Stop the Plastic Pitch

AUSMAP, a Total Environment Centre Project, and Seabins Foundation has revealed that synthetic turf installations—especially those using rubber crumb infill—consistently contribute microplastics into freshwater and coastal environments throughout Australia. Action is needed to address the installation and management of synthetic turf fields in NSW to curb the spread of microplastic loss and potential harm to our environment and communities.

Revelations of environmental impacts and significant gaps in research exposed by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineers Report (CSE) Synthetic Turf in Public Spaces (2023) have highlighted critical concerns.

Both locally and internationally, there is clear evidence of rubber ...

AUSMAP, a Total Environment Centre Project, and Seabins Foundation has revealed that synthetic turf installations—especially those using rubber crumb infill—consistently contribute microplastics into freshwater and coastal environments throughout Australia. Action is needed to address the installation and management of synthetic turf fields in NSW to curb the spread of microplastic loss and potential harm to our environment and communities.

Revelations of environmental impacts and significant gaps in research exposed by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineers Report (CSE) Synthetic Turf in Public Spaces (2023) have highlighted critical concerns.

Both locally and internationally, there is clear evidence of rubber crumb and synthetic turf escaping into the surrounding environment. These fields contain a host of potentially carcinogenic and toxic additives including VOCs, metals, PAHs, PFAS compounds. This is especially concerning given their mobility through soil, waterways, and through contact with people.

Despite these alarming findings, there remains few enforceable regulations and guidelines in NSW. We believe a cautious "learn and adapt" approach suggested by some is inadequate.

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Ask your MP to Stop the Plastic Pitch

18 emails sent

Write to your local member or council using our template and ask them to:

Reevaluate all proposed synthetic turf projects.
Call for alternative surfaces and infill —and in the short term at least ensure proper drainage, containment of microplastics, and end-of life disposal planning.
Commit to meaningful community consultation before approving synthetic turf installations.
Support state-wide precautionary policies and investment in research.

The contact details of your local member (state and federal) will automatically be filled in using our template. You can add the contact details of your local council yourself, but finding them in the Local Government Directory here.

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Compose your email

Subject:

I am writing to express my concerns about the installation of synthetic turf fields and the use of toxic and hazardous rubber crumb infill. While I understand the intent to provide durable and all-weather sports surfaces, I believe it is crucial to consider the broader environmental, health, and community implications associated with it.

Recent studies have highlighted significant environmental and health risks linked to synthetic turf, particularly those using crumb rubber infill made from recycled tyres. These surfaces can release hazardous substances, including microplastics, metals, PAHs, PFAS and volatile organic compounds, and are known to enter the environment and potentially our bodies.

Notably, the European Union has implemented a ban on synthetic turf products containing intentionally added microplastics, including crumb rubber infill, due to their concerns with environmental and human health. Similarly, the Netherlands plans to phase out artificial grass on sports fields by 2030, opting for natural grass surfaces instead.

With Councils and residents also installing synthetic turf in public places and in homes, there is even a greater need to regulate its use. Other areas of concern include the relatively short lifespan compared to natural grass, with most ending up in landfill. The installation of synthetic turf also leads to the reduction of natural green spaces, which are vital for passive recreation and biodiversity.

I urge you to:
- Re-evaluate the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic turf installations;
- Ban the use of rubber crumb as an infill material;
- Consider alternative solutions that prioritise natural grass or other sustainable materials;
- Engage with community stakeholders to assess the potential impacts on local residents and recreational activities; and
- Align with best practices and guidelines that emphasise sustainability and community well-being.

Thank you for considering these concerns. I look forward to your response and to working together to ensure that our community's health and environment are prioritised in future project decisions.

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