The Material Resources Strategy (MRS) hosted its third stakeholder workshop at The Princes Hall in Aldershot on March 31^st 2004. There were over 170 delegates present on the day discussing the trends, barriers and opportunities of different waste streams in Hampshire. These discussions were aided by the 30 industry experts who were present, looking at the long-term issues for sustainable material resource use. There were opening presentations from Doreen Fedrigo of Waste Watch - who outlined the issues surrounding over-consumption in the UK and the practical ways of creating a sustainable lifestyle - and from David Smith of Foster Yeoman who spoke about the commercial advantages Foster Yeoman have experienced by recycling on a large scale.

The morning session focused on how the MRS can affect the process chain of goods, and how minds and practices can be influenced to use material resources more efficiently and minimise wastage at all stages. In the afternoon discussion were focused on the best ways of maximising the recycling and recovery process of individual material resource streams, i.e. glass, plastic, biowaste etc.

We were very pleased with the high turnout on the day which enabled positive discussions to take place between the stakeholders and the experts. We know that the day has helped to take another big step forward for the Material Resources Strategy. All feedback information and details relating to the day will be posted onto our website which can be found at www.MRS-hampshire.org.uk.

Our next workshop will be happening at the beginning of July, so please check our website for more details.