Approximately 98% of the plastic plant containers end up in landfills. In 2019, Marie Chieppo, an ecological landscape designer, researched and authored a report for the Association of Professional Landscape Designers entitled, “Plastic Pots and the Green Industry: Production, Use, Disposal and Environmental Impacts.“ Since then, an awareness of the harm we are imposing on the environment with our beautiful plants, has drastically increased. Marie will discuss the history behind the proliferation of plastic containers, barriers and progress that is being made within the industry, new regulations that are driving change, and the response of consumers trying to make a difference. Marie heads the Alternative Materials Committee for the Horticultural Research Institute’s Plastic Task Force.