NEW REPORTAdvancing Health and Equity Through Better Building Products
PollutionAssessing Benefits and Risks of Incorporating Plastic Waste in Construction Materials
Report
Plastic pollution and climate change are interconnected threats that drive global social injustice, with the construction industry being a significant contributor due to its prolific use of plastics.
Recently, efforts to recycle or downcycle plastics into building materials have accelerated, leading to incorporation of plastic waste into materials such as composite asphalt-plastic roads, plastic adhesives, and plastic-concrete. However, research suggests these practices may exacerbate environmental, health, and social problems, acting as “greenwashing” that distracts from real solutions. This mini review evaluates the impacts of using plastic waste in construction materials and calls for caution and further research before widespread adoption. Read the full review to explore the evidence and recommendations in detail.
PollutionGeneva Beat Plastic Pollution
Report
The time to address the plastic crisis is now. Plastic pollution is a global issue demanding urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders. This report highlights the Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution dialogues, which played a crucial role in shaping the negotiations for a global agreement. These dialogues raised awareness and urgency, culminating in the historic mandate at UNEA 5.2 to negotiate an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
PollutionMaterials Economy Webinar
Resource
A path towards planetary health is more urgently needed now than ever, but our current materials economy creates rampant pollution, climate change, and growing inequity. Shifting from harmful practices to healthful solutions will require cross-sector partnerships, holistic thinking, and exciting new approaches that reduce the burden of industry on people and our planet.
Watch Habitable’s special Earth Month webinar featuring leading global voices, including:
- Dr. Bethanie Carney-Almroth
- Dr. Veena Singla
- Martha Lewis
Moderated by Gina Ciganik, CEO of Habitable
PollutionChemical from East Palestine disaster passes millions by train every day
News
NBC’s Cynthia McFadden interviews an expert from Toxic Free Future about their recent report revealing that over 36 million pounds of vinyl chloride are transported daily on more than 200 rail cars, highlighting the risks similar to those seen in the East Palestine train derailment.
PollutionChemical Incident Tracker
Resource
The Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters offers an up-to-date map and incident database tracking hazardous chemical incidents since January 2021.
PollutionGuidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up
Resource
This report provides information on PFAS, their widespread presence in US drinking water, associated health risks, and recommendations from the National Academies for clinical guidance and education on PFAS exposure.
PollutionProject TENDR: Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks
Resource
Project TENDR is an alliance of scientists, health professionals, and advocates dedicated to protecting children from toxic chemicals and pollutants that harm brain development, focusing on ending disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority families.
PollutionGlobal Framework on Chemicals: For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste
Resource
The new Global Framework on Chemicals envisions a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, covering the life cycle of chemicals, promoting initiatives for their sound management, and involving stakeholders from various sectors and levels to ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable future.
PollutionToxic Free Future
Report
Toxic-Free Future is a leading advocate for environmental health, leveraging science, education, and activism to promote strong laws and corporate responsibility that safeguard the health of individuals and the planet.
PollutionGarbage In, Toxics Out: They Promised “Advanced Recycling” for Plastics and Delivered Toxic Waste
News
The American Chemistry Council promotes chemical recycling as a solution to plastic waste but this article highlights concerns raised by environmentalists about its efficacy and environmental impact, as well as the lobbying efforts to reclassify it as manufacturing in 24 states.