the nature diaries

Rubber crumbs
in plastic fields
No mud, no grass
no earth to feel.
Short-term gains,
But long-term costs

Growing up, I played mainly on lush, grass fields, playing tag with my friends and hating how muddy it got after it rained. As I entered middle and high school, I became more used to artificial turf fields, appreciating its durability in all types of weather. However, over time, I started noticing the differences, like how the turf gets unbearably hot in the sun and how the smell of rubber lingers after a rain. I noticed how, unlike natural grass, turf felt rougher, harder, and less alive. 

Artificial turf promises many benefits – that’s the reason it became so popular in the first place. Compared to natural grass, turf is generally cheaper and easier to maintain over time, requiring fewer labor hours, less water, and minimal mowing or fertilization. It can be used in any weather conditions, ensuring games and practices are rarely canceled due to muddy or frozen fields. 

Turf is also durable and long-lasting, handling high-traffic use without the patchy wear that can plague natural fields. Furthermore, maintaining natural grass requires significant chemical inputs, including pesticides and fertilizers, which can themselves be environmentally harmful.

However, despite these benefits, the drawbacks of artificial turf are significant. Surveys and feedback from local students, residents, and area sports teams highlight environmental and health concerns. Artificial turf can contribute to chemical leaching, poor soil health, extreme microplastic pollution, and loss of natural habitats and nutrition for local flora and fauna. 

Maintenance chemicals like PFAS, tire crumb rubber, and VOCs pose health risks, including heat retention, toxicity, and potential carcinogen exposure. Installation and upkeep are costly, and while the turf is durable, it can degrade in quality and lacks the natural appeal of grass.

From a sports perspective, many local teams, from travel and JV to varsity and recreational leagues, already train and compete on both grass and artificial surfaces. Transitioning back to grass fields would therefore not require major skill adjustments for athletes or coaches, suggesting that natural fields remain a viable option.

Fortunately, solutions exist. Eco-friendly turf alternatives are emerging that use plant-based backings and avoid recycled tire shreds and plastics, relying instead on biodegradable materials. Such approaches could balance the durability and usability of artificial surfaces with environmental and health-conscious practices, offering a more sustainable path forward for communities and sports programs alike.