specific challenges industry, governments, and consumers must address to lessen the negative impacts of plastic debris. Of particular interest will be his thoughts regarding the confluence of plastics recycling and reuse and the principles of the circular economy.
New Solutions for a Modern Material
Plastic is a part of all our lives. There’s no escaping that fact. But does it have to come with such a heavy environmental cost? Thompson’s presentation will give you a new understanding of its role in our world and the ways we can address its negative impacts. We are delighted to have Professor Thompson speak at the Metro Vancouver 2017 Zero Waste Conference and hope you will join us to learn more about the issue and Thompson’s assessment of the strategies and tactics he thinks can have the greatest impacts in reducing plastic waste.
Register Today!
The 2017 Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Conference will be held on Nov. 1, 2017 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This year’s theme is A Circular Economy Within Reach. Stay abreast of the latest conference news as we finalize what is shaping up to be an exciting list of speakers, panels, and presentations. Subscribe to this blog (sign up window at right) for regular updates about the 2017 conference and informative highlights from last year’s event. If the shift to a circular economy and zero waste thinking is going to impact your sector, you need to stay informed about the latest developments and Metro Vancouver’s 2017 Zero Waste Conference on Nov. 1st is a day you need to set aside. We look forward to seeing you! Register Now
Do you have a reference for this statistic? “in the first ten years of the 21st century, more plastic has been produced than during the entire 20th century.”
Thanks!
J
Thanks for your interest. You can learn more about plastics production by accessing the study from which a number of recent media reports have excerpted that statistic. Here is the relevant link: http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782.full