Niagara-on-the-Lake Local received the following letter about microplastics in our water.
Water – we drink it, we wash in it, we water our lawns and flowers with it. We take it for granted.
What we don't think about is the amount of microplastics through plastic waste that leak into our water supply and pose a significant challenge to our health and environment.
According to a recent study out of the University of Toronto, the second largest contributor to plastic in Toronto water next to litter is artificial turf (237 tonnes per year).
I'm sure we are no different. It can also lead to flooding as it can inhibit healthy drainage after storms.
I am dismayed to be seeing more and more artificial turf being sold in large stores locally such as Canadian Tire, Home Depot just to name a few; and used instead of natural foliage around homes in our neighbourhoods.
The federal government has added plastic products to the list of toxic substances under the Canadian Environment Protection Act of 1999 recognizing that the world does not need more plastic.
Stop buying and using artificial turf and companies will stop selling it. We'll all be better off.
Susan Dale
Niagara-on-the-Lake
