One Planetary Health Symposium 2024

One Planetary Health Symposium

Microplastics: Impact on Health and Innovative Solutions

Thursday November 21, 2024

In collaboration with ARTIS, Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF) is organizing the One Planetary Health Symposium for the first time, where affiliated scientists will present their research and findings on the dangers of (micro- and nano)plastics for our health, ecosystems and planet. At the same time, we will offer a platform to companies that already offer solutions as an alternative to plastic. We will also enter into discussions to inspire, challenge and especially motivate each other to excel in ‘system change’.

Together we strive for systemic change and solutions that make a difference.

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Program

13.00	Welcome, reception coffee/tea
13.30	Opening; chairman of the day Joep Stassen introduced: Maria Westerbos, Director Plastic Soup Foundation Rembrandt Sutorius, ARTIS Director Anouk Rutten, COO Van Doorne Advocaten
13.45	Jeroen Dagevos, Head of Programs PSF Presentation 'Update PSF research & projects' Q&A olv chairman of the day
14.00	Heather Leslie PhD, Heather Leslie Projects, independent scientist, consultant Presentation '(Micro)plastic pollution - What do we know and what do we do with it?' Q&A olv chairman of the day
14.25	Professor dr. Barbro Melgert, Professor of Respiratory Immunology, RUG Presentation 'Fashion and health: the hidden dangers of synthetic clothing' Q&A olv chairman of the day
14.50	Break, Coffee/Tea
15.20	Mies Ligtenberg, Senior Advisor Sustainable Investing, A.S.R. Asset Management Irene Hofmeijer, Partner, Earth Action Presentation 'Plastic Footprint; a roadmap to plastic-free investing' Q&A olv chairman of the day
15.45	Hoa Doan, Head of Impact and Sustainability at Notpla UK Presentation 'Seaweed-based Packaging to End Single-Use Plastic' (Engelstalig) Q&A olv chairman of the day
16.10	Professor dr. Diederik Gommers, Intensive Care Medicine, Erasmus MC Presentation 'Why do we use so much plastic in healthcare?' Q&A olv chairman of the day
16.35	Break
16.45	Summary conclusions & actions,dialogue olv Joep Stassen
17.00	In memory: Prof. dr. Dick Vethaak
17.04	Closing Rembrandt Sutorius, Director ARTIS and Maria Westerbos, Director PSF
17.07	Drinks & Bites
18.00	Optional visit to ARTIS museums: ARTIS-Micropia or ARTIS-Groote Museum
19.00	End

Location: ARTIS-Groote Museum, Amsterdam

Questions? Interested in attending as a guest?

Please send an email to symposium@plasticsoupfoundation.org

Date: Thursday 21 November 2024

Location: ARTIS-Groote Museum
Plantage Middenlaan 41 in Amsterdam Google maps

Frequently asked questions

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The latest research

Leading scientists present their research, findings and vision on the dangers of micro- and nanoplastics for our planet and our health.

Inspiring solutions

Companies that offer inspiring alternatives and solutions are given a platform to present their innovations.

Network & dialogue

A platform for dialogue: how can we collectively realize system change to reduce the impact of plastic pollution?

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Prof. dr. Barbro Melgert

University of Groningen

Prof. Dr. Barbro Melgert is a lung researcher at the University of Groningen. She studies how our lungs interact with the environment, especially airborne pollutants. Her focus here includes how synthetic fibers in our clothing can affect our lung health and the effects of these fibers on chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. Prof. Dr. Barbro Melgert looks for solutions that put the health of our lungs first.

Prof. Melgert's team is studying how immune cells and lung cells work together to control inhaled pollutants, using models that mimic human lungs. They have found that small synthetic clothing fibers, such as nylon and polyester, can impede the repair of lung tissue, which could cause breathing problems. Prof. Melgert's work is important for anyone interested in sustainable alternatives to plastic. By understanding how these materials affect our health, we can make better choices for ourselves and the planet.

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Heather Leslie, PhD

Scientist, consultant and speaker, Dr. Heather Leslie is best known for her research that first demonstrated plastic particles in the human bloodstream. For more than 20 years, she has researched chemical and toxicological aspects of plastic and chemical pollution at home and abroad. Her research stems from her deep interest in building a new way of doing things so that our “stuff” no longer poses a risk to people and the environment.

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Prof. Dr. Diederik Gommers

Diederik Gommers has been an intensivist and working at Erasmus MC since 2005. In 2014, Gommers was appointed extraordinary professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam with the teaching assignment of intensive care medicine. He was chairman of the NVIC for 6 years and the last 2 years were special because of his active involvement in dealing with the Corona crisis and participated in the Outbreak Management Team advising the Rutte cabinet. Now he is concerned with the “ICU of the future” where healthcare professionals enjoy working and are optimally supported by data and technology without losing sight of the human touch

Hoa Doan

Head of Impact & Sustainability, NOTPLA UK

Hoa is a climate policy expert with experience in consulting, public sectors (KPMG, NHS and No10 Downing Street) and entrepreneurship. She has advised and worked closely with large corporations, governments and startups on a wide range of energy and climate-related topics. Hoa was shortlisted for the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Social Impact category for her contribution to the UK climate policy agenda. Some of her work includes developing the Net Zero Plan for the UK National Health Service (the fifth largest employer in the world) for COP26, making it the first national health service to commit to a net zero target. She then joined the Prime Minister’s Office in Downing Street to oversee delivery of decarbonisation programs across the building and transport sectors, a portfolio worth over £7 billion.

Hoa is currently the Head of Impact and Sustainability at Notpla, an UK-startup that won The Earthshot Prize for its plastic-free consumer packaging products made from seaweed and plants. She is also on the board of trustees for Climate Ed, a London-based climate education charity.

Mies Ligtenberg

Senior Sustainable Investment Advisor, ASR Asset Management

Mies Ligtenberg (32) is part of the ESG team of a.s.r. asset management and thus co-responsible for the sustainable investment policy of insurer a.s.r. Mies has more than 8 years of experience in the (sustainable) financial and pension sector and was the pension advisor of the Plastic Soup Foundation in another position a few years ago.

Last year she successfully completed the 3-year RBA (Registered Investment Analyst) course at VU, TIAS and Neyenrode. Within a.s.r. she focuses on impact investing and various themes including plastic. Together with the Plastic Soup Foundation and Earth Action, she is now working on a methodology to map the plastic footprint of an investment portfolio.

Irene Hofmeijer

Partner Earth Action

Irene is an interdisciplinary sustainability expert dedicated to solving complex environmental challenges. Passionate about advocating for solutions to end plastic pollution, her experience spans community research, public environmental agencies, and corporate sustainability.

Rembrandt Sutorius

ARTIS-director

Rembrandt Sutorius is director of ARTIS. This makes him the eighth director of the Natura ARTIS Magistra zoo. He previously studied International Economics at the University of Groningen and International Relations in Córdoba, Argentina. After 2 years in central government and 10 years at McKinsey & Company, Sutorius succeeded Haig Balian as ARTIS director in 2017. Sutorius took office at a time when ARTIS was in a challenging period, with great ambitions to renew the zoo while making it sustainable.

Under the leadership of Rembrandt Sutorius, ARTIS focuses not only on the preservation of animal species, but also on creating a broader awareness of the relationship between humans and nature. In addition to accomplishing a radical renewal of ARTIS, he is committed to sustainable initiatives within the park, such as reducing its ecological footprint and strengthening its educational role.

Sutorius is an inspired leader who believes in the power of collaboration within ARTIS and beyond. He aims to further develop ARTIS as a place where nature, science and culture come together, and where visitors are inspired to take responsibility for the earth. With his vision and dedication, he aims to future-proof ARTIS for future generations.

Maria Westerbos

Founder, Director Plastic Soup Foundation

Maria Westerbos is the founder and director of the Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution at its source. With a background in media and communications, Maria founded PSF in 2011, driven by the urgent need to address the growing amount of plastic in the oceans. Under her leadership, PSF has become known for successful campaigns such as “Beat the Microbead,” which aims to ban microplastics from cosmetics.

Maria’s work includes awareness-raising, legal action, and scientific research, with the aim of reducing the impact of plastic on the environment and human health. Her efforts have led to collaborations with governments, companies, and other NGOs. Maria is a sought-after speaker on international stages and continues to be a powerful voice for environmental protection, with a firm commitment to creating a cleaner, plastic-free future.

Jeroen Dagevos

Head of Programs Plastic Soup Foundation

Jeroen Dagevos has a background in environmental sciences and many years of experience in sustainable development. He has developed into a leading expert on plastic pollution and policy development. At Plastic Soup Foundation he fulfills the role of Head of Programs. His work involves collaborating with scientists, policy makers and companies to stimulate innovative solutions and raise awareness. Dagevos is a fervent advocate for systemic change and emphasizes the importance of education and policy change to effectively tackle the plastic crisis.

Anouk Rutten

COO Van Doorne

As COO at Van Doorne, Anouk Rutten is committed to sustainable growth and process optimization. She strives for a culture of equal opportunities and innovation. Determined to make people and organizations stronger with Van Doorne and to build responsible and sustainable solutions together. She also promotes a sustainable future as a partner of the Plastic Soup Foundation. For tomorrow. Van Doorne.