Abstract
Maintaining natural lawns comes with a significant environmental toll, including air and water pollution as well as excessive water usage. Our article explores the environmental impact of traditional lawn care practices and advocates for the adoption of artificial turf as a sustainable alternative. We will discuss the emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers, the use of pesticides, and the water demands of natural lawns, supported by relevant research findings that should interest you.
Introduction
For many homeowners, achieving the ideal green lawn is a top priority. However, the hidden environmental costs of maintaining natural lawns are often overlooked. From gas-powered lawn mowers emitting harmful pollutants to the excessive use of pesticides and water, traditional lawn care practices take a significant toll on the environment each year.
Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn mowers are a significant source of air pollution, emitting pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (Millett 2007). In fact, a single gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars driving for the same duration (Banks, McConnell 2015). This cumulative effect results in millions of tons of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere annually, contributing to climate change and poor air quality (Banks, McConnell 2015). It is no wonder that many Cities and US States are looking for ways to reduce these types of emissions. Some have even passed laws that stop the sale of small engine polluters within their jurisdiction.
Pesticide Usage
Pesticide use is another concerning aspect of maintaining natural lawns. In 2012 alone, homeowners across the United States used an estimated 59 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns and gardens (Atwood, Jones 2017). These chemicals, designed to kill pests and weeds, can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing documented risks to human health and killing off important ecosystems. Runoff from treated lawns can also contaminate nearby bodies of water, further exacerbating environmental problems (USGS 2019).
Water Concerns
Water demands of natural lawns are staggering, even more so then we had thought. The EPA states that outdoor water use accounts for nearly 30% of total household water use in the United States and can be as much as 60% of total household water use in arid climates like the Southwest Region (EPA 2024). A considerable amount of that outdoor water use percentage is applied to lawns. To put it in perspective, the EPA estimates that, if an average sized lawn in the United States was watered for 20 minutes every day for 7 days, it would equate to taking nearly 800 showers (EPA 2024).
Artificial Turf as a Sustainable Alternative
Amidst growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional lawn care practices, artificial turf emerges as a viable alternative. Synthetic grass eliminates the need for gas-powered lawn mowers altogether, thus reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, artificial turf does not require pesticides or fertilizers, eliminating the associated environmental risks. Moreover, synthetic lawns require minimal watering compared to natural grass, significantly reducing water consumption and alleviating pressure on strained water supplies (Synthetic Turf Council 2020). Critics and skeptics are not wrong when they talk about the use of plastics and the carbon foot print of artificial turf, however, plastic used in the production of lawns is often made with plastics being sourced through recyclable channels and in even more cases, can be recycled at a later point or repurposed. These are not the single use plastics that you read about in the news, rather, the life span of turf if properly maintained can and should have a usable life that exceeds 20 or more years.
Summary
In conclusion, the environmental impact of maintaining natural lawns is substantial, with significant contributions to air and water pollution, as well as excessive water usage. By transitioning to artificial turf, homeowners can mitigate these environmental concerns while still enjoying the aesthetic benefits of a green lawn. As society continues to prioritize sustainability and conservation, artificial turf stands out as a practical solution for reducing pollutants and preserving precious natural resources. We are not advocating to cover the planet with artificial turf, rather, used in residential landscape will provide a better living situation that saves time, saves money and reduces the water usage. All good things from our perspective.
References
- Millett, J. (2007, April 17). Small Engine Rule to Bring Big Emissions Cuts. EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/archive/epapages/newsroom_archive/newsreleases/0cb7669b182b145d852572c0005e415a.html - Banks, J. McConnell, R. (2015). National Emissions from Lawn and Garden Equipment. EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/banks.pdf - Atwood, D. Jones, C. (2017). Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage. EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-01/documents/pesticides-industry-sales-usage-2016_0.pdf - Pesticides and Water Quality. (2019, March 1) USGS.
https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/pesticides-and-water-quality - Statistics and Facts. (2024, April 2) EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts - Synthetic Grass 360. (2020). Synthetic Turf Council.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/resource/resmgr/guidelines/STC_Synthetic_Grass_360-Jan..pdf
