IGEC PNG 

Press Release
October 21, 2014 1:00 PM EST

 
       

 

In light of the recent NBC Investigative news reports that have garnered the attention of athletes and many parents whose children are playing on crumb rubber (SBR) filled synthetic turf fields, the International Green Energy Council ( IGEC ) wishes to emphasize the reasons why we endorsed GeoTurf � in 2009.

 

The International Green Energy Council Product Endorsement Program is a very stringent and coveted designation. To date over 250 technologies have applied for this esteemed designation and only 19 technologies have achieved the designation. GeoTurf � was the second product to receive the designation in 2009.

 

GeoTurf � was the only company in the US that offered a safe organic/synthetic turf system with a patented blend of 100% organic infill, comprised of coconut fibers/cork/rice husk. Since then, there have been hundreds of successful installations worldwide with this turf system in professional stadiums, municipal fields, MLS, Division 1, colleges, high schools, recreational fields, playgrounds, roof tops and landscapes. There are fields now that have already been in service for the full warrantied life-cycle of eight years that may well continue on for a couple of more years due to the durability of the organic/synthetic system.

 

In 2009, the successful installation of GeoTurf � at the Riverdale Country School in NY was featured nationally by the Green Schools Alliance. In 2012,GeoTurf � was chosen by the White House for an installation behind the Oval Office, next to the White House Pool, that is enjoyed by the President, his First Family, Dignitaries and friends.

As a result of these installations, the end results have all validated the claims of significant heat reduction, superior foot stability, shock absorption, overall aesthetics, durability and environmental sustainability.

 

GeoTurf � continues to exceed expectations even with the more recent EPA and local testing criteria for heavy metals, volatiles and off-gassing while maintaining 100% recyclability.

 

The IGEC continuously monitors these test results to validate our endorsement of this eco-friendly product and it has recently nominated GeoTurf � for our prestigious Eco-Visionary Award. In essence, this organic/synthetic turf system emulates the better qualities of natural grass.

 

"Since 2009 our organization has worked to educate political leaders, local city councils and school boards, colleges and universities and professional sports that existing synthetic turf fields are harmful to humans and our pets and are bad for the environment." Proclaimed Ralph Avallone, Secretary General of the International Green Energy Council.

 

Unfortunately, "natural grass" for rigorous sport use is not truly natural due to the extremely high level of maintenance consisting of insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and annual over-seeding. There is also a methodical carbon and noise impact to the environment for aerating, cutting and disposal. Add to this the incredible amount of fresh water required to keep the grass alive, in the millions of gallons per year on average per field and you are adding to the depletion of another very precious natural resource.

 

Not every natural grass field is kept in pristine condition, evidenced mostly in the High School and Middle Schools due to over-use and limited maintenance budgets. Water restrictions, such as those currently enforced in California, greatly restrict the availability of most natural fields and potentially render them harmful as the grass dies, leaving a hard and rocky surface. There are just not enough fields available to utilize while the others are taken out of service weeks at a time for maintenance. With regards to consistency and performance, it is a rule of thumb that one synthetic turf field can replace four natural grass fields. Inner city fields are at an even higher demand and GeoTurf � has been utilized to convert asphalt play areas to a premium and safe playing field that can be 100% recycled.

 

"No one is taking into account the added benefits of GeoTurf � fields in areas of our nation that do have and will have water restrictions due to drought and Climate Change. These restrictions will have a heavy economic impact on the sports and recreation industries. The massive amounts of water needed for irrigation to keep natural grass areas lush and thriving will be restricted in the not too distant future in high visibility areas like California and Florida. It takes 1/6 of the amount of water to keep a GeoTurf � field lush." Continued Avallone. "The millions of gallons of water saved through installation of GeoTurf � fields in public parks, colleges, youth sports fields and golf courses could now be used to make safe drinking water for our population." Concluded Avallone.

 

It is important to note that due to the success of GeoTurf � there have been other organic infill alternatives rushed to market recently, though none consist of the patented blend of coconut fibers/cork/rice husk. While it is the mission of the International Green Energy Council to embrace environmentally sustainable technologies, these others turf systems utilizing just cork or coconut fibers only are compromised in their execution and do not perform well. The very low density of the cork alone will cause it to displace easily underfoot and float when watered while the coconut fiber alone will tend to compact and harden. 

 

This trait will also cause a loss of permeability and is the reason why a drain pad is required with a coconut fiber only installation, adding unnecessary cost and maintenance. There is no drain pad required with GeoTurf � due to the inherent qualities of the components complementing each other as the cork and rice husk are combined into the matrix created by the coconut fiber, this is natural simplicity at its most elegant! In fact, most sport field applications of GeoTurf � are installed directly on a gravel base andonly cost approximately 10% more than a typical crumb rubber filled field.

  

To view the latest NBC Investigative reports follow these links:

  

 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/congressman-cites-nbc-report-calling-study-synthetic-turf-n222431

 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/how-safe-artificial-turf-your-child-plays-n220166

 

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/another-turf-field-cancelled-after-nbc-news-report-n227436

 

 

About GeoTurf

GeoTurf began originally as GeoSafePlay in 2007 to provide the best possible alternative to the turf technologies on the market by utilizing Limonta Sport products for distribution in North America.  Limonta Sport, headquartered in Italy, is known for its quality and innovation in the synthetic turf industry since 1979 and is a division of the Limonta Textile Group; a family owned and operated company since 1893. As a testament to the quality of research, manufacture and customer support, Limonta Sport is an ISO 14001:2004 Certified Company serving over 80 countries.  Limonta Sport is a commercial partner of AC Milan and an original FIFA Preferred Producer as well as the original IRB Preferred Producer for International Rugby.

Please visit www.geoturfusa.com or contact info@geoturfusa.com I 212-904-1223

  

 

About The International Green Energy Council  

 

The IGEC is an international advocacy association comprised of individuals and companies that promote sustainable and renewable energy production, sustainable design practices, and education for being better stewards of the environment. The Council works internationally to facilitate green business opportunities. The IGEC is comprised of renewable energy companies, developers, lending institutions, manufacturers, investors, engineers and many others involved throughout the green community.

  

If your company is interested in submitting your green technology for our organizations Product Endorsement Program contact the International Green Energy Council at info@greenenergycouncil.com

  

 

For More information about the International Green Energy Council go to:

www.greenenergycouncil.com

 

 

Become a member today! 

  

GEC Proud Member    

 

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