What started as a local effort in Margate, New Jersey is now gaining traction at the state level—demonstrating how grassroots leadership can shape meaningful environmental policy.
Recently, members of the Margate Green Team, including Sustainable Sherri, traveled to Trenton to testify in support of Assembly Bill A3763, legislation that would require contractors to contain harmful construction pollutants at the source.
👉 Read the full coverage: At DownbeachBuzz.com
This is more than just a bill—it represents a shift in how we think about construction, public health, and environmental responsibility.
The Problem: An Invisible but Widespread Pollution Source
Construction activities such as cutting PVC, composite decking, concrete, and fiberglass release microplastics, silica dust, and airborne fibers into the environment.
When not properly contained, these materials:
- Become airborne and are inhaled
- Settle into soil and surrounding properties
- Enter storm drains and waterways
- Ultimately make their way into our bodies
This is not a distant issue—it’s happening on job sites in our neighborhoods every day.
👉 Learn more about construction contaminants and solutions:
SustainableSherri.com – Construction Dust Containment Solutions
The Solution: Source Containment
As a chemical engineer, I believe in one fundamental principle:
➡️ Control pollution at the source—not after the damage is done.
The solutions are simple, practical, and already available:
- Use tarps and ground coverings
👉 SustainableSherri.com – Tarps - Utilize saw hoods and HEPA shop vacuums
👉 SustainableSherri.com – Dust Control - Apply wet cutting methods
👉 SustainableSherri.com – Wet Methods - Properly collect and dispose of debris
These are not expensive upgrades—they are smart jobsite practices.
Proven Locally: A Model That Works
Margate has already implemented these practices through local ordinances now being adopted by multiple municipalities.
👉 View the ordinance toolkit and resources: CutTheDust.org
The results:
- Cleaner job sites
- Faster cleanup
- Reduced neighbor complaints
- Improved worker safety
This is a win-win for contractors and communities.
Addressing Industry Concerns
Some builders have raised concerns about cost—but:
- Many containment tools are already owned
- Additional equipment can cost as little as ~$150
- Cleanup time is significantly reduced
👉 Explore recommended tools and solutions: SustainableSherri.com – Green Construction Products
This is not about adding cost—it’s about reducing long-term risk and inefficiency.
A Coalition Driving Real Change
This effort is supported by a powerful coalition, including:
- Beyond Plastics
- Surfrider Foundation
- Save Barnegat Bay
- Clean Ocean Action
Together, we are advancing one simple message:
👉 Contain pollution where it starts.
Legislative Momentum
Following testimony, the bill advanced out of committee—an important step toward statewide adoption.
👉 Read more: Downbeach.com/news
This demonstrates growing recognition that:
- The problem is real
- The solutions are proven
- The time to act is now
Why This Matters for Builders, Developers, and Homeowners
This is not just policy—it’s the future of construction.
Forward-thinking professionals will:
- Protect worker and public health
- Reduce environmental liability
- Build stronger community trust
- Differentiate themselves in the market
👉 Learn how to implement these practices today:
SustainableSherri.com – Green Construction Products
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Change
What began as a local concern has become a statewide movement.
This is how progress happens:
- Identify the problem
- Create a practical solution
- Prove it locally
- Scale it statewide
We are now at that critical inflection point.
🚧 Take Action
If you are a contractor, developer, or homeowner:
👉 Start implementing dust containment today: SustainableSherri.com – Construction Dust Containment Products
👉 Explore recommended tools and solutions:
SustainableSherri.com – Construction Dust Containment Products
👉 Learn about the ordinance and bring it to your town:
CutTheDust.org
🌿 Join the Movement
Cleaner construction protects:
- Our air
- Our water
- Our communities
- Our health
And the best part?
The solution is already in our hands.
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