This webinar will feature a panel providing a brief overview of the impacts of astroturf on our communities and public health. We hope you will tune in to learn more either live or through a recording thereafter.

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Astroturf, often promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to natural grass, has significant negative consequences for sacred water sources and ecosystems. The production of synthetic turf involves petroleum-based plastics, chemicals, and dyes that contribute to pollution and resource depletion.

The manufacturing process releases harmful toxins, which can eventually seep into surrounding soil and water systems. Once installed, astroturf becomes a heat magnet, absorbing and retaining heat, which in turn raises the temperature of the surrounding environment and nearby water sources. These elevated temperatures can lead to the disruption of fragile aquatic ecosystems, affecting everything from fish populations to the overall health of the waterway.

The impact of astroturf on sacred water becomes particularly alarming when considering its long-term consequences. As it sits in place, the plastic fibers can trap pollutants, and in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding, these contaminants can wash into nearby rivers, lakes, or streams, affecting the quality of water. The runoff can include microplastics and toxic chemicals, polluting not only the water but also the surrounding wildlife and plant life. Sacred waters, which hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities, are often situated near areas where such synthetic materials are used.