Environment news : Act Global Forecasts Continued Growth in Synthetic Landscape Turf Driven by Environmental Benefits

Company cites environmental advantages of synthetic grass to include saving water, preventing pesticide use and reducing lawn maintenance pollution. 

Austin, TX September 26, 2013

As consumers continue to seek environmentally-responsible solutions, many home and business owners have recognized synthetic turf as an attractive alternative. John Baize, director of leading artificial turf manufacturer Act Global, said that a growing number of people are seeking the company’s artificial landscape turf for its environmental benefits.

“Artificial turf has been used for decades in sports fields for a variety of reasons, from improving the condition of worn out natural grass to extending playing time,” said Baize. “The realistic appearance of our synthetic landscape products, coupled with the environmental and maintenance benefits, has spurred rapid growth in this segment. We are projecting this trend to continue.”

In fact, the Synthetic Turf Council identifies the landscape and recreation market as the fastest growing segment in the synthetic turf industry.

Pesticides are widely used in commercial agriculture, as well as home and garden use, and are a growing public concern. According to Beyond Pesticides (beyondpesticides.org), 78 million households in the U.S. use pesticides. When using artificial grass, keeping a natural looking lawn requires no pesticides, water, or polluting lawn equipment.

Here are a few studies regarding pesticides:

Source: Beyond Pesticides

•     Children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults, and their developing organ systems are more vulnerable and less able to rid of toxins.
•     Studies have linked pesticides with hyperactivity, asthma, developmental delays, behavioral disorders, motor dysfunction, birth defects, neurotoxicity, liver or kidney damage and endocrine system disrupters.
•     Studies have shown that dogs exposed to herbicide-treated lawns can increase their chance of developing canine lymphoma and bladder cancer.
•     Of commonly used lawn pesticides, 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to aquatic organisms and 11 are deadly to bees.

The Synthetic Turf Council estimates the total amount of synthetic turf installed in North America annually conserves close to a billion pounds of fertilizers and pesticides. The EPA notes runoff of pesticides and fertilizers is a principal cause of water pollution, which can cause algae blooms, depleted oxygen and damage to aquatic life.

Global water supplies are also shrinking, and communities across the world are facing challenges in maintaining healthy and affordable water. Every square foot of natural grass replaced with turf can save 55 gallons of water per year.

Baize stated that all Act Global’s products are responsibly sourced and proven safe for lead and other hazardous products. Their Xtreme Lawn artificial landscape turf features a thatch layer to resemble natural grass, and is available in a variety of colors and styles to match natural foliage. Visit Act Global’s website at http://www.ActGlobal.com to learn more about their artificial landscape grass or artificial sports turf.

About Act Global

Act Global, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a world leader in synthetic turf and artificial grass manufacturing. The company’s monofilament and fibrillated artificial Xtreme Turf and Xtreme Lawn products replicate natural grass for use in international stadiums, indoor sport centers, airports, synthetic lawns and other synthetic grass uses. Its LiteEarth and AvTurf affiliations add capabilities for landfills and airport applications. Act Global has four manufacturing locations in USA, Europe and Asia and installations in over 70 countries. Act Global is notable for currently being the first company in the world that is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer and holds an ISO 9001 certification. Its products have undergone hundreds of independent laboratory tests for quality, durability and performance.

By press release