Sustainable Plastics: Solution or Illusion?

Join Surfrider Vancouver for an educational event and discussion with Dr. Love-Ese Chile, a sustainable plastic researcher based in Vancouver. Some of the topics that Dr. Chile will cover include:

• Why plastic? – The properties of plastics that make them so useful and widespread
• Problems with plastic – What we have now come to understand about plastics
• Zero waste and circular economy – Envisioning where we can go from here
• Status quo vs. sustainable plastics – Design tools and technology developed to support zero waste goals
• Value-chains and closing-the-loop – Connecting the dots through innovative business models, infrastructure and public policies

With the City of Vancouver’s upcoming ban on the distribution of plastic straws and polystyrene (foam) take-out containers and cups, it is important that business owners and consumers understand the properties of plastic alternatives before the ban is effective on June 1, 2019.