Los Angeles Experts Advocate for Plastic Reduction in Post-Wildfire Rebuilds

Experts Push for Less Plastic in Post-Wildfire Homes

On January 7, 2026, representatives from the Plastic Pollution Coalition and Habitable marked the anniversary of the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles a year earlier. In light of this disaster, experts urged a reduction in the use of plastic materials in homes and buildings to mitigate health and wildfire risks in the future. Their report, titled "How Plastics Fuel Wildfires: How to Rebuild Better," highlights the dangerous connections between plastic use and the increased intensity of wildfires.

The report points out that plastic building materials tend to ignite and burn hotter, faster, and release more toxic fumes than natural materials. Although the immediate threats of wildfires may disappear once the flames are extinguished, many long-term environmental dangers can persist for years. While firefighting efforts work to handle immediate threats, the lingering effects of plastic pollution pose significant hazards for communities rebuilding after such disasters.

"Building homes and neighborhoods from flammable and toxic plastic is a giant risk to our health, safety, and futures," said musician Grace Potter, who experienced the threat of losing her own home to the wildfires. Potter described the chaotic aftermath that left countless lives disrupted and emphasized the importance of choosing safer, plastic-free building materials. She advocates for legislative changes to make these alternatives more affordable and accessible to avoid such heartbreaking losses in the future.

Echoing this sentiment, Dianna Cohen, co-founder and CEO of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, stressed the need for resilience in Los Angeles' rebuilding efforts. "As LA rebuilds, we must prioritize using less plastic and more natural and nontoxic building materials to safeguard our community's future," she asserted.

Adding to the discussion, Gina Ciganik, CEO of Habitable, delivered a TEDx talk in November 2025 titled, "The Plastic Problem Hidden in Plain Sight." In this talk, she outlined the harmful effects of plastic building materials and associated chemicals, which include links to cancer, reproductive harm, and developmental issues. Ciganik proposed solutions that could significantly reduce plastic use in construction, illuminating the importance of shifting towards safer alternatives.

The report emphasized that the building and construction sector is the second largest contributor to plastic production and pollution, trailing only behind the packaging industry. By adopting better decision-making practices in construction and implementing policies that encourage plastic-free materials, it is possible to create meaningful change that better protects communities from the dangers posed by plastics.

Moreover, the report introduces the Informed™ product guidance initiative, created by Habitable, which ranks building materials based on their plastic content. This free and publicly available guidance allows builders to avoid the least environmentally friendly options and favor those that are either low in plastic or entirely plastic-free.

In conclusion, as Los Angeles views its reconstruction efforts through the lens of sustainability and health, it becomes increasingly clear that reducing plastic usage in homes is not just advantageous but essential for protecting the community from future risks. The collaboration between musicians, environmental advocates, and industry experts demonstrates a united front in the fight against plastic pollution, offering a pathway toward safer and more resilient communities as they rise from the ashes of past disasters.