Santa Clara's Possible Infill Toxic Turf Ban — A Greener, Safer Future?

Getting to Know Artificial Turf and Its Infill

Artificial turf is increasingly popular in athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds. Beyond the aesthetic potential lies the difference in construction, an entirely synthetic surface made with durable synthetic fibers that resemble natural grass. Many of these systems rely on an infill material, most frequently crumb rubber recycled from old tires, to erect the fibers and offer cushion. Regrettably, worries have been raised about:

• Toxic chemicals found in crumb rubber have been linked to potential harm to athletes and communities located near turf fields.

• Exposure to harmful substances and the leaching of these chemicals into soil and water can cause long-term ecological impacts.

• Infill systems can become irradiated surfaces, raising ambient surface temperatures and creating thermal discomfort and even dangerous heat events.

The No-Infill Alternative: A Healthier, More Sustainable Option

No-infill artificial turf is specifically designed to work without these harmful chemicals. Here are just some of the significant benefits:

1. Increased Protection

• Eliminating toxic infill minimizes exposure to harmful substances.

• As the number of chemicals in a product is reduced, the potential for skin irritations and respiratory complications diminishes.

2. Environmental/Economic Development Benefits

• No-infill systems often utilize materials that are easier on the environment by utilizing echo-friendly materials.

• These alternatives not only lessen the maintenance burden but lower the long-term ecological footprint of public spaces.

3. Performance, Safety, Equity

• Modern no-infill designs maintain excellent playability and shock absorption.

• With fewer potential toxic chemical components, these kinds of turfs can show greater performance consistency and durability.

4. Community Benefits

• Communities with safer play environments benefit from improved safety and health.

• Lower maintenance and possible health-centered cost savings are significant positives.

No-Infill Turf Surfaces: The Least Common Turf Found Today

Pros

• Eliminates the risk of chemical exposure.

• Provides environmental sustainability through increased use of cleaner materials.

• It delivers a high-performance, long-lasting surface for playing sports and enjoying recreational activities. Pet's included!

• It contributes to lower surface temperatures and increases activity comfort.

Cons

• Initial installation costs might be higher.

• Involves modifications of installation practices and standards.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The proposed ban in Santa Clara is about more than a shift in policy at the local level. It is a potential blueprint to create safer, greener communities that other jurisdictions can mimic. Now imagine these community impacts:

• Fewer toxic chemicals would result in safer homes, classrooms, and recreation spaces for children and athletes.

• Making no-infill a priority makes sense from a sustainability perspective.

• Promotes research, development, and utilization of cutting-edge, sustainable sports infrastructure and surfaces.

• Though upfront costs are often higher, savings on ongoing maintenance and health impacts can be advantageous.

Final thoughts

Santa Clara's possible ban on artificial turf that utilizes toxic infill is the latest in a westward shift towards sustainable, health-conscious urban planning. No-infill artificial turf provides a viable solution that places public health, safety, and the environment first while delivering superior performance over time. 

As communities big and small work out their next steps toward cleaner, safer technologies, this change can be a striking testament to the notion that with some out-of-the-box thinking, a greener, safer future is within reach.

Turf manufacturers are looking at options to produce a conforming turf, but why wait for someone to create a new, unproven product when you can use AGL Grass North's nontoxic, no-infill turf right now?

Guess what? Millions of AGL no-infill turf is installed across the USA and Canada.