Many people are under the misconception that artificial grass is not environmentally-friendly, due to the fact that it is technically synthetic. However, the facts actually indicate the opposite – fake grass tend to be more environmentally-friendly than relying on natural grass for landscaping.
Artificial Grass is Designed for Long Term Use, and can be Recycled
To give credit where it is due, people who look down on artificial grass are doing so because synthetic turf is made of man-made materials compared to traditional real grass. However, what they are overlooking is that technology is always advancing, and with regard to the artificial grass industry – manufacturers are constantly competing with each other in order to launch a more environmentally-friendly fake turf variation. This led to most synthetic grass on the market – at least those from reputable brands – being eco-friendly by default.
Not All Natural Grass are Really All-Natural
It also helps to point out that many “natural” grass are not exactly completely natural. It’s common sense – perfectly manufactured lawns are not naturally occurring in the wild. In order to produce modern landscapes using natural grass, natural ecosystems need to be disturbed and an abundance of man-made chemicals are also used – these include weed-eater chemicals, pesticides, and other synthetic products that need to go somewhere else eventually.
There’s also the maintenance of natural grass – they need to be mowed regularly, which adds to carbon emissions. Experts posit that the amount of air pollution released into the air during an hour of mowing grass is equivalent to a car’s output after driving for 160 km. Imagine the amount of air pollution released into the environment if large stadiums, schools, and playgrounds all use natural grass.
Fake Grass Has a Number of Environmental Benefits
While it is true that some synthetic turf are made from man-made materials, one has to consider that their longevity means that they will not see the landfill anytime soon. They also have a number of additional benefits:
1. Requires less water to maintain – you greatly reduce the water wastage because fake turf only needs a quick rinse every now and then, compared to regular irrigation needed by real grass.
2. No need for mowing – you reduce the energy costs and carbon footprint of your landscape.
3. Does not require fertilizers – since fake turf does not use fertilizer, there will be no water pollution produced compared to traditional grass, which cause fertilizer runoff.
4. Does not need harmful chemicals or pesticides – since fake turf is not prone to pest infestation, you no longer need to buy harmful pesticides just to maintain your landscape.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there is no doubt that artificial grass is better for the environment than natural grass. The only question is whether or not you should invest in fake turf. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, then fake grass will definitely help your cause. But if you want something temporary, then you might as well just stick with the old fashioned way of growing grass.
