EUGENE, Ore. -- (March 9, 2012) -- University of Oregon chemist David Tyler is going to Albany to talk about the everyday choices people make in the name of sustainability: Paper, plastic or reusable tote bag? Plastic cups or reusable ceramic mugs? Biodiesel, gas/ethanol mixes or gasoline?

The event is the second informal science pub, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, at Calapooia Brewing Co., 140 Hill St. NE. The first event on Feb. 2, which featured UO chemist David Johnson in February, drew a full house.

On campus, Tyler, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, studies mechanistic organometallic and inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, catalysis and photochemistry. In his science pub talk, Tyler, known for consistently winning praise from his students, will focus on how people evaluate the environmental impacts of various materials and products, and he will throw in some fundamental principles of green chemistry and sustainability.

"Your intuition about environmental impacts is not always right," warns Tyler, a member of the UO Materials Science Institute and faculty member since 1985.

The event is open to the public. Admission is free, but visitors are responsible for the costs of their food and beverages. Visitors under age 21 are welcome; however, a guardian or other responsible adult should place their food and beverage orders.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Barlow, director of science and research communications, 541-346-3481, jebarlow@uoregon.edu