# Constructing a cleaner world

The four materials that make up almost everything – concrete, steel, plastic and fertiliser – are also some of the biggest polluters. Maikel Kuijpers examines the alternatives for a more sustainable future.

### [Plastic is a brilliant material. But our relationship with it is trash](/content/809/plastic-is-a-brilliant-material-but-our-relationship-with-it-is-trash/index.html)

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### [The most important invention of the 20th century keeps us alive but is killing the environment. The solution? Eat less meat](/content/733/the-most-important-invention-of-the-20th-century-keeps-us-alive-but-is-killing-the-environment-the-solution-eat-less-meat/index.html)

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### [We can’t stop using steel. Here’s how we can make it the foundation of a new, sustainable iron age](/content/700/we-cant-stop-using-steel-heres-how-we-can-make-it-the-foundation-of-a-new-sustainable-iron-age/index.html)

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### [Concrete is one of the most polluting materials in the world. Here’s how we can make it sustainable](/content/678/concrete-is-one-of-the-most-polluting-materials-in-the-world-heres-how-we-can-make-it-sustainable/index.html)

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### [The materials that build our world are also destroying it. What are the alternatives?](/content/665/the-materials-that-build-our-world-are-also-destroying-it-what-are-the-alternatives/index.html)