Editor's Note: This is part of a class project originally initiated in the classroom of Ball State University professor Adam Kuban in fall 2021. Kuban has continued the project, including this fall semester, challenging his students to find sustainability efforts in the Muncie area. The students pitched their ideas to Deanna Watson, editor of The Star Press, Journal & Courier and Pal-Item.
Caleb Zuver, Ball State University

MUNCIE – On Sept. 11, 2023, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing his first game for the New York Jets on their turf surface, went down with an Achilles injury that will likely keep him out for the entire 2023 season.

In the moments after the game, conversation began about whether artificial turf increases injuries and if natural grass is safer.

Much has been written about the debate — mostly through the prism of player safety and injuries. What hasn’t been discussed as much is the environmental impacts that come with both surfaces.

Over the summer, Muncie Central High School installed artificial turf with the help of the company Sprinturf. Jeff Fowler is a regional salesman for the company. He sits in on all the meetings with schools to show the benefits of using turf fields and then collaborates with the construction companies to make it happen.

Even with all his knowledge, there’s still some mystery around what the environmental consequences of turf are.
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