On Nov. 5, South Portland voters will decide whether to spend over $12 million to install four artificial turf athletic fields at South Portland High School, which are blankets of plastic laid down over natural vegetation.
Over an 8-12-year lifespan, these fields leach microplastics and other chemicals into local waterways, create a significant “heat island” effect (over 150F), increase runoff and erosion, and increase skin abrasions and foot/ankle injuries in players. The fields are not recyclable, although companies fraudulently say that they are. Old turf fields continue to contaminate our environment in landfills.
Natural grass fields may require more ongoing maintenance but will last longer than artificial turf; in addition, they filter stormwater, sequester carbon, mitigate heat and help to maintain biodiversity, all of which contribute to a more resilient environment.
Please learn more about this issue and vote no on the referendum for the athletic fields.
Karen Talentino
South Portland
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