Environmental groups say the allure of evergreen synthetic turf contrasts to its microplastic pollution levels and heat absorption.
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For those living in small spaces, artificial grass has its upsides. It’s uniformly green, year round, without the need for watering, mowing or any other upkeep.
The allure of evergreen sporting fields has also seen synthetic turf become an increasingly popular surface, driven by constraints on open space while population density increases.
In New South Wales, the number of suburban sporting fields made from artificial turf has increased sixfold in the last five years, jumping from 30 in 2018 to 181, according to a report released by the state’s chief scientist in June.
But concerns about microplastics, urban heat and the chemical compounds in synthetic grass have become points of contention for environment and community groups, who are calling for the surface to be banned.
A US invention, the first artificial grass was installed in a school recreation area in Rhode Island in 1964. The surface typically has several components, including polypropylene fibres that mimic the blades of natural turf, and an “infill” layer for shock absorption, which is most commonly made of crumb rubber from used tyres.
