The Ecological Downsides of Plastic Grass
As more individuals and organizations opt-in for artificial turf (fake grass), on the grounds that it is, to quote a manufacturer, “environmentally friendly and wallet-friendly”, it is important to understand the implications of this product. Sure, they say that their product “offer[s] realistic, durable, and eco-friendly [emphasis added] landscaping solutions.” But the reality is much different.
The aesthetic of this product may appeal to those obsessed with perfection and their dogmatic obeisance to the suburban credo of manicured lawns and mulch volcanoes; nonetheless, there are plenty of ecological downsides to consider when thinking of using manufactured turf.
Heat Retention and Urban Heat Island Effect: Synthetic turf tends to absorb and retain heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect in urban areas. This can raise local temperatures, impacting microclimates and increasing energy demand for cooling. All of this is especially problematic in urban areas already reeling from higher temperatures than surrounding, more vegetated areas.
Water Use and Drainage Issues: While synthetic turf doesn't require watering, it can still impact local water systems. Rainwater doesn't permeate synthetic turf as it does natural systems, thus potentially leading to increased runoff and contributing to water pollution if contaminants (including microplastics from the fake grass itself) are carried into surrounding water bodies. As people walk/sit/recreation on these surfaces, the ground beneath becomes more compacted, only furthering the problem.
Disposal and Environmental Impact: Synthetic turf is typically made from non-biodegradable materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and infill materials like recycled rubber tires (crumb rubber). Disposal at the end of its lifespan poses environmental challenges, as these materials do not readily decompose, leading to an increase in harmful chemicals being released into the environment over time.
Loss of Natural Habitat: Installing synthetic turf often involves removing natural vegetation, which disrupts local ecosystems and reduces biodiversity. Various insects, birds, and small animals will not find suitable habitats in artificial turf landscapes. We must, at minimum, include consideration of non-human lifeforms and their role, and importance, in the systems we are creating.
Carbon Footprint of Production and Transport: The manufacturing process of synthetic turf involves energy-intensive mechanical procedures, contributing to chemical pollutants and emissions. Additionally, transporting the heavy rolls of turf over long distances further adds to the overall environmental footprint of this product.
Microplastic Pollution: Synthetic turf degrades, period. This leads to the release of microplastics and other chemicalas into the environment. These microplastics and friends find their way into water bodies and soil, harming aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastics (and most likely others) also make their way into our bodies, and the bodies of our children.
We need more ecologically designed systems that work in tandem with the natural world, not more plastic creations. There is nothing sustainable about these products, and anything to the contrary is green-washing at its finest.