Artificial grass and plants may seem like a convenient alternative, but most people are unlikely to be aware that these materials are contributing to more plastic pollution ending up in our waterways and Oceans.
Seabin Foundation hopes to raise awareness of artificial grass and plants, from an environmental perspective, as well as to encourage local councils, government, businesses and individuals to think about the necessity of these materials, and the consequences of making it a habit to choose them over natural greenery.
In just the first four months of 2024, 32 Seabins located in the Sydney Harbour captured an estimated 1,992 artificial plants and 9,633 artificial grass fibres. Shockingly, this represents only a fraction of what’s entering the harbour and flowing out into the ocean. This suggests the amount of artificial plants and grass polluting our waterways and the ocean is much, much higher.
The state of NSW has more than 181 synthetic fields. Not only are the health impacts under investigation, the environmental impacts of synthetic turf and rubber crumb fill are a cause for concern.
Natural turf provides beneficial sensory and learning experiences for children that synthetic turf cannot meet. When grass is replaced by artificial turf, health and safety concerns arise surrounding PFA exposure and unsafe temperatures on hot days.
Artificial plants and turf are often used to decorate event venues with greenery to make them more appealing and attract customers. Not only is disposal of these artificial alternatives difficult, they can be carried, blown, and washed into waterways.
Donations to the Synthetic Turf Litter Campaign make a big difference by:
