Is Synthetic Turf Really “Greener”? A Lifecycle Analysis of Sports Fields Across the United States
Abstract
Replacing natural grass fields with synthetic turf is a trend sweeping the nation. Synthetic field installation is associated with reduced annual maintenance cost, elimination of watering, mowing, fertilizer, and tripling the available hours of use. However, the use of synthetic turf comes with long-term environmental consequences. The concern of this revolutionizing trend is the crumb rubber infill used within the generation 3 synthetic turf. This infill releases harmful toxins when it degrades, polluting the surface water, soil, and air of the surrounding environment. A life cycle analysis of synthetic turf was used in order to determine under what circumstances the environmental benefits of a synthetic turf field outweigh the long-term environmental costs. In regions with extreme average annual temperatures, low annual precipitation, and aridisol soil, the use of synthetic turf is a valid alternative for natural grass fields. Through the use of these environmental factors when considering the installation of synthetic turf, each community will be able to best decided whether or not the short-term benefits of a synthetic turf field out-weigh their long-term costs.
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
A Study of Differences in Sport Motivation in NCAA Division III Track and Field Athletes Examining Gender, Race, and Academic Classification
Kline, Erin (2016)The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in sport motivation in track and field athletes. Understanding what motivates athletes is important as it indicates why an athlete engages in a sport and what ... -
Field Placement in Exercise and Sport Science
Andrew Pustina -
Field Placement in Exercise and Sport Science
Andrew Pustina