When you think about synthetic turf, you might picture the shiny, plastic fake grass of the 1970s. However, thanks to some very innovative new ideas, the world of artificial turf has changed for the better. Bio-based artificial turf uses plant-based, natural materials to create an ecologically friendly yet low maintenance artificial turf solution.
These sustainable synthetic lawns have been installed in residences, businesses, and even public parks all around the country. This bio-based turf belongs to a larger trend of bio-preferred products that are helping to provide environmentally conscious, sustainable options for a better future.
The USDA BioPreferred Program
Starting in 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture began an initiative to promote the development of biobased products to replace items traditionally made from plastic. The program aims to reduce our reliance on petroleum and to create new jobs in green manufacturing. The program expanded in 2014 with a focus on working with renewable resources and cutting back on the health impacts of traditional manufacturing.
Synlawn’s biobased artificial turf ranks among some of the most exciting products created under the USDA’s BioPreferred program. It offers a fully sustainable and environmentally beneficial synthetic surfacing solution for your home or office. As an added bonus, Synlawn’s turf looks like natural grass–giving it an aesthetically pleasing edge that other turf companies don’t typically offer.
Environmental Benefits of Synthetic Turf
Even when it’s not made of biobased materials, artificial turf comes with a host of environmental benefits. Unlike turf grass, synthetic surfaces don’t require watering or the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Reducing water use has become increasingly important in areas like Southern California that are prone to drought.
Additionally, pesticides and fertilizers can contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to wildlife, pets, and even humans. The constant use of them on natural grass can bring about damage to natural ecosystems that our planet relies on.
Lawnmowers and other yard maintenance devices also require electricity and gas, which add additional costs to homeowners and impact your carbon footprint by producing greenhouse gases and other pollution.
A More Sustainable Future
As climate change continues to make headlines, each industry must do everything in their power to switch to renewable and sustainable materials to lessen their environmental impact. For the field of synthetic surfaces, biobased artificial turf like Synlawn’s is made using sugar cane and soybeans. It’s an innovative strategy for a more sustainable future.
Though it might seem paradoxical that fake grass could be made in a way that supports a healthier ecosystem, new biobased artificial turfs have turned that assumption on its head. By using fully renewable and plant-based materials, biobased turf eliminates the environmental impacts of traditional grass while also steering away from the environmental damage associated manufacturing plastic–not to mention reducing future plastic waste.
About Synlawn
Synlawn manufactures, distributes, and installs USDA certified BioPreferred turf for residential and commercial clients in Seattle and Sacramento. Synlawn’s unique and durable synthetic turf is long-lasting and made using recycled materials. Synlawn is proud to be leading the synthetic surfacing industry into a more sustainable tomorrow.