The EU aims to transform the way plastics and plastics products are designed, used and recycled. There are actions planned on several fronts – improving plastic recycling, curbing waste and littering, encouraging innovation and promoting global action. However, for these plans to work, we need effective waste management infrastructures, coupled with strong engagement and cooperation with the public and society in general.
This interactive webinar will facilitate discussion between an expert panel and a live international audience, addressing a range of questions including:
- How are biodegradable plastics perceived, understood and used by consumers and other sectors of society?
- How can communication, education and labelling help support the appropriate use, management and disposal of biodegradable plastics?
- What market-based initiatives and policy options can help us achieve the necessary awareness and behaviour change to prevent biodegradable plastics that are designed for managed waste such as composting, instead ending up in the open environment?
Speakers
- Professor Wouter Poortinga, Professor of Environmental Psychology, Cardiff University, Member of the SAPEA Working Group
- Shane Timmons, the Behavioural Research Unit, Economic & Social Research Institute
- Professor Tatiana Filatova, TU Delft, Member of the SAPEA Working Group
- Professor Klaus Menrad, Professor of Marketing and Management of Biogenic Resources, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf
- Professor Sabine Pahl, Professor of Urban and Environmental Psychology, University of Vienna
- Dr Liam Carr, Lecturer & Programme Coordinator, NUI Galway
- Silvia Forni, Policy Officer, European Commission Directorate-General for Environment
- Samantha Fahy, Sustainability Manager, Dublin City University
We will also be showcasing the work of artist and printmaker, Heather Nunn. Through her work, she expresses her passion for the environment whilst challenging the imbalances between modern society and nature.
This event followed the publication of a SAPEA evidence review report “Biodegradability of plastics in the open environment” and a Scientific Opinion by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors of the same title and is co-organised with the Royal Irish Academy