Why Should Plastic Turf Matter to you?
LEARN
As our children head back to school (mine just left for her freshman year of college in California!), let's focus on how we can make life better in Glen Ellyn for this generation and the next! Today, let’s focus on an environmental issue in GE -- keeping artificial (plastic) turf out of our elementary schools! Let's learn more about what Go Greeners can do to make positive changes right here in Glen Ellyn!
two hens
Glen Ellyn's School District 41 is currently building an all-day Kindergarten addition at Churchill elementary. While we are excited about this wonderful new learning environment, Go Green GE learned of the plan to use artificial turf grass throughout the play area. Go Green made a public comment at the August school board meeting. We talked about the dangers of artificial turf on our young citizens such as:
burns from hot turf (up to 170° F on a hot day)
the increased risk of injuries
the presence of numerous chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead, phthalates, PFAS, (forever chemicals)
the impact to our landfills when this non-recyclable field needs to be torn up and replaced in 7-10 years
the loss of the natural benefits of real grass, such as cooling, air purification and children's’ discovery of nature.
Recommendation from Children’s Environmental Health Center
The good news is that the board and the new superintendent, Jeffrey McHugh are listening. Mr. McHugh even reached out directly to GGGE to continue the conversation in person. Read more below in our "take action" section to see what you can do to help! We will keep you posted on any outcomes we learn of.
DO
If you share our concerns about artificial surfaces at Churchill all-day Kindergarten, it's not too late to make a difference. They broke ground on the addition in mid-August and will be building the school over the next year. Actions to take:
Email the D41 School board to voice your concerns.
Email Superintendent McHugh at jmchugh@d41.org
Attend the next school board meeting on Monday, Sept 16 at 6:30 pm at Hadley and make a public comment.
Contact Go Green GE with any other thoughts about this topic.
Thank you for making a difference in Glen Ellyn!