What Our Stuff Is Made Of - and Why It Matters

In this talk, Izzi brings the idea of a circular economy to life by looking inside the everyday electrical items we all rely on. She will explores the important materials they contain, why throwing them away is such a loss, and how re‑use, repair and recycling can help protect resources, reduce waste and build a more sustainable future, starting with the choices we make every day.

Izzi is a Policy Adviser at the Royal Society of Chemistry, where she leads work on the circular economy. Her work includes a focus on critical and foundation materials, and the growing challenge of electronic waste. She recently completed an MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change, researching how people in the UK use, store and dispose of electronic items, and the reasons behind those choices.

In this talk, Stephanie will discuss the problems posed by PFAS 'forever chemicals.' PFAS are a group of substances that have been widely used due to their useful properties such as heat, water, oil, and stain resistance, but their durability can also cause unintended consequences for human and environmental health. We will explore how PFAS are used, why scientists are concerned about them, what government is doing about it, and how you can help to raise awareness and inspire a shift to safer and more sustainable chemical use.

Stephanie is a Policy Advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry and works on sustainable chemicals policy. Her background in policy and economics helps bridge the gap between science and policy on complex questions about chemicals, waste, and pollution. Her current work is focused on PFAS risk management, UK chemicals strategy, and international action on pollution at the UNEP.