Penn graduate gives lecture on environmental problems

While environmental issues are usually popular topics on college campuses, there is often more discussion of problems than solutions.

But Scott Cassel wants to change this.

Cassel, director of the Product Stewardship Institute, addressed ways to actually improve the methods of waste management before a small, but engaged, group of Penn students, faculty and community members Friday afternoon at the Wistar Institute.

In his talk, Cassel explained that the Product Stewardship Institute, which he founded in December of 2000, works to shift the burden of waste management away from state and local governments and make it a joint voluntary effort with product manufacturers. The institute works with both governments and corporations as a combined force to regulate the disposal of electronics, mercury-containing products, pesticides, paint and carpet.

"I have come to understand the need to not only appreciate [the environment] but also to protect it," Cassel said.

Cassel, a 1983 Penn graduate who majored in Geology and Environmental Studies, has also served as the Director of Waste Policy and Planning for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the President of the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association -- organizations that aim to reduce the amount of hazardous waste produced in various regions.

His lecture, entitled "Moving Mountains: Shifting Responsibility for Managing Consumer Products," focused on the environmental problems currently faced by state and local government agencies and the ways in which his organization attempts to mediate between these agencies and product manufacturers.

Biology Professor Peter Petraitis, who is also director of the Institute for Environmental Studies and helped bring Cassel back to Penn to speak, described the lecture as a way to "provide a forum for people who are interested in environmental issues."

Stanley Laskowski, executive director of the Institute for Environmental Studies, said that the Product Stewardship Institute is considered to be one of the leaders in the country in addressing environmental issues, specifically those related to waste management.

Product stewardship -- the concept which Cassel's organization is named after -- is a method "to reduce health and environmental impacts from consumer products," Cassel said.

"There are so many ways that we impact the environment... we have an opportunity to reduce our impact. If we start with one small change, collectively that will be very positive."

Cassel's organization works with several major companies, including Dell, Panasonic, Sony and Hewlett-Packard, to design and manufacture recyclable, environmentally safe products. He also works with representatives from 21 states, including Pennsylvania.

The Institute for Environmental Studies sponsored the event as part of a weekly seminar series that will continue throughout the school year.

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