National Geographic vice president to speak at Re|focus Summit

Valerie Craig will be the closing plenary speaker May 22.

The Plastics Industry Association (Plastics), Washington, has announced that Valerie Craig, vice president of operating programs for the National Geographic Society, will be the closing plenary speaker for the 2019 Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit, which is scheduled for May 20-22 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The closing plenary focuses on the challenges of plastic pollution and outlines solutions to the problem.

Craig previously worked on ocean and freshwater issues for National Geographic's Impact Initiatives and Explorer Programs and oversaw the Lindblad-National Geographic Fund.

“We are thrilled to engage in a healthy conversation with the team at National Geographic and welcome Valerie Craig in this special presentation and discussion that will explore the opportunities for the industry to help deliver solutions that will address this pressing environmental issue,” says Plastics Vice President of Sustainability Kim Holmes.

Last year, National Geographic launched the Planet or Plastic? initiative, a global commitment to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic that reaches the ocean. The Planet or Plastic? initiative is leading with science to develop an action plan that will help make the goal of ending plastic marine pollution a reality, and there is broad recognition that the plastic industry must be a key stakeholder in that strategy, according to the association in a news release announcing the closing plenary speaker.

“Ocean plastic pollution is a problem that is global, visible, harmful, but also solvable,” Craig says. “National Geographic is deeply committed to advancing solutions to the plastic waste crisis. I’m looking forward to engaging with the Re|focus Summit audience and accelerating industry action to help us tackle this issue.”

In addition to Craig, Re|focus features speakers who include Edmond Irizarry of Aveda, Denise Coogan of Subaru of America Inc., Diane Herndon of Nestlé Purina Petcare Co. and more.

To register and to access detailed descriptions of the session topics and a full agenda, visit www.refocussummit.org.  

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