NEW REPORTAdvancing Health and Equity Through Better Building Products
PollutionBuildings’ Hidden Plastic Problem: Policy Brief and Recommendations
Report
Habitable’s policy brief, “Buildings’ Hidden Plastic Problem,” reveals stunning statistics about current and projected plastic use in buildings and includes recommendations to reduce plastic pollution—greenhouse gases (GHGs), microplastics, and toxic chemicals—throughout product life cycles.
This policy brief presents highlights from the significant body of science indicating that plastic building materials are contributing to serious health and environmental harms over their life cycle, from fossil fuel extraction to production, use, and disposal. These impacts fall disproportionately on susceptible and marginalized people, including women, children, Indigenous people, low-income communities, and people of color. The brief includes examples of solutions and offers recommendations to strengthen policies that will reduce plastic use in the built environment and associated life cycle harms.
Endorsing organizations:
- Alaska Community Action on Toxics
- Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
- Beyond Plastics
- CannonDesign
- Ecology Center
- Green Science Policy Institute
- Just Zero
- Little Things Matter
- MSR Design
- Planetary Health Alliance
- Toxic Free Future
- Science and Environmental Health Network
Interested in endorsing these policy recommendations? Contact us.
PollutionDisposable Plastic Buildings: Case Studies in K-12, Healthcare, and Affordable Housing
Report
This fact sheet highlights the building and construction sector’s significant contributions to global plastic pollution.
Using case studies of flooring products specified in the K-12, healthcare, and affordable housing sectors, the fact sheet introduces opportunities for building practitioners to reduce the plastic footprint of their buildings and emphasizes the impact that one building can make by specifying low/no-plastic products.
PollutionPFAS Central
Resource
PFAS Central is a comprehensive resource providing the latest curated information on PFAS, encompassing press coverage, peer-reviewed scientific articles, meeting updates, job listings, and consumer guides.
This platform is a collaborative effort between the Green Science Policy Institute and the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute (SSEHRI) at Northeastern University. The Green Science Policy Institute aims to foster responsible chemical use to safeguard human and ecological health by uniting scientists, regulators, businesses, and public interest groups. SSEHRI focuses on social science research, education, and policy work related to environmental health, with a special emphasis on PFAS through its dedicated project.
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.
