The Environmental Impacts of Artificial Grass

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Rob Francis is a professor of urban ecology and society at King's College London. He says fake grass can be a help if you do want that evergreen lawn look. But it's not the garden panacea it's often sold as, he adds. And there are health concerns over chemicals used in some kinds of artificial grass. Rob: Fake grass could become an issue especially with climate change.

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. 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