OPINION: Turf Concern
By Cynthia Torres
Bridge Staff Writer
Published Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
Texas A&M International University is home to more than 9,000 students and is located on more than 300 acres of land. There are about 18 patches of area covered with artificial turf, which raises environmental concerns. As a student who cares about the environment and wildlife on campus, I have noticed the negative ecological impacts the turf exhibits.
Synthetic turf can reach temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to natural grass, which only reaches up to 100 degrees fahrenheit. These turf sections cause an increase in the surrounding temperature and increased body temperatures, which can lead to heat stroke and dehydration. This happens because artificial green is made of plastic and cannot release moisture like natural grass, preventing it from properly cooling an area.
Bridge Staff Writer
Additionally, artificial turf is made from plastic and rubber, which can eventually turn into microplastics that contribute to pollution and have long-term effects on the environment. The microplastics merge with rainwater and end up in lakes, rivers and streams because of their drainage system. The turf can also be accidentally ingested by the different wildlife on campus such as deer and collared peccary, known locally as javelinas. Unlike real grass, which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, the turf does not offer a home for many insects and small animals. Overall, the turf harms both the students and environment around it.
Around campus, I’ve noticed people tripping on uneven turf. These areas can be unsafe and include the risk of students falling or getting hurt, especially when they walk quickly to class or are not paying attention. Along with the extreme heat and environmental concerns, the uneven surface of the turf adds to the safety risks for students and campus visitors.
Because of those uneven surfaces, water often collects in puddles since the material does not absorb or dry up like natural grass. These puddles can make the area slippery and unsafe, especially after rain, increasing the chance of slipping or falling. Eventually, the synthetic turf could wear out and need replacing, which produces additional waste. I’ve also seen javelinas digging up the turf, which damages the surface and also shows how wildlife is affected and disturbed by these unnatural materials.
As a TAMIU student, I ask the University to consider reverting back to natural turf to attain more sustainable alternatives that can improve the campus’s carbon footprint and reduce Laredo’s heat on campus.
[Editor’s Note: “Synthetic or artificial turf is made up of several layers, including plastic grass blades, plastic backing that holds the blades in place, and infill that provides cushioning, weighs down the turf, and helps the blades stand upright. Until recently, all infill was made with recycled ground up tires called ‘crumb rubber,’” according to an article on cleanwater.org. “Artificial turf contains hundreds of harmful chemicals like lead, heavy metals, benzene, arsenic, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), PFAS, and phthalates, some of which are cancer-causing (carcinogens), neurotoxins, and/or endocrine disruptors. Even new “safer” alternatives for the turf infill contain carcinogens and neurotoxins (e.g., lead, PAHs). Unfortunately, there are gaps in what we know about synthetic turf because manufacturers are not required by law to reveal all of the chemicals used.”]
