Safer School Playgrounds: Less Plastic, More Natural

The Education Administration has provided feedback on the Environment Administration's proposed new recommendations for artificial turf, rubber granules, and poured rubber, aimed at reducing the spread of microplastics and harmful substances. While positive towards the proposal, the Administration wishes to clarify the operational and maintenance costs of alternative materials and emphasize the importance of involving children and young people in discussions about the design of outdoor environments. These new recommendations aim to phase out artificial turf with plastic granules by 2031 and gradually phase out poured rubber, focusing on the use of environmentally friendly alternatives like sand and grass in schoolyards and playgrounds while maintaining safety and accessibility.