Professor Theresa Marteau, behavioural scientist and Director of the Behaviour and Health Research Unit (BHRU) at the University of Cambridge, will join experts from retail, the waste and chemical industries, the public sector and academia on a new Scottish Government panel tackling plastic pollution, the Expert Panel on Environmental Charges and Other Measures. Electoral Commissioner Dame Sue Bruce will chair the panel.
The panel will provide advice to Scottish Ministers on charges or other measures which may be adopted in Scotland, within devolved competence. The goal is to encourage the long-term and sustainable changes in consumer and producer behaviour required to move to a circular economy. To fulfil this remit, the group will have an initial working life of two years, over which time it will deliver a rolling programme of advice on a set of priority items, starting initially with disposable cups and plastic straws
Other members include economist Professor Liam Delaney, Mike Barry, the director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer, Roger Kilburn from the biotech and chemical industry, Professor Margret Bates from the waste industry and Professor Aileen McHarg bringing legal expertise.
SEPA chief executive Terry Ahern, Zero Waste Scotland chief executive Iain Gulland and disability advisor Professor Kate Sang will also sit on the group and the 2050 Climate Group has confirmed one of its members will be appointed to represent young people.
Dame Bruce said:
“Not one of us can have failed to be shocked by the coverage in recent months of the state of plastic pollution on our land and in our seas. While these might be global issues, action can be taken by all of us much closer to home. The panel will be asking questions about what we can do together in Scotland – as consumers, communities, producers, retailers and government – to radically change our attitudes and our use of single-use items.”
Learn more
About Professor Theresa Marteau
Resources for public health and primary care researchers interested in influencing policy