The greenhouses of Almeria are the place where most of the fruit and vegetables of our supermarkets come from. It’s an expanse of intensive plastic greenhouses located in Andalusia, in southern Spain. With an extension of about 40,000 hectares – twice Paris – it represents the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world. It’s a white spot so big you can even see it from space.
Considered Europe’s vegetable garden, Almeria produces about 3 and a half million fruits and vegetables every year. The technique used is that of intensive cultivation, capable of providing the same products all year round, even when in nature they would be out of season. It’s convenient, you’d think, but there is a price to pay. The social and environmental impact of the so-called the “mar de Plástico” is very high.
Since the soil in Almeria is naturally arid, massive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides are used. Harmful chemicals that contaminate water, soil and food for both humans and animals. A risk for greenhouse workers too, since they don’t always have the necessary protections.
Moreover, many of them live in degraded conditions. To reduce costs they use immigrants, exploited and underpaid. Having nowhere else to stay, they often live in slums within the complex. In absolutely precarious sanitary conditions, with no right.
The “mar de plástico” suffocates the soil and does not allow nature to carry out its life cycle. In addition, the plastic wears out, breaks and need periodic replacements. This process generates tons of waste. According to the government of Andalusia’s data, the greenhouses of Almeria produce about 33,500 tons of plastic. 85% is recycled, but the remaining 15% stays in the environment. This corresponds to about 5,000 tons of plastic that pollute the seabed in southern Spain.
The greenhouses of Almeria also have an immense water requirement. In most cases they take it from the aquifers. In an area where there’s a natural drought. Alternatively, they use seawater desalination, a process that requires a lot of energy.
To dispose the agricultural waste, they often burn it, leading to fires in the area. What else? A huge food waste.
