A government minister has suggested that there might be a ban on artificial grass throughout Wales.
Julie James, the minister for climate change, stated that there have been "worrying reports" indicating that the "toxicity coming off artificial grass" can be "quite alarming.".
She stated to the Senedd that she wanted to "proactively explore" whether Wales' new law banning some single-use plastics could be applied to such a ban.
Because they don't need to be mowed, fake lawns have gained popularity.
Ms. James was responding to Plaid Cymru South Wales West MS Sioned Williams, who mentioned University of Sheffield research on how natural gardens cool urban areas and play a crucial 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 impression that it requires no maintenance, requires routine cleaning and has a life span of eight to 15 years, after which sustainable disposal can be difficult," said Ms. Williams.
"Use of artificial grass has negative environmental effects beyond reducing the advantages of natural gardens, such as obstructing the habitat of earthworms and insects and endangering wildlife through the leaching of microplastics. ".
Following her complaints about its use in city regeneration projects, Ms. Williams claimed Swansea Council had agreed to stop using artificial grass going forward.
Except for sports fields, she wanted it outlawed in areas under Welsh government control.
The local sustainability of many areas in Wales is negatively impacted by artificial grass, Ms. James concurred.
According to several university sources, the toxicity released by artificial grass when used by kids and other people is quite alarming. This is quite worrying. ".
Weeds grow through it and "it can be very difficult to clean, if an animal has been on it," she claimed, adding that a public awareness campaign was required to explain "why it isn't the short-term solution it looks like for people.".
In order to ensure that it isn't used in any publicly funded space, Ms. James promised that she would review all of her guidance and collaborate with local authorities.
She added that she wanted to "proactively explore" whether a ban on single-use plastics across all of Wales would be made possible by "our new single-use plastics bill," which "gave us the ability to add in other plastics for banning.".
Last December, a senior Senedd member issued a warning that the Welsh law banning some single-use plastics might not go into effect in its entirety until 2026.
It happened amid concerns over whether the UK government needs to approve a ban on single-use carrier bags in order for it to be fully implemented.
