June 12th, 2019
Does Artificial Turf Help The Environment?
Some still make the argument "real grass vs. fake grass." But regardless of who's right and who's wrong, it's really just a matter of preference. A home owner who enjoys doing his own yard work might appreciate the look and feel of real grass because it's more natural. But just down the block there's a business owner who prefers fake grass because it saves time and involves less maintenance.
Benefits of Artificial Turf Grass
Regardless of personal reasons why you may want to stick with real grass, there are some good reasons why people choose to have artificial grass installed on their property. The reasons commonly include water conservation, less maintenance, child and pet friendliness, and it looks natural. But does artificial grass help the environment?.. And is it an eco-friendly option?..
Empirical Evidence
Arguably, the answer is yes, and the best way to observe this is by simply walking out onto your front lawn and observing it for yourself. Empirical evidence involves senses, sensors, quantitative information, qualitative information, experimentation and secondary source (primary), and fortunately, the human body has the ability to use "senses" for visual perceptions based on eye-sight.
If we consider just the type of evidence that is "observable," then we can use simple evidence gathering methods that are needed only by a set of human eyes. Even scientists use this type of empirical evidence to collect and analyze data for research.
Without going too deep into scientific research as to the benefits of artificial grass, let's take a look at the most obvious ones,.. sight, smell and touch. To the average home owner, the human "senses" are all that are needed.
- Sight observation - From a standing position, it's easy to see that artificial grass "looks" natural.
- Touch - Simply reach down and press your hand into the surface of artificial turf. You'll feel that the artificial grass blades are not as soft to the human touch as real grass, but the synthetic composition is flexible and non-abrasive, and the underlying rubber compounds absorb shock.
- Odor - Artificial turf is odorless.
- Water Conservation - Everybody realizes the importance of conserving our most precious resource - water. In fact, the City of El Paso periodically imposes water restrictions on home owners who water their natural grass to only Mondays. In 1991, El Paso began a water conservation program that included a water conservation ordinance that makes wasting water a violation.
- Recycling - Some may say that artificial grass is not recyclable. Although this may have been true in past years, some are made of materials that ARE recyclable. Even though the backing/tuft bind is the only part that isn't, the rest can easily be melted down to create new products.
- Reduces carbon emissions - Lawn mowers, weed eaters and other lawn equipment are needed to maintain real grass. They all use either fossil fuel, electricity or batteries for power. The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases which are not good for the environment. When artificial grass is installed, there is suddenly no need for cutting or trimming tools in order to maintain it to keep it looking beautiful and green.
Other things you can do to make your yard a more green place..
Along with artificial turf, there are some other things you can do that will make your yard look green. If your backyard needs help and you don't know where to start, try a few easy modifications to turn your backyard space into a more inviting and green place to live.
- Create brick boundaries around plant decorations - Create rounded brick boundaries around various foliage and flowering plants.
- Create some pathways - The same way the rounded brick boundaries are formed, only in walkable paths in open spaces.
- Use green paint - Paint outward facing walls and fences green.
- Mount a birdhouse - Mount a birdhouse in a visual spot that will enable you to easily see a mother bird.
- Mount a bird feeder - All bird species will appreciate a bird feeder. Placing a bird feeder in your yard will attract many bird species in your area.
- Take yard lights to the next level - You will really have fun with lights, whether white or green lights, it doesn't matter. Who doesn't appreciate colorful lights?
- Plant cactus - Cactus is cool. They don't need much water at all to stay green, and they discourage trespassing!
- Garden scents - Add natural or artificial fragrance to your yard.
- Outdoor decor - Choose outdoor decor that will compliment the natural green and brown surroundings of your backyard.
- Sound of water - Add the natural sounds of water with waterfalls, drippers, fountains and water wigglers.
- Ceramics -
- Yard art - Add green yard art, garden accents, chimes, wind spinners, statues and bird baths.
- Holiday decorations - Add green Christmas lights, Christmas wreath, fir branches, wintergreen LED lighting, menorahs and mistletoe.
There are different types of evidence, and some might argue there are up to 20 types of evidence gathering techniques used in science and law. There are six sub-categories under empirical evidence, and the first and probably the most basic is evidence based on the human senses. Altogether, you can easily decide for yourself if artificial grass is right for you based on touch, smell and sight. Does artificial grass feel right to you? Does it have a foul smell? Does it look natural to you? Please continue reading with "Football Fields With Artificial Turf"