Eco-resident calls for ban on artificial grass

An environmentally conscious resident called for a ban on artificial grass before it caused what he has described as an "ecological disaster".

Jonathan Huggins, of Southwold, believed the rise in the popularity of plastic grass for gardens and sports pitches was a "looming environmental catastrophe".

The 74-year-old feels so passionately about the effect it could have on the planet that he has now launched a petition demanding a stop to the production of material.

The Artificial Grass Company Norfolk and Suffolk, however, defended the fake grass, claiming more plastic waste is produced by the disposal of household carpets.

'We've got too much plastic'

Huggins, whose petition has garnered more than 300 signatures at the time of writing, described artificial grass as being a "ticking time bomb".

"We've really got too much plastic on this planet, and I see this as just adding even more to it when we don't really need to," he told the BBC.

"Through wear and tear, it'll break down, meaning plastic shards blowing around the countryside, contaminating soil and waterways and being eaten by animals.

"Why do we need to change from something that's natural to something that is unnatural in a way that is going to be detrimental to the environment?"

According to Aviva, 21% of households across the UK have either already replaced their natural lawn with artificial grass or are planning to.

Huggins believed the rise in demand for artificial grass is driven by the idea that it is more convenient – but he said this was a misconception.

"I've got a friend who has had some for about eight years, and it's not maintenance-free because once a week she goes out and hoovers it," he added.

Huggins concerns are echoed by the World Wildlife Fund, which said fake grass's increasing popularity was "not good news for nature".

"Artificial lawns negatively impact nature, the environment, people and our pets, and should be avoided where possible," it said.

But Lee Symonds, of the Artificial Grass Company Norfolk and Suffolk, said calls for plastic grass to be banned were somewhat hypocritical.

"Artificial grass is made from the same stuff as people's carpets, PVC windows, plastic plant pots, it's all made in the same factories," he said.

"There will be far more plastic waste from people's carpets in their houses than there ever will be from artificial grass."

Symonds, who claimed to have laid "thousands" of plastic lawns since starting in 2011, also said the low maintenance of artificial grass was perfect for older people.

"It means they can keep a bit of colour in their garden instead of turning it into a concrete jungle," he added.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.