Artificial grass a huge contributor to marine plastic pollution crisis

A recent study has uncovered that tiny plastic fibres used to produce AstroTurf often wind up in water bodies close to major cities, posing a substantial threat to ocean ecology.

AstroTurf (AT) is a surfacing material that simulates natural grass by using synthetic, primarily plastic, fibres in different shapes, sizes, and properties.

Though it’s most often used to line sports fields, today it shapes many urban landscapes, from private lawns to rooftops and public venues.

According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), 42,000 tons of microplastics added to products such as these end up in the environment every year, with granules used in AT making up 16,000 tons.

Despite concerns regarding the impact of this on our planet, little has been revealed about what the chemicals from these rubber playgrounds are actually doing to the Earth.

That is, until today.