To spread awareness of the toxicity of plastic grass?

[DataNotLore]

Here: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35948114/#:~:text=Numerous%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,%2C%20mutagens%2C%20and%20endocrine%20disruptors.

Not only is it bad for the environment but it's probably bad for your health too.

The issues are still being investigated, but:

"Numerous studies have shown that chemicals identified in artificial turf, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors."

Sports pitches it depends: all competitive hockey is play on artificial grass these days. The era of whack it and run on muddy pitches went out over 30 years ago.

The area coverage of sports pitches to unnecessary garden carpet is probably tiny

Lawn Chemicals are toxic too - shall we 'spread awareness' about those while we're at it? Then we'll add in the petrol mower at the rate of 11 new cars equivalent running for the mowing time.

Link

Yes, that's how I feel about plastic grass.

It's possible to believe 'lawn chemicals' are nasty, and that plastic grass is too.
Not everyone who has a traditional lawn or meadow like lawn uses chemicals. In fact I don't know a single gardener who does. And I run in those kind of (uncool) circles.

I've never used a "lawn chemical" in my life.

I Chuck some seed down on a particular patch once a year a mow (25 min job) once every few weeks in the summer. That is it. Don't even water it.

No, but if you care passionately about something advocating for it need not include talking down to people. It instantly turns people off.

interesting you don’t think it’s your job yet you care so much, who’s job is it then?

We don’t use any chemicals on the lawn. We have moss, buttercups, clover all mixed in with the grass. I don’t know anyone that does. I know quite a few people leaving parts of lawn grow for the bees though.

If you actually read what I wrote "PPS. Not my job to educate the public in my spare time thanks"

There is your hint! People who I talk to the rest of the time are always thankfully and receptive to what I show them and teach them. Talking to trolls online who hide behind screens are not something I honestly care about, or deem the need to speak to them very kindly.

But then again if you would like to get back on subject and talk to me about the science feel free, you can always point out to me where my science and ecological facts are wrong 😚.

You’re calling me a troll?

You only care enough to educate others when you’re on the clock, got it.

You’re beyond rude btw, shame, because I was actually interested in what you had to say but now, I think I’ll pass.

Wonder how many others you’ve turned off.

But then again if you would like to get back on subject and talk to me about the science feel free, you can always point out to me where my science and ecological facts are wrong

@chupachucks Also, when and where did I suggest I thought you were wrong or that was my intention? Armed with your knowledge you could actually help people, and the world, but you seem intent on insulting them and pissing them off instead.

I don't want wasps and spiders and foxes in my yard honestly. I want to use it.

I don't want wasps and spiders

Oh my gosh. Yes, spiders are terrible. Can’t bear to be near even a little one. It’s so much easier to use a space when I know there are no spiders anywhere nearby as they can wreak havoc on your life 🙄

These posts are just staggeringly rude. Incredible.

Surely nobody can roam around accusing others of tackiness with this level of rudeness? Do you really feel ok writing stuff like this? Just so rude.

FYI, no plastic grass here.

@RoomOfRequirement your comment about foxes and spiders and wasps is the funniest ever. Do you ever leave the safety of your plastic garden?

Eh…why can’t you use a garden if insects and animals are out there.

Mines insect central, I’ve never been bitten or stung by anything. I have a bee hive directly beside my back door alongside dogs and toddlers running around constantly- still not been stung. I’ve also got foxes, very rarely ever see them! If I do go out while ones out it sharp runs away…

I also don’t understand why children can’t play on real grass, nobody ever died from mud.

Hope you like rats then. A woman near me had a rat tunnel under her plastic grass and maje a nest. It made a nice cosy home for several little ratties. They like decking too.

YANBU. It’s so bad for the environment; I have no idea how it is legal. See also patio heaters and other outdoor(!) gas burners.

Fake turf is the manifestation of a deep cultural weakness, expressed in short-termism and a distaste and disrespect for the wonder, variety, and temporality of the natural world. Artificial lawns are the “Live, Laugh, Lobotomy” of gardening.

https://unherd.com/2022/12/artificial-grass-is-evil/

Parks! Full of butterflies and other terrifying beasts!
Beaches! Teaming with crustaceans and FISH!
Holidays! You never know what might creep out in foreign climes!

The more I think about plastic grass protecting you from spiders etc the dafter the idea becomes

Let's revisit this after a few more years of climate change. I live a few climate zones south of the UK. No-dig grow-your-own garden, we make our own compost and eat our own fruit and veg as much as possible. But our small lawn area is artificial. Why? Because any land here that isn't paved or mulched needs watering 6 months of the year otherwise it will be scrubby sand with a few dry thorny plants sticking out. While I use carefully measured drip irrigation for the fruit trees and veg, the best ecological choice for a kids' play area is artificial grass.

Just a side note: most of the articles refer to artificial grass that had a rubber underlay made from old tires, that has not been used for the last 20 years since people have become aware of the environmental issues. Just saying.

I have an 8m x 4m enclosure of AstroTurf for my business. If I didn't have it, I would struggle to run the business for two thirds of the year due to the climate.

To offset this, the rest of the 5 acres is left to nature. We mow very little of it and we have a rich variety of wildlife; barn owl, tawny owl, curlews, wagtails, shallows, hares and deer to name a few.

There's clearly a bigger picture in many cases with badly built housing and people feeling like their options are limited. Few people would want a mud pit for a garden. Maybe there needs to be tighter legislation with new builds, astroturfed newbuilds like that estate shouldn't be the norm.

That is grim reading. New mown grass scented plastic lawn cleaner FFS?

Also those banging on about 'lawn chemicals' - who the fuck uses these? No one that I have ever known.

Yeah, just grass seed when needed and some water. Sounds like far more bother than mowing the grass with my electric mower.

If people had read my original post, I have not got the artificial grass yet, I am about to order it. so cannot post a pic yet

I do not give a shiny shit whether other people like it or not, I do and I am going to make my garden a neat place with the least maintenance and for the least cost that I can.

just gotta make things as easy for yourself as you can