The Environmental Impacts of Plastic Grass

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There's been no scientific research that's really looked at the impact on the microbes or the fungi. So a lot of insects, for example, will have part of their life cycle in the soil under the surface of the grass. Rob: I don't think there's any need to have a lawn that is comprised mainly of grass as we've had for hundreds of years. You want more chaotic, complex, wild sort of habitats really in the green space that we have. Do you think it ever could just be outright banned? We're trying to get some collaborative research going.

Installing artificial grass is becoming an increasingly popular way to achieve a neat, green lawn without much effort. But with environmental and potential health costs associated with plastic turf, many campaigners and gardeners would like to see it banned. In this episode from April 2023, Madeleine Finlay speaks to Guardian feature writer Sam Wollaston and urban ecologist Prof Rob Francis about why people go for artificial grass, its environmental impact, and whether it’s time we rid ourselves of the idea of the perfect lawn altogether. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod