Reducing Plastic in Erosion and Sediment Control Products [live]

The problems of plastic waste and microplastic pollution have emerged as significant threats to water quality around the world. The erosion and sediment control industry is contributing to this problem, despite its inherent goal of protecting water quality. Many erosion and sediment control products are intended for temporary use but are made with plastic materials that persist for decades on the landscape or in landfills.
As an industry we have addressed one problem by creating another, and this needs to change. But changing large industries and complex systems is not easy. Technical properties, manufacturing processes, supply and demand dynamics, regulatory requirements, and simple inertia all pose obstacles to mainstreaming biodegradable versions of these products. The good news is that efforts are underway to address this disconnect and there is increasing momentum toward reducing the use of plastic in erosion and sediment control products.
This presentation will explain the problem and discuss efforts to address it in Minnesota and around the United States. It will use Minnesota's experience as well as discussions with several other state DOTs to share what has been learned so far about collaboration with manufacturers, the need for national coordination, and some unexpected benefits of biodegradable alternatives. It will also share the latest updates on developing locally and sustainably produced alternative materials. Finally, it will look at current obstacles to change and discuss what practitioners of all stripes can do right now to reduce the use of plastic in their own erosion and sediment control work and to influence the industry overall.