Join your Students Association and OU experts for a fascinating panel discussion on plastics. The event is taking place on Earth Day (22 April), and this year the theme is Planet vs. Plastics. Find out more about Earth Day at earthday.org.
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The panellists are:
Dr Simon Collinson, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, who will talk on the topic 'It’s a plastic world & we need innovative science'. The talk will cover how plastics help society but we need better waste management, and to use plastics within a circular economy. He will also discuss some recent research into recycling and making renewable sustainable plastics.
Dr Carl Boardman, Lecturer in Energy and Environmental Sciences. Carl will be speaking on his research at the OU on the environmental impact of materials (e.g. plastics) and waste management processes. He will look at the role of taxation in changing behaviour, drawing on his work with DEFRA on the carrier bag tax. He’ll finish by showcasing the OU’s Post Graduate qualification in Environmental Management.
Lucy Deans, who works for the library at the Open University, and is an expert in plastic pollution. Lucy's talk will be on 'Plastic Pollution in the Red Sea – Egypt', looking at the problem, its' impact on people and the environment and what needs to be done. Lucy completed an 8 month placement in Egypt studying plastic pollution with the Open Ocean Science Centre, whilst studying towards an Animal Conservation Science degree at the University of Cumbria.
Panel Chair, Lou Robinson (VP Engagement and Co-Chair of the Association's Environmental and Sustainability Working Group) will lead the discussion, with short talks from panellists on their research followed by opportunities to ask questions. There will be a short break in the middle of the session.
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Please note that this session will be recorded for use on our website and YouTube channel and by attending you agree to this. If you don't want to be in the recording, please use the chat box rather than your microphone (cameras will be automatically turned off for attendees).
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