Topic Reading-Vol.3776-8/13/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Is there anything green about plastic grass?
Artificial turf, or plastic grass, is made of synthetic fibers that look like natural grass. It has been used in sports arenas for decades. Recently, plastic green is being used on residential and commercial lawns by taking part in natural grass because it doesn’t require trimming or water. Indeed, you can enjoy natural-like green throughout the year without mowing. Nowadays, artificial turf offers infills that are mixtures of sand and granules of recycled rubber, which makes it look and feel more like real grass. However, it is still made of plastic after all. When it is produced, it leaves a quite substantial carbon footprint. In summer, its surface temperature goes so high that it cannot be walked on with bare feet. Also, microplastic particles are washed off into the surrounding area and eventually into rivers and seas. And what will happen when it is disposed of? Can it be recycled? In any case, more sustainable and greener plastic green is coming as aging societies need green without care.
Enjoy reading the article and learning about artificial green on the ground and yard.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61552315