Back in November, I first started talking about construction microplastics and how harmful they are to the environment. I joined up with a group called Sustainable Margate to try to implement legislation to regulate construction sites to reduce this hazard. The battle to bring this goal to fruition continues.
Sustainable Margate
In April, it will be a year since our group’s chairman, Steve Jasiecki, began investigating construction microplastics. The waste from cutting down plastic and siding ends up in our storm drains and oceans. From there, the local animal population ingests it. When we eat these animals, we end up ingesting the harmful microplastics along with them. These microplastics even make their way into our drinking water. There are ways in which construction companies can act responsibly. We need our government to enact rules and regulations to ensure that they act responsibly.
Steve and some others of our Sustainable Margate crew (myself included) met with Margate’s Board of Commissioners on February 15th to discuss this very topic. Over the past few months, other municipalities sought Steve out to learn more about his ideas to dispose of these harmful microplastics on the job site in a more environmentally safe manner. The commissioners said that they heard what our group was saying and appreciated our concerns. However, they feel that they still needed to hear back from various departments to come to a decision about creating adequate, enforceable regulations.
Here is my biggest concern about waiting much longer. Construction typically increases as the weather improves in the springtime. That is only a few weeks away. We have all seen homes being framed up even throughout the winter. Next comes the walls and then, the siding. Plastic siding. Then, decking and railings. Each component requires dozens of cuts that create this harmful microplastic debris. By summer, we will all be breathing, eating, and drinking these materials every single day. The time to act is now.
If you are interested in joining Sustainable Margate, please contact me or Chairman Steve Jasiecki. We are always interested in finding new ways to get the word out and impress the importance of holding companies accountable for being more environmentally responsible. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate