Please join us and register for the second biweekly Plastic Pollution Analysis and Sustainability Solutions (PPASS) network seminar series.
This March 3rd, 2023, from 10 to 11 am, Professor Bourtsalas will present “The Plastics Paradox: Balancing Convenience with Environmental Responsibility”. This meeting series will be hybrid, in-person in Uris Hall, Room 307, and on zoom.
The Plastics Paradox: Balancing Convenience with Environmental Responsibility
A.C.(Thanos) Bourtsalas
https://people.climate.columbia.edu/users/profile/thanos-bourtsalas
Abstract
This presentation will discuss the global environmental challenge of plastic waste management, highlighting the life cycle impacts of plastic waste, economic and policy implications, and the importance of sustainable waste management practices. It will also address the issue of plastic waste exports, emphasizing the environmental and social problems that arise when developed countries export their plastic waste to developing countries.
Approaches to sustainable plastic waste management, such as green economy and circular economy policies, will be discussed. It is argued that implementing these concepts in tandem, through a systemic approach that includes design principles and process integration, would ensure resource efficiency and sustainability.
The presentation will also acknowledge the critical role that plastic materials play in economic development. While it is essential to address the environmental impact of plastic waste, it's crucial to balance economic benefits with sustainable waste management practices. The presentation will emphasize the need to achieve this balance, leading to both environmental and economic benefits.
The goal of the presentation is to raise awareness of the impacts of plastic waste, promote sustainable waste management practices, and highlight the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability.
