On a crisp Tuesday evening, Swindon Science Café welcomed a full house to its first event of the year at the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub. Professor Matthew Davidson, Executive Director of Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change and a leading expert in sustainable chemical technologies, delivered a compelling talk on how chemistry, alongside other innovative approaches, is unlocking solutions to the growing global challenge of plastic pollution.
The evening began with a brief introduction to the indispensable role plastics play in modern life, from preserving food and medicine to enabling lightweight transportation and critical medical devices. Yet, as Professor Davidson highlighted, this convenience comes at a steep environmental cost. With current plastics heavily reliant on fossil resources and contributing significantly to pollution, he stressed the urgent need for innovative alternatives.
Taking a multifaceted approach
Central to the discussion was an exploration of the diverse strategies for tackling plastic pollution. These ranged from using bio-based feedstocks to advancing mechanical and chemical recycling processes, as well as designing plastic products for easier disassembly and reuse within a circular economy.
The conclusion was clear: no single approach can address the complex challenge of plastic pollution. Instead, meaningful progress requires a multifaceted effort, combining shifts in consumer behaviour, the adoption of circular economy principles, and continued technological innovation, including a carefully considered role for fossil fuels in the transition to sustainable solutions.
The session was both thought-provoking and inspiring, with lively discussions as attendees posed questions about practical applications, industry collaboration, and the feasibility of widespread adoption of these sustainable solutions. True to the ethos of the Swindon Science Café, the event fostered an atmosphere of friendly dialogue, encouraging curious minds to engage deeply with the topic over a drink.
Organised in partnership with iCAST, Royal Agricultural University Swindon, Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, and the Festival of Tomorrow, the Swindon Science Café continues to bring cutting-edge research and innovative ideas to the heart of the community.
Should we be using real or fake Christmas trees?
As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed understanding of the multifaceted approaches required to create a more sustainable future, including the critical roles of chemistry, circular economy principles, and technological innovation. They also gained surprising insights into a festive debate: whether real Christmas trees are more sustainable than artificial ones. The answer, it turns out, is far from straightforward. While real trees may have a lower environmental impact in the short term, the lifetime carbon footprint of an artificial tree is comparable to that of a cremated real tree.
Adding to the perspective, it was revealed that the carbon footprint of a single bar of chocolate exceeds that of a real Christmas tree, sparking thoughtful reflection on the broader implications of everyday choices.
To find out about upcoming Science Café events, sign up for updates on the Festival of Tomorrow website and follow us on social media.
Here’s a preview of planned events for the next two months:
- 4 February 2025: Is hydrogen the fuel of the future? with William Mezzullo, Centrica
- 4 March 2025: Ocean Climate Solutions? with Dr Philippe Blondel, University of Bath