Turf gives yards and lawns a distinctly pristine appearance. It squashes down any pesky growth, saving homeowners a lot of time and energy in mowing. However, covering grass with turf can have serious repercussions on the environment and the people who live nearby.
It’s time to peel up any turf in the community and replace it with flourishing, native wildlife. Understand the consequences and take action to stop turf from poisoning neighborhoods.
Contaminants and Pollutants in Turf
Artificial grass has a simplistic look but tons of contaminants that make it one of the worst influences on urban areas. Most of its plastic contains petrol, meaning turf only exists because of fossil fuels. Because of this, it may contain:
- Microplastics: Synthetic blades and padding
- Heavy metals: Synthetic components and dyes
- Chemicals: Maintenance pesticides and herbicides
- Volatile organic compounds: Rubber infill and synthetic blades
- Bacteria: Residing in high-traffic portions
However, the most prominent pollutant artificial grass produces is greenhouse gases. Every part of its life cycle generates significant amounts. Maintaining it makes up 8% of its emissions, renovation could be up to 48% and disposal could be up to 23%.
Several characteristics of the turf can reduce or increase its contributions, such as containing a drainage layer or infill. The two options producing the fewest emissions still make 36 kilograms of carbon dioxide every hour they’re in use.
These elements harm the environment in sneaky ways. The contaminants seep off the turf gradually and sink into soils and waterways, reducing nutrient density and quality of life in these habitats. However, they also get into the air, making air quality conditions worse.
How Households Can Improve Soil and Water Quality
Rehabilitating the planet from turf pollution takes time, but there are numerous ways to help it recover.
Try Scientists’ Suggestions
From natural attenuation to nutrient injections, experts have found varying degrees of success. One method called biostimulation attempts to encourage microorganisms to use biological processes to remove pollutants from environments. This is a type of bioremediation, and many organisms naturally absorb and eliminate contaminants from soil and water.
Studies show adding nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus back into soil contaminated with crude oil led to 62% removal of hydrocarbons. The extra nutrients activated microorganisms to hasten soil cleaning.
Choose Native Plants
Turf prevents native plants from growing. These are critical to local ecosystems, inviting pollinators and supporting the region’s food chains. Households will save time and money from choosing native plants because they require less water and upkeep.
Xeriscape
Xeriscaping is landscaping that removes irrigation. Because it requires little water, it’s also known as drought-resistant landscaping. This is a valuable option if families choose turf because they want their yard to be consistent and manageable.
Use Organic Methods
People still use herbicides and related products on fake grasses. Instead, choose all-natural or organic fertilizers and pesticides to minimize chemical runoff.
Composting
If the yard is still in a state of recovery, taking food scraps and turning them into compost is one of the best ways to restore it. The nutrients in the food enrich the soil back to its former glory, promoting productive microbial activity.
Practice No-Till Gardening
Tilling practices open the soil and ruin its structure, letting pollutants seep deeper. Leaving it alone is the best way to maintain its ecology. Households that garden should use less intrusive methods if the soils are already contaminated because of previous turf. If the yard needs more grass, consider overseeding because it doesn’t require working the ground much and delivers thick, healthy grass.
Do Soil and Water Tests
This is the best way to discover the primary pollutants in the soil and water. Finding these could lead to more targeted remediation practices.
Embrace Water Conservation
If nearby waterways are stressed because of turf pollution, conserve and recycle water as much as possible. Rainwater harvesting barrels and low-flow appliances are ways to let nature replenish its stores.
Learn About Biodiversity
Many aren’t aware of the flora and fauna native to their area and how they help. Educating the home on what flowers, insects, birds, and more support the community can inspire efforts to remove turf and care about how it degrades air quality.
Mulching
Mulch can recuperate the earth because it improves soil quality as it decomposes. It can also suppress weeds if homes need to fend off encroaching hoards.
Avoid Plastic
Plastic is one of the worst things to introduce to soil because of how many contaminants it contains. When taking away turf for good, consider removing other plastic landscaping fixtures that could harm the yard further. Instead, choose more organic, natural decorations that are biodegradable.
Normalizing Real Grass
Unfortunately, modern homes have made turf commonplace, littering pollutants into the air, soil and waterways. These have long-lasting impacts on public health and wildlife. Removing turf everywhere will benefit both causes and lead to more benefits, encouraging more nutrient-dense soils and cleaner air for a climate-aware future.
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