There are many problems related to materials that we use without knowledge, especially disposables. Every day we talk about the problems related to disposable packaging and possible solutions. They range from the simple replacement of plastic with another material – paper, cardboard or bioplastic -, the design from scratch of more efficient packaging in terms of used raw material [1] up to the complete reform of the supply chain through returnable goods [2].

The environmental damage cause by plastic is under everyone’s eyes, but the one of microplastics (or nanoplastics) is less evident. Recently, it has even been proven that there are traces of plastic in our blood! [3] In a previous article, we discussed about microplastics in the seas and oceans coming from our washing machines [4].

There are many other sectors in which the problem of disposable plastic is present: today we focus on the building and construction industry. These industries are riding the wave of post-Covid19 environmental bonuses for building renovation works [5], but there are cases in which companies operate without respecting the environment.

A key issue is caused by construction plastic fences (orange, yellow, green, etc.) used to delimit construction sites (Figure 1 and 2). An element that is typically forgotten until the work is completed. But until then, weathering will do its part. While in the beginning plastic seems indestructible, UV rays will degrade it until it becomes rigid and friable, ready to break at the first gust of wind. The wind will carry plastic pieces to the adjoining areas and beyond, polluting both land and water. Other times the vegetation will swallow it up, making its removal practically impossible.

Fig. 1: Example of a construction site delimited by a deteriorated plastic fence. Photo by author. Trento (Italy), March 2022.

Apart from plastic fences and plastic nets covering metal fencing grids, other waste is often buried when the works are terminated: Eye doesn’t see, heart doesn’t grieve! [6]

The “green” revolution must involve all economic sectors and we cannot simply turn away on these occasions. Even a single citizen can make a difference: I personally reported to the police the situation of the first photo and the deteriorated fences have been removed, but unfortunately replaced with new, but still plastic-made fences.

Fig. 2: Another example of plastic fencing at a larger construction site: the duration and its extent means that many plastic parts will break off from the metal grid end up in the environment before the site is closed. Source: Google Street View, July 2021.

According to Italian jurisdiction, it is difficult to distinguish what is a waste and what is not. In fact, the plastic fence becomes waste when it breaks apart and is dislocated from the place it was meant to occupy. How can you thus prove that the plastic pieces found on the road or a green area specifically came from the plastic fence of the nearby construction site? Is it even possible to find a responsible person or company and report for illegal waste abandonment? The procedure is lengthy and complicated and very few people have the time, competences and willingness to deal with it.

It is therefore necessary to push for the creation of ad-hoc sustainability guidelines for construction sites, promoting the use of reusable materials – such as the metallic temporary construction fences in Figure 3 – and preventing the use of cheap but polluting plastic materials.

Fig. 3: Example of delimiting a construction site without using plastic fences: plastic-free temporary (and reusable) construction fences. Source: author. Lavis (TN), December 2021.

Bibliography:

[1] https://www.carlsberggroup.com/sustainability/actions-towards-zero/case-stories/snap-pack-an-innovation-to-reduce-plastic/

[2] https://www.buonrendere.it/

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/24/microplastics-found-in-human-blood-for-first-time

[4] https://greenmarked.it/stop-alle-microplastiche/

[5] https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/superbonus-110-case-pi-efficienti-e-sicure-costo-zero/15948

[6] https://greenmarked.it/2020-turning-a-personal-blog-into-a-business/