Says Monty (20 October episode). No, it really isn't! Stop sitting on the fence. Argh!
It's plastic. Even according to your programme; it stops natural drainage, the soil under it is a desert for microorganisms, it burns pets paws in the summer heat, it increases the micro plastics entering the sea, it contributes to the heat island effect in cities, it may effect our hormones negatively. It isn't even necessary. There are plenty of alternatives; clover, tougher grass varieties, gravel etc.
But, someone makes his living out of it (note- other livings are available), and someone else likes their kids to play table tennis on it.