Background
Artificial turf refers to surfaces other than natural grass (i.e., sod) used for recreation and landscaping, and may include synthetic or natural components. Artificial turf is generally deployed where conditions are unfavorable for natural grass, such as indoors and low-sunlight environments, arid areas and areas subject to prolonged drought, and urban settings where heat, intensity of use, and typical landscape maintenance are problematic.
Synthetic turf is a predominantly petrochemical product category whose manufacture, use and disposal exposes communities to toxic chemicals. Use of synthetic turf in place of natural green spaces negatively impacts human and environmental health. Sierra Club envisions a world in which natural alternatives are used in outdoor settings such as landscaping, public spaces, play surfaces, and athletic fields. Where indoor turf alternatives are required, safer, more eco-friendly products (e.g., sand or plant-based materials such as pine and cork, walnut shells, and coconut waste) are considered less harmful options and can be substituted for petrochemical-based synthetic turf.
Some communities currently face limitations in providing youth sports on natural grass fields. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may require consideration of non-grass facilities. We advocate for funding organizations and local policymakers to prioritize the establishment of grass playing fields where practicable. Sierra Club recommends that existing synthetic turf playing fields receive their required maintenance until they reach the end of their useful life, at which time, the fields should be replaced with natural grass instead of reinstalling synthetic turf. We recognize that there will be short-term tradeoffs to navigate as we move toward our goal of eliminating all uses of petrochemical-based synthetic turf. We also recognize that for indoor uses where natural grass is not feasible, more eco-friendly products will be needed to help address those situations.
Therefore, as part of its goal to reduce pollution, support the most environmentally-beneficial options wherever possible, address environmental equity and to promote safe access to recreational opportunities for all communities, Sierra Club supports advocacy, regulatory and legislative action that would:
Promote natural grass turf alternatives for functional outdoor uses wherever practicable.
Promote eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based synthetic turf for indoor uses and outdoor applications that cannot support natural grass.
Advocate that public grants prioritize the use of grass or natural fields in park projects wherever feasible.
Prohibit installation, and/or re-installation in outdoor applications where natural grass is feasible.
Require manufacturers to disclose all chemicals used in synthetic turf products and prohibit the sale of synthetic turf that contains hazardous or toxic substances including but not limited to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).