Israeli Cities Move Away From Artificial Turf Over Health and Environmental Concerns
Two Israeli municipalities, Kfar Saba and Herzliya, are leading a movement to phase out artificial turf in public spaces, citing environmental and health concerns. Kfar Saba was the first to announce its intention to remove the plastic grass, with Herzliya following suit. Starting in 2027, Herzliya plans a gradual replacement of all existing artificial turf with natural, sustainable solutions. The city will no longer approve plastic grass for new projects or public garden renovations, prioritizing climate-appropriate vegetation to bolster the urban ecosystem. Herzliya intends to replace 10 dunams (approximately 2.5 acres) of artificial turf with natural grass.
Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fischer acknowledged installing artificial turf at his own home years ago, attributing the initiative to his wife and now regretting it due to heat and discomfort for children. He cited four reasons for the city's decision: aesthetics, unpleasantness, health risks, and the practical issue of drainage during anticipated heavy rainfall, which can reach 70-400 mm in 24 hours, overwhelming inadequate drainage systems.
The debate over artificial turf has also surfaced on social media. In response to a complaint about the installation of artificial turf in a dog park in Ramat Gan, Mayor Ran Konik defended the decision, stating that sand, the previous ground cover, was also problematic and unsanitary. He claimed that dog owners requested the artificial turf and that the city generally prioritizes natural grass, having replaced most existing artificial turf with natural alternatives.
Numerous studies highlight issues with artificial turf, including the release of toxins from plastics and recycled rubber when exposed to sun, and the risk of burns from high surface temperatures in summer. It contributes to environmental warming, hinders water drainage, and degrades, releasing microplastics. The organization "Adam Teva V'Din" (Nature and Environment) emphasized the direct impact on children's health and safety, noting that high temperatures in Israel can increase the release of potentially carcinogenic chemicals and plastic particles. They also pointed out a discrepancy between Israeli and updated European standards for safety and exposure to hazardous materials and microplastics, suggesting Israeli children might be exposed to substances not meeting current European requirements.
Last year, "Adam Teva V'Din," the Green Network, and the Israeli Climate Forum sent a letter to government ministers urging a halt to artificial turf use in educational institutions, playgrounds, and public parks. The Ministry of Economy stated that natural alternatives must meet safety and health requirements for playgrounds, while the Ministry of Health indicated that all surface types have pros and cons, with its chief toxicologist asserting no current public health risk from artificial turf based on available information. Ramat Gan stated that while it invests in natural vegetation, artificial turf is sometimes chosen for safety and durability in areas requiring fall-absorbing surfaces, with only two of its 15 dog parks using it.
