For the longest time a green, fresh cut lawn within the confines of a white picket fence was the American dream. The first pioneers brought over the trend from the United Kingdom, and until now, regardless of the condition of our soil, we aspire for the perfect lawn to complete the look and feel of our home. But a few hundred years later since the notion of a lawn came to the United States, we’ve been learning more about how our lawn goals have been hurting the environment. Then came along Artificial Grass.
Read on to find out and judge for yourself if you think it is or isn’t eco-friendly.
Water Usage
Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save 365 gallons of water a year. Refraining from hosing down your patio or driveway can save 960 gallons! And filling your bath tub up only halfway can save 3,650 gallons a year. Just imagine how much water installing artificial grass or synthetic turf system can save! Installing an artificial grass system at home can save 56,000 gallons of water per year. On an average-sized sports field, that number skyrockets to millions of gallons per year. When it comes to carbon footprints, there’s simply no comparison between natural grass and an artificial grass system.
Everyone knows how important it is to conserve and use resources wisely so artificial grass scores a point in this department.
Reduces Carbon Emissions
Maintenance equipment is required to keep real grass healthy and beautiful. Lawn mowers, strimmers, scarifiers, etc. — all of them use fuels like petrol and diesel. You see, the use of fossil fuels in everyday living emits greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases are not good for the environment. This is where artificial grass comes in. You don’t have to trim or do anything to it since it will look luscious and green from day one. This means you don’t have to use any equipment that depends on fuel to function.
Another point for artificial grass.
Artificial grass is never toxic
Another advantage of synthetic turf over the real one is it will never be toxic. That’s because you don’t need to use weedkillers, pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides to protect it. Real grass though, needs them to make sure it’s protected from pests and diseases. These chemicals are harmful to both humans and animals (especially if you have pets). Not only that, they can damage the environment in ways you probably didn’t think were possible. The risk lies when the harsh chemicals find their way into local water sources like rivers, ponds and streams. This can happen through surface water runoff. Once these harsh chemicals reach local waters, they can potentially damage animal and marine wildlife. Excessive amounts of toxins can also cause algae to populate rivers and streams, killing fish and vegetation in the process. Just imagine how dangerous it is if these toxins also found their way into your drinking water.
It’s not living vegetation
This one is true. Artificial grass doesn’t absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Natural grass also provides habitats for living creatures like insects, plants, and other organisms which are essential to break down and recycle organic and inorganic products that fall into the grass. But it’s also for this very reason why you will never have any problem with pests and insects in your artificial grass since they wouldn’t be able to survive under these conditions. Then again, you don’t have to just settle for synthetic turf all the way. After all, you can still choose your favourite plants, flowers, and bushes to compliment your green lawn.
Manufacture, transport, and installation
It’s still worth noting artificial grass is not 100% carbon emission free. Here’s why: During manufacturing, it still contributes to carbon emissions, and natural resources are also used.
Conclusion
As you can see, artificial grass has its pros and cons as to how eco-friendly it is. It offers a lush, beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
