Stories

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 Is it possible to build a plastic-free home?

Using plastic in construction is cheap and easy, but some are trying to radically cut back its use.

* Erica Cirino built a low-plastic house in Connecticut, using materials such as metal roofing and wood siding, but failed to eliminate PVC pipes due to cost.
* The Informed website rates common building materials for healthiness, finding that plastics consistently ranked worst.
* Natural products like linoleum and hemp fibres are gaining popularity as alternatives to plastic, despite initial higher costs.
* Rebuilding after disasters can be a challenge, with plastic-heavy structures often being the quickest and cheapest option.
* Some companies, such as Anjo Homes, are prioritizing healthier materials in their prefabricated homes.
* Advocates argue that while upfront costs may be higher, alternative materials can be longer-lasting and better for residents' health, ultimately making them more cost-effective.
* Research has shown that plastic carpets are typically replaced 10 times over the life of a building, highlighting the importance of choosing durable materials.
* Companies are developing better replacements for harmful plastics, with consumer demand driving innovation.
* Hempcrete is gaining attention as a sustainable and fire-resistant material, but builders need to consider its higher water absorption and lower strength compared to concrete.