Sep 21, 2017

Seminar: Plastics Producers Solutions on Marine Litter

Presented by Stewart Harris - Director, Marine and Environmental Stewardship, Plastics Division at the American Chemistry Council

When: Thursday, October 5, 2017  12-1 PM CDT

Where:  Illinois Sustainable Technology Center - 1 E Hazelwood Dr. Champaign, IL 61820

There is free parking in the circle drive, bike parking, or the Yellow bus stops one block from ISTC. Feel free to bring your lunch.

 
 
 
American Chemical Council Logo 
 

A 2015 study published in Science estimated that 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually, with the origin of marine litter closely related to populations concentrated near oceans and the quality of waste management systems. Although research shows the environmental cost of using plastics is nearly four times less than the cost that would result if plastics were replaced with other materials in certain applications, marine litter is still a big impact on the environment and must be reduced. In March 2011, leaders from 47 plastics associations across the globe launched a Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter, a public commitment to help tackle the global problem of plastic litter in the marine environment. These industry leaders identified six areas for initiatives aimed at contributing to sustainable solutions: education, research, public policy, sharing best practices, plastics recycling/recovery, and plastic pellet containment. By December 2015, 260 projects had been planned, were underway, or completed. The projects vary widely, from enhanced recycling to beach clean ups, and from global research to awareness and education campaigns; and include examples of innovative approaches to private sector engagement.

 
Stewart Harris 
 

Biography:  Stewart Harris is the Director of Marine and Environmental Stewardship at the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Plastics Division where he manages ACC's Marine Debris program. He is also Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the plastics industry's Global Action Team, which implements the Declaration of the Global Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter. As part of the Global Declaration, 69 signatories from 35 countries have implemented over 260 projects addressing marine litter since 2011. Stewart has a Master of Science in Marine‐Estuarine Environmental Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University.

 
 
 

Can't attend in person? Register to view the seminar online.