Synthetic Turf Saves Water, Reduces Pesticide Use, and Diverts Tires from Landfills
Synthetic Turf Compared to Real Grass
The argument for or against synthetic turf, or astroturf, and real grass, has been going on for years in the world of sports, and will likely continue for some time. However, one point that never comes up in the defence of synthetic turf is its environmental benefit over real grass.
In stadiums and tracks across North America, the installation of synthetic turf has saved almost 3 billion gallons of water, and has reduced the need for approximately 1 billion pounds of fertilizers and pesticides.
Less Grass Clippings, Less Tires in Landfills
Another feature of synthetic turf that is often ignored is the amount of waste it diverts from landfills. Businesses such as Liberty Tire Recycling have helped divert 105 million tires from landfills, and use the material (referred to as 'crumb rubber') as the cushion in the turf.
Using it at your home or business
Although the biggest impact from synthetic turf installations come from stadiums and tracks, it can be used around residential and commercial properties to reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions in much the same way. Because synthetic turf requires no cutting, it uses no fuel to power a mower, and produces no grass-clipping waste. Additionally, it does not need to be tended to with irrigation, pesticides or fertilizers.
Although it doesn't have the same natural feel beneath your toes, synthetic turf is still a green option that shouldn't be counted out.
