Is a plastic-free construction industry a realistic possibility? Angels Media's Matthew Lane asks this question on Property Investor Today. "Due to the complexity and enormity of the problem, it is not possible to guarantee this. Plastic is so much a part of our modern buildings that it would take a very long time to replace all of it, and indeed we should not ignore the fact that the various plastics in use today have excellent and specific properties, e.g., insulating, waterproofing", answers Wendy Jones, Science Engagement Lead at Changing Streams, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Liverpool-based entrepreneur Neal Maxwell to rid the construction industry of plastic. 

PLASTIC USE AND WASTE COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

"Plastic-free alternatives will require that these are sustainable and economically viable, but at Changing Streams we do believe that in the first instance plastic use and waste could be significantly reduced without major cost implications, and we will work with innovators and thought leaders in the industry to introduce alternatives wherever possible", she adds. 

THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION

Jones has no doubts. She thinks that "the world can come together in a global collaborative effort to tackle major problems. We need to address the environmental crisis with the same level of collaboration, urgency and attention". PlasticFinder totally agrees. We must develop a multi-faceted approach which includes research and data collection, educational engagement, and behavioural changes.