We seek to protect our parks and schools from the environmental, community, and health costs of replacing natural grass with synthetic turf.

Why say no to synthetic turf?

Environmental Impact

• Synthetic turf releases CO2 during manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance and end of life disposal.
• Water is used to cool and clean the synthetic turf fields.
• Without a recycling plan, synthetic turf will eventually end up in a landfill. Watch this documentary The Artificial Turf Mountain >
• The risk of flooding increases because the synthetic turf plastic carpet adds to stormwater runoff
• Rubber pellets and microplastics from synthetic turf goes into storm drains which pollutes our rivers and oceans
  Read more from Science Direct >

Community Impact

• Pets won't be able to play in the park
• Parks will become pay-to-play fields
• Prioritizing city profits over community usage
• Scarce residential parking becomes overburdened by increased field rentals without corresponding parking solutions

  Environmental Impact

Health Risks

• Synthetic turf on hot days can reach temperatures in excess of 65°C, making it unusable for anyone, without a cooling process.
• Increased risk of turf burn injuries
  Read more from Healthline >
• Playing on hot days can increase the likelihood of dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion due to synthetic turf heat retention
• Bodily fluids, bird and animal droppings do not decompose, requiring regular sanitization
• Field hardness must be regularly managed to prevent concussions for players.

What We Stand For

• Equitable access to parks for everyone and pets
• Supporting our environment to reduce CO2 emissions.

Let's keep our sport fields healthy, accessible, living and plastic free!