Artificial lawns could be banned in Wales, minister says

Artificial grass contributes to global warming by absorbing more radiation than living grass, displacing living plants that could remove carbon dioxide - and through emissions created during its production.

Wales reporter @TomosGruffydd

Thursday 8 June 2023 14:38, UK

Artificial lawns could be banned in Wales due to its damaging impact on the environment, a Welsh government minister has said.

Julie James, Wales's climate change minister, said fake grass surfaces had a "very bad effect" on sustainability.

Artificial grass can contribute to global warming by absorbing significantly more radiation than living grass and by displacing living plants that could remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

The production of the surfaces also emits carbon and uses fossil fuels - while removing an area of planting in soil that is actively locking carbon into the ground releases that locked carbon back into the atmosphere.

Ms James suggested a Senedd act banning single-use plastics could be amended to include artificial grass, with the exception of sports pitches.

Responding in the Senedd to a question by Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Senedd member for South Wales West region, the minister said she was keen to "explore proactively" the options available under the act.

The government's bill banning single-use plastics in Wales has recently received Royal Assent.

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Plastic plates, cutlery, drinks stirrers, straws will be banned from Autumn this year under the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023.

Polysterene cups and food containers along with plastic-stemmed cotton buds and balloon sticks will be banned.

Single-use plastic carrier bags will also be outlawed from next year under the act.

Ms Williams said natural gardens played an important role in "absorbing rain, thereby reducing the risk of flash flooding, and offering much needed refuge, for wildlife".

"Artificial grass is made of plastic and other synthetic materials, which, despite the perception of being maintenance free, requires regular cleaning and has a life span of eight to 15 years, after which sustainable disposal can be challenging," she said.

"Aside from reducing the benefits of natural gardens, using artificial grass carries other environmental implications, such as hindering the habitat of earthworms and insects, while the leaching of microplastics can harm wildlife."

She added that Swansea Council had agreed not to use artificial grass in the public realm, even on a temporary basis going forward.

"So will you commit today, minister, to following the good example of Swansea Council by committing to the banning of the use of artificial grass in spaces over which the government has control, with the exception of sports fields?" Ms Williams said.

Ms James said: "I really do think we need to get a public information campaign going about why it isn't the short-term solution it looks like for people."

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There are provisions in the Senedd-approved act which allow Welsh government ministers to add other plastics for banning.

"I really want to explore proactively whether it's possible to do it through that route as well," the minister added.

People who break the new laws on single-use plastics in Wales could face a fine.