Artificial grass is today widely used because of its flexibility. Many people still doubt how safe it is for the environment despite several studies proving that it’s kinder to earth.
One of the most popular arguments against artificial turf is its negative environmental impact. The debate on natural and fake grass rages and may last longer than we can imagine. However, the biggest question should be whether artificial turf is eco-friendly. It sounds weird to say that artificial grass may be more environmentally friendly than natural grass.
Artificial turf looks neat and level throughout the year. Even from afar, synthetic grass is a marvel in appearance. For several reasons, almost all artificial turf systems that use an organic artificial turf infill are friendlier to the earth. Synthetic grass is also very flexible; you can use them on balconies, staircases, lawns, and playing surfaces.
On the surface, natural grass appears more eco-friendly and reliable. But as you’ll find in this article, synthetic turf has its fair share of environmental benefits. This article also breaks down what makes artificial turf an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce negative environmental impact.
Benefits of An Artificial Turf
These include:
1. Synthetic Grass Doesn’t Have Air-Polluting Equipment
You need lawnmowers and hedge trimmers to keep natural grass neat. Yet, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these tools contribute significantly to air pollution in the country.
Natural grass requires mowing equipment, which uses diesel or gas that pollutes the air as it trims down grass in the backyard—emissions in the air increase with the size of the natural lawn. You can only operate your lawn mower with fuel. It means the more often you run your lawn mower over the stubborn grass, the more local pollutants you release into the air. Also, operating the machines exposes you to very harmful particles.
You won’t need a lawnmower or hedger when installing synthetic turf. So, you reduce any risk of exposure to air pollutants and harmful particles. Artificial grass allows you to eliminate fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Artificial grass looks luscious and green even without trimming. According to a study by the Princeton Student Climate Initiative study, American households use 800 million gallons of gasoline annually to power their lawnmowers. Shockingly, an additional 17 million gallons spilled in the process of fueling the mowing equipment.
Further, a different study found that gas-powered leaf blowers release more hydrocarbons into the air than most pickup trucks and sedans. There’s indeed carbon emission during the making and transportation of artificial turf. However, once you have installed the turf, carbon emission possibilities are almost zero.
2. Less Water Consumption
Natural grass needs watering at least twice a week and more often when the temperatures are high. Does an artificial turf need watering? Yes, it does, but not as frequently as natural grass. You may only need water when cleaning dirt or removing dirt or debris from the surface of the artificial turf.
We don’t deny that you’ll equally need to water other flowers and vegetables in your kitchen garden. However, these flowers and vegetables would only take up at most 15% of the water needed to water a natural lawn. The lawn requires lots of water to remain healthy and green. An artificial turf reduces water bills by reducing the consumption of water.
3. Artificial Grass Needs No Toxic Chemicals for Maintenance
All-natural surfaces absorb a lot of water. Some of the water that sinks in is a combination of herbicides, fertilizers, and other heavy chemical-based products.
Unfortunately, natural grass doesn’t have the luxury of filtering what’s safe and what’s not. Most synthetic fertilizers and pest killers return to the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. And because they can trap heat more than the natural ozone layer, they enhance global warming and its effects.
Artificial turfs are anti-pests and might not need fumigation or toxic chemicals. So, you save on buying chemicals and exposing your household to harmful substances. You can keep your furry friends without having to worry about killing pests.
4. Synthetic Grass Reduces the Need for Landfill Contributions
Natural grass is readily biodegradable, meaning you must find a waste space to dump your grass clippings. What do you do when the grass clippings no longer fit in your waste bin? There are millions of tons of grass clippings that leave U.S. homesteads annually. These grass clippings end up in landfills. For instance, in 2018, the total weight of yard clippings deposited in landfills reached 10,530,000 tons.
Also, other items used in lawn care also end up in landfills. Such products include containers, lawnmowers, and other lawn care equipment. An artificial lawn may take at least 15 years before you need to replace it.
Most artificial grass is made from recycled plastics. Artificial grass thus helps reduce waste as well. If you have artificial grass, don’t dispose of it in a landfill when it becomes obsolete; either throw it away or take it for recycling.
5. Artificial Grass Reduces Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is a significant concern for most neighborhoods and wildlife. Too much noise, according to the National Park Service, negatively affects wildlife. A noisy environment may interfere with their ability to avoid predators, protect their young, and find mates.
One of the reasons why some species become extinct is noise pollution. When they can’t mate and protect their young ones, they gradually decrease in number. Turf doesn’t need a piece of noisy equipment for maintenance, reducing noise pollution.
Stay Green with A Synthetic Turf
It’s usually challenging to tell the age of a turf. It’s because artificial grass, even if set up five years ago, would still appear lush and green, precisely as it did on the first day. The maintenance cost is also low, and the procedure is simple.
So, a green decision doesn’t have to be natural grass. A turf is perfect for your landscaping project because it’s cheaper to maintain and environmentally friendly.
