Healthy harvests: Reducing plastic use and associated water contaminants in U.S. greenhouses and nurseries

Authors: YAZDANPANAH, MASOUD - University Of Georgia; LAMM, ALEXA - University Of Georgia; Owen Jr, James; Altland, James; WHITE, SARAH - Clemson University

Submitted to: Journal of Cleaner Production
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2025
Publication Date: 10/14/2025
Citation: Yazdanpanah, M., Lamm, A.J., Owen Jr, J.S., Altland, J.E., White, S.A. 2025. Healthy harvests: Reducing plastic use and associated water contaminants in U.S. greenhouses and nurseries. Journal of Cleaner Production. 57. Article 101369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101369.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101369

Interpretive Summary: Nursery and greenhouse growers rely heavily on plastic including wrapping consumables in plastic, plant containers, ground and structural coverings, plumbing and irrigation systems, stakes and ties, labels, and plastic-encapsulated fertilizers Use of plastic has enabled farmers to substantially increase crop production, reaching yields that would otherwise be unattainable in many regions worldwide. Current practices for agricultural plastic use, management, and disposal, are contributing to environmental contamination and pollution. Specifically, specialty crops grown in nurseries and greenhouses are exposed to solar radiation and high temperatures increasing the rate of plastic weathering. Plastic waste is widespread in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Plastics become micro-plastics that persist and accumulate threaten terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and can enter the human food chain. In addition, plastics are a source of persistent and mobile per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contaminants. Proposed technical approaches (e.g., biodegradable plastics and improved recycling methods) are insufficient to fully or rapidly address the global plastics issue. Adoption of any technical approach is influenced by behavioral factors. Therefore, a multidisciplinary lens, including the human dimension of plastic use, is needed to tackle the plastic problem. Understanding perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to plastic use is essential for developing effective solutions. This study assessed greenhouse and nursery growers’ perceptions of the risks associated with plastic and microplastic pollution and their awareness of the health benefits of changing these practices. In this study, environmental responsibility was the strongest predictor for support for reduced plastic use and a significant predictor for sustainable production practices. Thus, policy initiatives should prioritize educating growers on the environmental impacts of plastic use in agriculture. Disseminating information on the consequences of plastic use for ecosystems, water quality, and long-term sustainability is key. The perceived benefits of reducing plastic use in agriculture was a primary driver and the strongest predictor for sustainable production practices and a close second for support for reduced plastic use. Programs should be developed to equip growers with practical knowledge of the benefits of adopting alternative materials after proven safe, particularly for human health, environmental integrity, and social impact. Training can help growers better understand the advantages of reduced plastic use, fostering a proactive approach to sustainable practices. Additionally, targeted educational programs are essential to increase awareness of sustainable plastic alternatives, helping growers see the value of transitioning away from plastic toward more eco-friendly options.

Technical Abstract: Plastic use in agriculture is a double-edged sword: it brings numerous benefits while also contributing to environmental contamination, posing risks to human and ecological health. Proposed technical approaches (e.g., biodegradable plastics and improved recycling methods) are insufficient to fully or rapidly address the global plastics issue. Adoption of any technical approach is influenced by behavioral factors. Therefore, a multidisciplinary lens, including the human dimension of plastic use, is needed to tackle the plastic problem. Understanding perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to plastic use is essential for developing effective solutions. This study assessed greenhouse and nursery growers’ perceptions of the risks associated with plastic and microplastic pollution and their awareness of the health benefits of changing these practices using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data were collected from nursery and greenhouse growers across the U.S. using an online, cross-sectional survey. The study targeted growers concerned about reducing contaminants in water used for specialty crop production. Results showed that support for reduced plastic use was primarily influenced by perceived benefits and environmental responsibility. Sustainable production practices were predicted by perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and environmental responsibility. These factors explained 68.1% and 43.5% of the variance in support for reduced plastic use and sustainable production practices, respectively. Our research confirmed the HBM is a suitable framework for investigating this topic, and it supports the recommendation of appropriate policy response.