**Please note that this webinar has passed but you can find the recording here or watch it below.**
Artificial turf is billed as an economical and environmental option by the industry but is it really? Join Beyond Plastics affiliate, Zero Waste Ithaca for a free webinar investigating the true costs of artificial turf, focusing on Cornell University’s proposed $55M plan for installing additional synthetic playing fields. Discover the dangers of plastic grass, from toxic chemical exposure to ecological degradation, and explore sustainable alternatives and advocacy strategies.
Their stellar panel of six experts—including scientists, environmentalists, and a former university soccer coach—will analyze the life cycle, environmental justice, and public health impacts of artificial turf. After speaker presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in dialogue and action planning.
From coast to coast, communities are facing similar challenges. By opposing Cornell’s artificial turf project, we both support our local community and draw attention to a nationwide movement to ban plastic grass installations. Register now to join the movement advocating for sound environmental practices and a sustainable future.
Speakers:
Amy Griffin, former University of Washington Women's Soccer Coach.
Kyla Bennett, Ph.D., J.D. Director for the North East and Mid-Atlantic and Director of Science Policy for PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility).
Kathleen Michels, Ph.D., Neuroscientist and a founding Board member of Safe Healthy Playing Fields and One Montgomery Green. She also served on the public health and zero waste committees of the Maryland Sierra Club.
Jeff Gearhart, M.S. Research Director of Ecology Center in Michigan.
Neil Carman, Ph.D., phytochemist who has served as the Sierra Club’s staff leader in the lawsuit against Exxon Mobile complex in Baytown, TX for twelve years.
Ryan Anderson leads Midwest Grows Green, an initiative of IPM Institute of North America as the Sustainable Communities Development Specialist.
Looking for resources to fight artificial turf in your town or city? Check out our fact sheet which includes sample moratoriums on installing synthetic turf here.