Putting Plastic Waste to Good Use: Building a sustainable relationship

Free public event 

Monday 22 July, 5-7pm (5.30pm start), The Capitol, Melbourne  

Plastic use is expected to double by 2040, making it imperative that we collectively address the global issue of plastic pollution.  

It’s time to rethink our relationship with plastic, and you’re invited!  

“Putting Plastic Waste to Good Use” is where we say ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to plastic waste and ‘hello’ to a world of innovative, sustainable solutions. 

As we turn the page on our relationship with plastic, the time is now to revolutionise plastic waste into wealth.

We’re not just changing an old single-use habit; we’re setting sail on a voyage towards a cleaner, greener horizon! 

This event invites you to explore better ways to recycle, sustainable alternatives and a world where science and tech is transforming plastic waste - think insects and enzymes!  

Hosted by TV presenter and author Adam Spencer, our speakers will delve into challenges, opportunities, and your role in creating real change. 

Join us for an evening of inspiring talks, conversations, and creative activities.   

 Speakers

• Host: Adam Spencer, comedian and author
• Rebecca Prince Ruiz, Plastic Free July
  
• Lara Barclay, Recycle Mate App
  
• Deborah Lau, Ending Plastic Waste Mission, CSIRO
• Professor Xavier Mulet, Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Fabrication Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT
• Professor Lisa Given, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT 

Agenda

• 5.00pm: Lobby opens with demonstrations, showcases
• 5.30pm: Welcome and light show  
• 5.35pm: Acknowledgment of Country  
• 5.40pm: Opening remarks by Host, Adam Spencer
• 5.45pm: Panel presentations  
• 6.10pm: Panel discussion, featuring live audience questions 
• 6.55pm: Closing remarks 

About the event 

This event is being hosted by RMIT’s Enabling Impact Platforms, the Solving Plastic Waste CRC and CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. 

Held during Plastic Free July, a global movement to reduce single-use plastics, and leading up to the Ending Plastic Waste Symposium in August 2024, this event is a crucial part of the conversation.  

Speakers  

Adam Spencer 

TV and radio presenter, and author  

Adam is a witty and engaging event host and speaker with a strong focus on AI and tech. He’s all about growing knowledge and getting conversations started! With a passion for exploring how technology can help us confront the defining problems of our era, especially the need for a sustainable society, Adam brings a unique perspective on integrating environmental sustainability into the discourse of innovation and progress. 

Rebecca Prince-Ruiz

Founder of Plastic Free July 

Rebecca Prince-Ruiz is the founder of Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Thirteen years ago, Rebecca became concerned by the amount of plastics going into landfill and encouraged her family to go plastic-free for the month of July. Her idea is now a global initiative, with hundreds of millions of people participating worldwide.

Lara Barclay
Recycle Mate App 

Lara Barclay is the founder and Director of Adaptation Environmental Support, a specialist environmental consultancy. She has over 20 years’ experience driving sustainable change across the private sector, government and the community.
Adaptation has partnered with the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) to deliver Recycle Mate - a first of its kind recycling education program which revolutionizes the delivery of recycling information to the Australian community.

Deborah Lau

Ending Plastic Waste Mission, CSIRO

Deborah Lau leads CSIRO's Ending Plastic Waste mission which is the national catalyst for systemic change to tackle plastic pollution. Working across the entire plastics supply chain, the mission supports government, industry and community initiatives to eliminate litter and divert plastic waste into a sustainable resource that builds Australia’s circular economy. Deborah has experience in developing innovation strategy, leading multidisciplinary research groups and delivering scientific outcomes with expertise in managing large scale operations, capability and research portfolios and is deeply committed to the transition from ideas and scientific knowledge into practical solutions.

Xavier Mulet
RMIT; Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Fabrication Enabling Impact Platform

Xavier Mulet is currently the Director of one of RMIT’s Enabling Impact Platform in Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Fabrication. He has led research teams and projects with a focus on developing and translating advanced materials for Energy and Environmental applications. Xavier is passionate about the application of cutting-edge innovation to solve complex problems, from the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, recycling solar panels and making electricity from waste heat. In his role as EIP director he is working with researchers, partners and communities to ensure that innovation transforms the way we use advanced materials and manufacturing with positive environmental impact.

Professor Lisa Given 

RMIT; Social Change Enabling Impact Platform 

Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform & Professor of Information Sciences

Lisa is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a past President of the Association for Information Science and Technology. Lisa’s interdisciplinary research in human information behaviour brings a critical, social research lens to studies of technology use and user-focused design. Her studies embed social change, focusing on diverse settings and populations, and methodological innovations across disciplines.

RMIT’s Enabling Impact Platforms, the Solving Plastic Waste CRC and CSIRO