The Synthetic Turf Council makes some key points about the environmental benefits of fake grass:
A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health noted that some environmental concerns have been raised about artificial turf used for athletic fields and lawns. However, researchers concluded that, “users of artificial turf fields, even professional athletes, were not exposed to elevated risks. Preliminary life cycle assessment suggested that the environmental impacts of artificial turf fields were lower than equivalent grass fields.”
Water conservation remains #1 here in Northern California, despite recent rains. We’ve learned we can get along nicely with less water – especially if we take significant steps such as replacing thirsty lawns with fake grass. We can do our part without sacrificing enjoyment or the beauty of our home’s surroundings. Even dogs love fake grass (and it loves them back).
But faux grass helps the environment beyond saving water and reducing pollution.
Environmental cooling
When you cover your deck, patio, balcony, or roof with artificial grass, you’re reducing hot, reflective surface area that over-heats our urban and suburban neighborhoods.
Energy conservation
Maintaining a live lawn is a pain. The minute you finish applying chemicals, watering, mowing, raking, edging, etc., you have to start all over again. Your lawn repays you for all that effort with uneven color, stubborn weeds, and dead patches. Your dog adds unsightly scratched-up holes and “potty spots.” With artificial grass, you can enjoy your yard without expending all that unnecessary energy and frustration.
Visual improvement
Let’s not forget the fact that what we see around us dramatically affects our attitude and appreciation for outdoor spaces. Artificial grass always looks lush, cool, and inviting, no matter the weather. That’s an environmental lift we can enjoy every time we look around.
It’s important to note that “artificial turf” is not a single product but an entire array of varieties, just as with real grass. There’s an artificial grass specifically created for everything from putting greens to play areas, each with an ideal look and functional features. Nonetheless, the environmental benefits of installing artificial grass – whatever variety you choose – are universal.
Even better, all the factors that help the environment also provide health and safety benefits for your family – both humans and four-legged companions. And on top of all that, fake grass gives your everyday lifestyle a big boost, too – no muss, no fuss, less expense, more play time.