NEW REPORTAdvancing Health and Equity Through Better Building Products
HealthProtecting the Developing Brains of Children from the Harmful Effects of Plastics and Toxic Chemicals in Plastics
Report
Discover the urgent need to protect children’s developing brains from the harmful effects of plastics and toxic chemicals with this recent report, “Protecting the Developing Brains of Children from the Harmful Effects of Plastics and Toxic Chemicals in Plastics.”
This briefing paper, prepared by experts from Project TENDR, summarizes mounting scientific evidence linking plastic exposure to neurodevelopmental disabilities and cognitive deficits in children. It also provides essential policy recommendations to strengthen the new global treaty on plastics pollution. Download the report or watch the webinar to learn more about how we can address the toxicity and proliferation of plastics and petrochemicals.
HealthValue Engineering in Plumbing Systems
Report
Explore the critical role of value engineering (VE) in plumbing systems with this comprehensive report, “Value Engineering in Plumbing Systems.” Discover how effective VE can optimize costs without compromising essential functions, while understanding the potential pitfalls through real-world examples like the costly Baltimore hotel case.
Learn from the insights of industry professionals who emphasize the importance of balancing cost with durability, safety, and sustainability. This report provides essential guidance for architects, engineers, and contractors on making informed decisions to maintain plumbing system integrity and avoid costly mistakes. Download the report today to enhance your approach to VE in plumbing projects.
EquityAdvancing Health and Equity through Better Building Products
Report
Habitable’s report, “Advancing Health and Equity through Better Building Products,” reveals the current state of building materials used, with nearly 70% of typical products in the categories analyzed containing or relying on the most hazardous chemicals.
The results, based on data for Minnesota affordable housing, are consistent with products used in other building types and geographic regions. The report highlights examples of leaders within and beyond Minnesota’s built environment who are already taking action toward safer material choices. It also provides guidance on how the real estate industry can begin working toward a healthier future by “stepping up from red-ranked products”—the most polluting and harmful throughout their life cycle based on Habitable’s research and Informed™ product guidance.
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
HealthMaterial Challenges Among an Ecological Polycrisis
News
In this opinion piece, architect Martha Lewis addresses the ecological polycrisis of the twenty-first century and its impact on the architectural sector, emphasizing the urgent need for architects to reassess material choices and construction methodologies to mitigate environmental consequences.
HealthHow Plastic Can Harm Your Health
News
Tests by Consumer Reports found bisphenols and phthalates, chemicals used in plastic, in a wide range of packaged foods, raising concerns due to their potential health effects, including disruptions to the endocrine system and associated health issues.
HealthUnderstanding how the environment affects pregnant people’s health
News
Scientists are investigating how exposure to environmental stressors during pregnancy affects the health of both fetuses and pregnant individuals, highlighting the need for further research to protect the almost 130 million people worldwide who give birth annually.
HealthChemicals used in plastic food packaging linked to 10% of preterm births in 2018
News
A study by environmental health experts at New York University suggests that phthalates, chemicals commonly found in plastic food containers and cosmetic products, may have contributed to approximately 10 percent of preterm births in the United States in 2018.
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.
Climate ChangeHow BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation
News
Despite its harmful effects, BADGE is not included in Europe’s new food safety guidelines, which focus on bisphenol A (BPA) and a few other bisphenols, highlighting regulatory gaps in addressing this chemical commonly found in common materials.