Crazy day. One minute you're in Afghanistan, fighting a war, the next you're on a commuter train to Chicago, sitting across from a woman you've never seen before who's nattering away like she knows you. She keeps calling you Sean. Which is not your name. Very strange. Then the train blows up.
Source Code is a tight little sci-fi thriller with a nice, knotty premise, and it does its job in a commendable 93 minutes. It's a lot of fun, and its time-crunching suspense, heightened by the efficiency of its execution—the nimble way it's been blocked, shot, and edited—sticks in your mind. The director, Duncan Jones, whose low-budget Moon was one of the niftiest surprises of 2009, has a natural facility for science fantasy, and here, given more money to work with, he brings off another small genre gem.
Jake Gyllenhaal is Colter Stevens, the man on the train, an Army helicopter pilot whose life only appeared to end in that fiery explosion. He subsequently finds himself someplace else, with a monitor near at hand on which an Air Force officer named Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) explains that Stevens has been on a secret mission into the very recent past—only a few hours previously—to find the bomb that blew up that train and, more important, the man who placed it onboard. The bomber, it seems, has planned an even more-lethal follow-up atrocity.
Stevens is still baffled. So Colleen's boss, a frosty doctor named Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright), joins her to help clarify what's happening. Stevens, it turns out, is part of a government experiment involving “source code,” a new technology that allows someone to be inserted into the mind of another person during the last eight minutes of that person's life. Asked exactly how this whatever-it-is works, Rutledge offers a timeless sci-fi explanation: “It's very complicated.”
The rest of the picture follows Stevens on repeated eight-minute missions back to the ill-fated train. Each time, hassling suspicious passengers and desperately searching for likely bomb-hiding places, he unearths a new clue. He also grows increasingly fond of the woman sitting opposite him, the bright, pretty Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan). But his return visits are inevitably cut short by that ball of fire before he can solve the puzzle.
The structure of Ben Ripley's script, with its cuticle-chewing race against time, strongly recalls Alfred Hitchcock, as does Chris Bacon's nerve-pinch score, which is richly reminiscent of the master's favored composer, Bernard Herrmann. And what might have been a one-note tale blossoms with intriguing ramifications. Slowly falling in love with Christina, Stevens becomes determined to save her life. But Rutledge tells him he can't—she's already dead, the train having been destroyed a few hours earlier. (Here, in traditional sci-fi fashion, the story begins not adding up, but so what.)
Gyllenhaal, competent as always, gets solid support from his costars. Monahan, mainly confined to repeating the same lines of dialog each time Stevens revisits the train, radiates a beaming sweetness that grows on us as much as it grows on him—we understand his interest. And Farmiga, whose character is little more than a face on a screen, manages to convey deepening emotional shifts. But the sharp, tricky story is the real star here, and Jones, a director of clear gifts, knows just how to drive it home.
2011年3月31日 星期四
2011年3月30日 星期三
Hyundai's Sonata Offers Style, Class With Value
Hyundai's mid-size Sonata four-door sedan received a makeover for the 2011 selling season and the results are a thing of beauty. This latest incarnation of Hyundai's bread-and-butter, front-wheel-drive machine has the look and feel of cars costing way more than it does.
On the market since springtime of 2010, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata closely resembles cars costing triple its price. With a sloping front end, pronounced straked hood and body side crease, together with its coupe-like sloping roofline, the Sonata sedan has richness to its exterior that belies the value.
Of course, for this Korean carmaker, value is the calling card. Speedily overcoming an initial entry to the American marketplace with inexpensive cars that were built a little too cheaply to survive our daily driving habits, it's taken far longer for the company's reputation to catch up with Hyundai's products, which have been exemplary for at least the last five years.
There are now three stanzas of Sonatas: regular, turbo and hybrid. I've driven two of the three and loved both the standard and turbocharged versions. From the moment I stepped into the driver's seat, each of these cars has felt like an old friend. Materials are excellent throughout the cabin; ergonomics are world-class and the mechanicals of both Hyundai Sonata sedans driven give way to no one.
The Pacific Blue pearl Hyundai Sonata 2.0T has a direct injection (DI), four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, well in excess of the standard 2.4-liter aspirated DI engine that hands over 198 horsepower at 6,300. Torque figures are equally elevated for the turbo: 269 lb-ft at 1,750-4,500 rpm vs. 184 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Redline for the turbo driven here is 6,500 rpm.
Both the standard Sonata and 2.0T arrive with a shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission — a manual 6-speed is available only on the base GLS model. The 2.0T has paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel that can be used on the fly; the transmission reverts to Drive quickly if it senses little manipulation and yes, it downshifts to first gear on its own.
MacPherson struts up front complement multi-link rear suspension and there's a sway bar at the rear of the sedan. Power rack and pinion steering is excellent with reasonable heft and no on-center dullness. All-wheel ABS-equipped disc brakes feature electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, working together with electronic stability and traction controls to keep the Sonata sure-footed.
Size of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata in any guise is Goldilocks right: 189.8 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, 57.9 inches tall and riding on a 110-inch wheelbase. Hyundai cites weights ranging from 3,338 to 3,452 pounds for the Sonata 2.0T; with all the extra equipment on this car, I'm sure it swayed toward the latter figure. Hyundai fits Hankook P225/45 rubber to 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy rims that are easy on the eye.
On the market since springtime of 2010, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata closely resembles cars costing triple its price. With a sloping front end, pronounced straked hood and body side crease, together with its coupe-like sloping roofline, the Sonata sedan has richness to its exterior that belies the value.
Of course, for this Korean carmaker, value is the calling card. Speedily overcoming an initial entry to the American marketplace with inexpensive cars that were built a little too cheaply to survive our daily driving habits, it's taken far longer for the company's reputation to catch up with Hyundai's products, which have been exemplary for at least the last five years.
There are now three stanzas of Sonatas: regular, turbo and hybrid. I've driven two of the three and loved both the standard and turbocharged versions. From the moment I stepped into the driver's seat, each of these cars has felt like an old friend. Materials are excellent throughout the cabin; ergonomics are world-class and the mechanicals of both Hyundai Sonata sedans driven give way to no one.
The Pacific Blue pearl Hyundai Sonata 2.0T has a direct injection (DI), four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, well in excess of the standard 2.4-liter aspirated DI engine that hands over 198 horsepower at 6,300. Torque figures are equally elevated for the turbo: 269 lb-ft at 1,750-4,500 rpm vs. 184 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Redline for the turbo driven here is 6,500 rpm.
Both the standard Sonata and 2.0T arrive with a shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission — a manual 6-speed is available only on the base GLS model. The 2.0T has paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel that can be used on the fly; the transmission reverts to Drive quickly if it senses little manipulation and yes, it downshifts to first gear on its own.
MacPherson struts up front complement multi-link rear suspension and there's a sway bar at the rear of the sedan. Power rack and pinion steering is excellent with reasonable heft and no on-center dullness. All-wheel ABS-equipped disc brakes feature electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, working together with electronic stability and traction controls to keep the Sonata sure-footed.
Size of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata in any guise is Goldilocks right: 189.8 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, 57.9 inches tall and riding on a 110-inch wheelbase. Hyundai cites weights ranging from 3,338 to 3,452 pounds for the Sonata 2.0T; with all the extra equipment on this car, I'm sure it swayed toward the latter figure. Hyundai fits Hankook P225/45 rubber to 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy rims that are easy on the eye.
2011年3月29日 星期二
Volunteers Beautify Communities, Lift Spirits
Thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined with school principals, government officials, neighbours and other willing workers on Saturday (26 March), to clean, paint, weed, trim and otherwise improve schools and other community facilities across the nation.
Students at Green Bay Primary School in Auckland's west were among some of those who benefited from the service of 'Mormon Helping Hands' volunteers. When children turned up to school on Monday they were greeted by a new, bright blue playground floor. On Saturday around 200 volunteers from the Church along with along with parents and staff from the school braved a wet morning to resurface the playground floor with seven pallets of safety rubber mats.
Local member of the Church, Debbie Neuman, worked with the school to coordinate the project. School principal Jude Black said replacing the new safety mats for the playground couldn't have come more quickly as the older mats were beginning to lift in places and posed a safety risk to the children.
Helping to improve the safety of the playground was one of the bigger projects at the school and one that had the biggest impact. Mrs. Neuman said that schools were a good choice for Mormon Helping Hands projects as schools often need a large labour pool to accomplish those projects that fall outside school guidelines or that are too big for school working bees to complete in a weekend. The labour provided to Green Bay Primary School by Mormon Helping Hands volunteers saved the school an estimated $20,000 in labour costs.
Other tasks completed on Saturday at the school included weeding and trimming the garden, moving mulch, building new seating and fixing class decks.
Makelesi Latu, who conducts music in her Mormon ward, travelled from Kelston early in the morning to help in the dirty work of pushing wheelbarrows filled with mulch to cover school gardens. Mrs. Latu does not have any children at Green Bay School but felt it was a good opportunity to contribute to the community.
Others who chose to give up their morning sleep-in on a wet Saturday included young adult helpers Lili, Sofia, Leota and Lesine who said through smiles that it was fun to come and help. Although the work was tough on hands they said they were happy to spend their time helping to lay the rubber mats - a job that took it's toll on manicures but not on spirits.
Parent Rebecca Bennett said the help would make a noticeable improvement to the school. She spent the morning clearing gutters and helping in the garden and although it was wet, she was willing to lose a Saturday at home to help make the playground safer for the children.
Also pitching in, school principal Jude Black helped paint a mural featuring the school's vision to 'Grow heart, mind and spirit.' She said she was very grateful to the Mormon Helping Hands volunteers for co-ordinating a project that was bringing parents, staff and community together.
She said the day had been "a culminating effort of planning and coming together with an impetus to improve the environment of the school for the benefit of the children."
In keeping with the vision of the school the community spirit was high, with parents, staff and Church members from different backgrounds working together to improve the school.
Local board member Catherine Farmer who came to view the work said "Schools service the whole community and it is amazing to see so many volunteers turn up on such a dull day to work together for the benefit of Green Bay School."
This is the fourth Mormon Helping Hands project to help a school in the Waitakere community. Projects have been completed at Woodlands Primary School, Rosebank Primary School and Kelston Intermediate Primary School.
"The Mormon Helping Hands programme is successful due to the donations of time and labour," says Mrs. Neuman. "These are commodities that are often in short supply in any community. The primary focus of the programme is to contribute to making a difference in communities."
Students at Green Bay Primary School in Auckland's west were among some of those who benefited from the service of 'Mormon Helping Hands' volunteers. When children turned up to school on Monday they were greeted by a new, bright blue playground floor. On Saturday around 200 volunteers from the Church along with along with parents and staff from the school braved a wet morning to resurface the playground floor with seven pallets of safety rubber mats.
Local member of the Church, Debbie Neuman, worked with the school to coordinate the project. School principal Jude Black said replacing the new safety mats for the playground couldn't have come more quickly as the older mats were beginning to lift in places and posed a safety risk to the children.
Helping to improve the safety of the playground was one of the bigger projects at the school and one that had the biggest impact. Mrs. Neuman said that schools were a good choice for Mormon Helping Hands projects as schools often need a large labour pool to accomplish those projects that fall outside school guidelines or that are too big for school working bees to complete in a weekend. The labour provided to Green Bay Primary School by Mormon Helping Hands volunteers saved the school an estimated $20,000 in labour costs.
Other tasks completed on Saturday at the school included weeding and trimming the garden, moving mulch, building new seating and fixing class decks.
Makelesi Latu, who conducts music in her Mormon ward, travelled from Kelston early in the morning to help in the dirty work of pushing wheelbarrows filled with mulch to cover school gardens. Mrs. Latu does not have any children at Green Bay School but felt it was a good opportunity to contribute to the community.
Others who chose to give up their morning sleep-in on a wet Saturday included young adult helpers Lili, Sofia, Leota and Lesine who said through smiles that it was fun to come and help. Although the work was tough on hands they said they were happy to spend their time helping to lay the rubber mats - a job that took it's toll on manicures but not on spirits.
Parent Rebecca Bennett said the help would make a noticeable improvement to the school. She spent the morning clearing gutters and helping in the garden and although it was wet, she was willing to lose a Saturday at home to help make the playground safer for the children.
Also pitching in, school principal Jude Black helped paint a mural featuring the school's vision to 'Grow heart, mind and spirit.' She said she was very grateful to the Mormon Helping Hands volunteers for co-ordinating a project that was bringing parents, staff and community together.
She said the day had been "a culminating effort of planning and coming together with an impetus to improve the environment of the school for the benefit of the children."
In keeping with the vision of the school the community spirit was high, with parents, staff and Church members from different backgrounds working together to improve the school.
Local board member Catherine Farmer who came to view the work said "Schools service the whole community and it is amazing to see so many volunteers turn up on such a dull day to work together for the benefit of Green Bay School."
This is the fourth Mormon Helping Hands project to help a school in the Waitakere community. Projects have been completed at Woodlands Primary School, Rosebank Primary School and Kelston Intermediate Primary School.
"The Mormon Helping Hands programme is successful due to the donations of time and labour," says Mrs. Neuman. "These are commodities that are often in short supply in any community. The primary focus of the programme is to contribute to making a difference in communities."
2011年3月28日 星期一
Lehigh Technologies Adds Nitrile Powders to Product Line
Nitrile rubber, a form of synthetic rubber resistant to oil, fuel and other chemicals, is used primarily in the automotive, oilfield and aeronautical industries to make items such as hoses, seals and grommets. Nitrile powders are also used to create items such as footwear, adhesives, sealants, sponges, expanded foams and floor mats.
"Over the past year we have successfully incorporated nitrile rubber into our production environment. Our Application and Development team has developed formulation protocols to optimize the use of micronized rubber powders in nitrile-related compounds," said David O'Brien, major account manager, tire and industrial rubber for Lehigh Technologies. "This gives our customers in flooring, automotive, oil drilling and other industries an effective way to manage their costs while still meeting performance and sustainability targets."
In addition, companies can take advantage of the fact that Lehigh's products are sustainable and environmentally impactful. By incorporating micronized nitrile rubber powders into formulations, or participating with Lehigh in "closed-loop" manufacturing by using their own scrap rubber, manufacturers can get out in front of the curve and position their company as leading edge in "green" manufacturing while saving money from rising material costs.
Lehigh Technologies' proprietary manufacturing process takes tire and other post-industrial rubber material and "upcycles" it into micron-scale, high quality, sustainable powders that are compatible with customers' existing formulations, making it easy to integrate into new or existing products. These powders not only help companies achieve sustainability goals, but can also improve performance attributes such as water resistance, energy savings and flexibility, while delivering significant costs savings over virgin raw materials.
ABOUT LEHIGH TECHNOLOGIES
Lehigh Technologies is a leading green materials manufacturer that turns end-of-life tire materials and other post-industrial rubber into sustainable powders that are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Lehigh Technologies is a World Economic Forum 2010 recipient of The Technology Pioneer Award for its visionary leadership and transformational technology. Headquartered in Tucker, GA, Lehigh Technologies is privately held and backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures and NGP Energy Technology Partners.
"Over the past year we have successfully incorporated nitrile rubber into our production environment. Our Application and Development team has developed formulation protocols to optimize the use of micronized rubber powders in nitrile-related compounds," said David O'Brien, major account manager, tire and industrial rubber for Lehigh Technologies. "This gives our customers in flooring, automotive, oil drilling and other industries an effective way to manage their costs while still meeting performance and sustainability targets."
In addition, companies can take advantage of the fact that Lehigh's products are sustainable and environmentally impactful. By incorporating micronized nitrile rubber powders into formulations, or participating with Lehigh in "closed-loop" manufacturing by using their own scrap rubber, manufacturers can get out in front of the curve and position their company as leading edge in "green" manufacturing while saving money from rising material costs.
Lehigh Technologies' proprietary manufacturing process takes tire and other post-industrial rubber material and "upcycles" it into micron-scale, high quality, sustainable powders that are compatible with customers' existing formulations, making it easy to integrate into new or existing products. These powders not only help companies achieve sustainability goals, but can also improve performance attributes such as water resistance, energy savings and flexibility, while delivering significant costs savings over virgin raw materials.
ABOUT LEHIGH TECHNOLOGIES
Lehigh Technologies is a leading green materials manufacturer that turns end-of-life tire materials and other post-industrial rubber into sustainable powders that are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Lehigh Technologies is a World Economic Forum 2010 recipient of The Technology Pioneer Award for its visionary leadership and transformational technology. Headquartered in Tucker, GA, Lehigh Technologies is privately held and backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures and NGP Energy Technology Partners.
2011年3月27日 星期日
Finding the right scratch pad for your feline friend requires a bit of research
My dog didn't eat my homework; my cat did. This sounds like a bad punchline, but in my home it's just daily life. Dim Sum, my cat, is the house boss. My kids think Dim Sum's a brat. That may be. Every home has one. I used to occasionally get ticked at her antics, but things changed a few months ago. Since the death of my male cat, Rainbow, Dim Sum drives us all around the bend. Who can blame her? I think she's lonely.
Canadian cat whisperer Dr. Susan Little noted that some cats often tolerate other animals, but most don't necessarily need them. Other experts don't think animals express emotion at all; they're concerned when we humanize them.
In this case, however, it makes sense that Dim Sum would miss a playmate.
They'd been together since birth. Every day, they'd have a fun fight and run around the home. They were like little kids playing tag. Each evening you'd see them cleaning each other for what seemed like hours (to the point where you'd think you were intruding). In essence, it's all they knew.
Now, my fuzzy feline follows me around the house. Dim Sum plunks herself on top of my computer in what I can only imagine is a ploy to have me order better cat food. When this kitty doesn't get the amount of attention desired, she'll even shred paper with her teeth.
Recently, my daughter had to redo a paper she'd written for school. Dim Sum destroyed it. She even chewed one of my bills beyond recognition (the cat, not my daughter, that is). Admittedly, this mishap didn't make me mad. It gave me a legitimate excuse to delay a payment. Believe it or not, few companies get the excuse "my cat ate the bill."
One hopes this is a situation that can be solved by better paper organization and more cuddle sessions. But there's something else my cat does that's more difficult to change: she scratches my furniture.
While my feline now scratches more, it can't be blamed solely on loneliness. Cats need to scratch. It's a habit both domesticated and wild cats share.
The act helps sharpen nails, as well as allowing the animal to stretch. Some believe it relieves stress. In the wild, they scratch on trees or the ground, but many cities have bylaws that require urban cats stay inside. This means that they have little recourse but to find an inside outlet.
In my home, that outlet is the arm of my leather couch.
Like other cat owners, I've invested in an array of devices to lure my kitty. The last one was an ugly carpeted pole that went from floor to ceiling. It looks like someone trying to conceal an out-ofcommission stripper pole. My cat found it equally distasteful.
One website, catchannel. com, had some great tips on how owners should choose an outlet for scratching.
The best suggestion was to ask owners to watch their cats as they scratch.
It's something most of us don't consider. Cats have their own preference. The suggestion is that some like to scratch vertically while others enjoy a horizontal stretch.
This simple piece of advice explains why carpet and arms of chairs are now my cat's favourite toys.
Aside from the benefit of improved knowledge of your cat's preferences, this observational task will prevent you from spending $200 on an item that will attract little more than dust and embarrassing questions by nosy household visitors.
The website also suggested that owners should experiment with both texture and type of scratch pad before they buy.
Items such as carpet, rope and cardboard are popular in the feline scratching-post world; cats might have preferences on what to scratch, too.
Sturdiness is another scratch pad feature owners should consider. Felines seem apathetic to scratch aids that wobble or shift.
There is one idea that won't appeal to many owners. It's called the "sacrificial chair" and it's exactly what you'd think it is. Owners allow a cat to destroy one piece of furniture.
In reality, it's a white flag to the feline world: you win, cat, enjoy the spoils.
My cat, when she's not destroying household paper, appears to like those RUBBER MATS-backed prickly outdoor mats. They come in decor-friendly colours and are heavy enough to withstand attempted destruction.
I now have them littered all over my home in the hopes that this new experiment works. And they offer an added bonus to humans: a free pedicure.
Pet loss is never easy for owners. It seems animals may experience the same sadness. Hopefully, extra attention and new carpets will protect my couch.
Maybe it'll also help my cat adapt to the loss of her furry buddy in her daily life.
Canadian cat whisperer Dr. Susan Little noted that some cats often tolerate other animals, but most don't necessarily need them. Other experts don't think animals express emotion at all; they're concerned when we humanize them.
In this case, however, it makes sense that Dim Sum would miss a playmate.
They'd been together since birth. Every day, they'd have a fun fight and run around the home. They were like little kids playing tag. Each evening you'd see them cleaning each other for what seemed like hours (to the point where you'd think you were intruding). In essence, it's all they knew.
Now, my fuzzy feline follows me around the house. Dim Sum plunks herself on top of my computer in what I can only imagine is a ploy to have me order better cat food. When this kitty doesn't get the amount of attention desired, she'll even shred paper with her teeth.
Recently, my daughter had to redo a paper she'd written for school. Dim Sum destroyed it. She even chewed one of my bills beyond recognition (the cat, not my daughter, that is). Admittedly, this mishap didn't make me mad. It gave me a legitimate excuse to delay a payment. Believe it or not, few companies get the excuse "my cat ate the bill."
One hopes this is a situation that can be solved by better paper organization and more cuddle sessions. But there's something else my cat does that's more difficult to change: she scratches my furniture.
While my feline now scratches more, it can't be blamed solely on loneliness. Cats need to scratch. It's a habit both domesticated and wild cats share.
The act helps sharpen nails, as well as allowing the animal to stretch. Some believe it relieves stress. In the wild, they scratch on trees or the ground, but many cities have bylaws that require urban cats stay inside. This means that they have little recourse but to find an inside outlet.
In my home, that outlet is the arm of my leather couch.
Like other cat owners, I've invested in an array of devices to lure my kitty. The last one was an ugly carpeted pole that went from floor to ceiling. It looks like someone trying to conceal an out-ofcommission stripper pole. My cat found it equally distasteful.
One website, catchannel. com, had some great tips on how owners should choose an outlet for scratching.
The best suggestion was to ask owners to watch their cats as they scratch.
It's something most of us don't consider. Cats have their own preference. The suggestion is that some like to scratch vertically while others enjoy a horizontal stretch.
This simple piece of advice explains why carpet and arms of chairs are now my cat's favourite toys.
Aside from the benefit of improved knowledge of your cat's preferences, this observational task will prevent you from spending $200 on an item that will attract little more than dust and embarrassing questions by nosy household visitors.
The website also suggested that owners should experiment with both texture and type of scratch pad before they buy.
Items such as carpet, rope and cardboard are popular in the feline scratching-post world; cats might have preferences on what to scratch, too.
Sturdiness is another scratch pad feature owners should consider. Felines seem apathetic to scratch aids that wobble or shift.
There is one idea that won't appeal to many owners. It's called the "sacrificial chair" and it's exactly what you'd think it is. Owners allow a cat to destroy one piece of furniture.
In reality, it's a white flag to the feline world: you win, cat, enjoy the spoils.
My cat, when she's not destroying household paper, appears to like those RUBBER MATS-backed prickly outdoor mats. They come in decor-friendly colours and are heavy enough to withstand attempted destruction.
I now have them littered all over my home in the hopes that this new experiment works. And they offer an added bonus to humans: a free pedicure.
Pet loss is never easy for owners. It seems animals may experience the same sadness. Hopefully, extra attention and new carpets will protect my couch.
Maybe it'll also help my cat adapt to the loss of her furry buddy in her daily life.
2011年3月22日 星期二
Is Astroturf Eco After All?
Who would have thought that artificial turf would be good for the environment? I know I have always thought of it as a blight, a replacement for natural grass that didn't make environmental sense. Turns out I was short-sighted in my judgement of turf. It saves natural resources and provides another use for a potentially caustic waste product.
According to the Synthetic Turf Council, replacing natural grass fields with artificial turf can save substantial amounts of water, three billion gallons in North America. Also, the turf doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to keep it looking green, saving over a billion pounds in chemicals. Mowing is not required, saving energy and reducing smog emissions. This lack of maintenance is one reason it is the perfect surface for indoor arenas.
Artificial turf is made of recycled tires, called crumb rubber, keeping them from inhabiting landfills or being burned. According to Liberty Tire Recycling, over 105 million used tires have been recycled to make turf in North America. Liberty is the number one provider of recycled tires in the U.S.
The crumb rubber provides cushioning and springiness to the turf, protecting athletes from injury. It also helps the turf dry quickly, drain excess water, reduce mud and dust, and minimize freezing. Crumb rubber is also used to make welcome mats, antifatigue mats, portable speedbumps, and weightlifting plates.
"Synthetic turf is an excellent investment for the environment," said Jeffrey Kendall, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling. "It provides an outlet for millions of scrap tires and helps to keep these tires out of the waste stream. We hope that the work and research the Synthetic Turf Council performs will help to increase awareness about the numerous benefits synthetic turf can provide for our environment and our communities."
While it may not single-handedly save the planet, artificial turf can lower the environmental impact of sports arenas and fields, as well as saving on maintenance expenses.
Reprinted with permission from Green Building Elements
According to the Synthetic Turf Council, replacing natural grass fields with artificial turf can save substantial amounts of water, three billion gallons in North America. Also, the turf doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to keep it looking green, saving over a billion pounds in chemicals. Mowing is not required, saving energy and reducing smog emissions. This lack of maintenance is one reason it is the perfect surface for indoor arenas.
Artificial turf is made of recycled tires, called crumb rubber, keeping them from inhabiting landfills or being burned. According to Liberty Tire Recycling, over 105 million used tires have been recycled to make turf in North America. Liberty is the number one provider of recycled tires in the U.S.
The crumb rubber provides cushioning and springiness to the turf, protecting athletes from injury. It also helps the turf dry quickly, drain excess water, reduce mud and dust, and minimize freezing. Crumb rubber is also used to make welcome mats, antifatigue mats, portable speedbumps, and weightlifting plates.
"Synthetic turf is an excellent investment for the environment," said Jeffrey Kendall, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling. "It provides an outlet for millions of scrap tires and helps to keep these tires out of the waste stream. We hope that the work and research the Synthetic Turf Council performs will help to increase awareness about the numerous benefits synthetic turf can provide for our environment and our communities."
While it may not single-handedly save the planet, artificial turf can lower the environmental impact of sports arenas and fields, as well as saving on maintenance expenses.
Reprinted with permission from Green Building Elements
2011年3月20日 星期日
Rubber Exercise Tiles Ideal for Basements, In-Home Gyms
Southern California-based Rubber-Cal, Inc. has introduced a new rubber flooring product for
home gyms, basement flooring, and garage floor applications.
Rubber-Cal's new "Revolution" tiles, which are produced with eco-friendly recycled and
natural rubber, offer excellent floor protection. Each 20-pound rubber floor tile measures 36
square inches in size and 5/8 inches thick. When installed, the tiles create a shock-
absorbent barrier that prevents physical injury and protects heavy equipment.
The "Revolution" also gives users looking for tough gym flooring a newer and easier method of
installation. The product design is consumer-friendly and created for home installation.
"When I think of the 'Revolution' tile, I think of painless installation," states My Tran,
Rubber-Cal's E-Commerce Manager. "No adhesives, no installers, and lower costs for customers.
What can be more revolutionary than that?"
Unlike most puzzle-style interlocking floor mats, these rubber tiles fasten below the surface
of the mat. The rubber floor is locked into place by beveled ramps that level the floor's
edge from a 5/8-inch height down to floor level. The locking mechanism hides seams and makes
installation a simple step-by-step process.
Those who may not consider themselves handy but who have been searching for a home gym floor,
basement floor, or garage floor can look to the "Revolution" for greater coverage and easier
Do-It-Yourself installation.
With the "Revolution" tiles, Rubber-Cal hopes to transform home gyms and garages by making
rubber flooring more accessible to the average consumer.
About Rubber-Cal
Orange County, California-based rubber flooring and industrial sheet rubber company Rubber-
Cal, Inc. specializes in rubber gym mats, basement flooring, and other DIY rubber flooring
products.
home gyms, basement flooring, and garage floor applications.
Rubber-Cal's new "Revolution" tiles, which are produced with eco-friendly recycled and
natural rubber, offer excellent floor protection. Each 20-pound rubber floor tile measures 36
square inches in size and 5/8 inches thick. When installed, the tiles create a shock-
absorbent barrier that prevents physical injury and protects heavy equipment.
The "Revolution" also gives users looking for tough gym flooring a newer and easier method of
installation. The product design is consumer-friendly and created for home installation.
"When I think of the 'Revolution' tile, I think of painless installation," states My Tran,
Rubber-Cal's E-Commerce Manager. "No adhesives, no installers, and lower costs for customers.
What can be more revolutionary than that?"
Unlike most puzzle-style interlocking floor mats, these rubber tiles fasten below the surface
of the mat. The rubber floor is locked into place by beveled ramps that level the floor's
edge from a 5/8-inch height down to floor level. The locking mechanism hides seams and makes
installation a simple step-by-step process.
Those who may not consider themselves handy but who have been searching for a home gym floor,
basement floor, or garage floor can look to the "Revolution" for greater coverage and easier
Do-It-Yourself installation.
With the "Revolution" tiles, Rubber-Cal hopes to transform home gyms and garages by making
rubber flooring more accessible to the average consumer.
About Rubber-Cal
Orange County, California-based rubber flooring and industrial sheet rubber company Rubber-
Cal, Inc. specializes in rubber gym mats, basement flooring, and other DIY rubber flooring
products.
2011年3月14日 星期一
Insulated Rubber Electricians Safety Products by Extreme Safety
Extreme Safety have long been known as the leader in the electrical safety industry – and
they now carry their very own brand of Insulated Rubber Electrical Safety Products.
Rubber Insulated Gloves
Extreme Safety have launched their own rubber products to the market over the last 12 months,
and now offer Rubber Insulated Gloves in all classes; from Class 00, through to Class 0,
Class 1, Class 3 and Class 4.
These gloves comply with IEC903 International Standard for Electrical Safety gloves (no AS
exists), and are available now.
Insulated Tools and Tool Kits
Also new from Extreme Safety are a range of 1000V VDE Insulated Tools and Tool Kits.
The unique Orange and Yellow tools are easily identifiable as the Extreme Safety tools, and
once again comply with the International VDE standard for electrical safety Insulated Tools.
Rubber Insulated Mats
Last but not least, Extreme Safety also offer a variety of Rubber Insulated Mats in a variety
of classes.
Extreme Safety's Low Voltage 650V Rubber Mat is compliant with AS regulations, while Class 2
and 4 Electrical Safety Mats are compliant with ASTM regulations (no AS exists).
For the best quality, at the best price, with the best service – you should choose Extreme
Safety Electrical Safety products when in need of Rubber or Latex Insulated and Insulating
Safety products.
they now carry their very own brand of Insulated Rubber Electrical Safety Products.
Rubber Insulated Gloves
Extreme Safety have launched their own rubber products to the market over the last 12 months,
and now offer Rubber Insulated Gloves in all classes; from Class 00, through to Class 0,
Class 1, Class 3 and Class 4.
These gloves comply with IEC903 International Standard for Electrical Safety gloves (no AS
exists), and are available now.
Insulated Tools and Tool Kits
Also new from Extreme Safety are a range of 1000V VDE Insulated Tools and Tool Kits.
The unique Orange and Yellow tools are easily identifiable as the Extreme Safety tools, and
once again comply with the International VDE standard for electrical safety Insulated Tools.
Rubber Insulated Mats
Last but not least, Extreme Safety also offer a variety of Rubber Insulated Mats in a variety
of classes.
Extreme Safety's Low Voltage 650V Rubber Mat is compliant with AS regulations, while Class 2
and 4 Electrical Safety Mats are compliant with ASTM regulations (no AS exists).
For the best quality, at the best price, with the best service – you should choose Extreme
Safety Electrical Safety products when in need of Rubber or Latex Insulated and Insulating
Safety products.
2011年3月13日 星期日
My country, Saudi Arabia: 'We're all in this together'
The lights are dim. It's almost sunset. Silence pervades. Standing in line next to dozens of
others on colourful rubber mats, I think of the resemblance between Maghrib (sunset) prayers
in Jeddah, demonstrations in the Arab world and my yoga class in New York City's East
Village.
Our young instructor asks us to get closer to each other and try to fit an extra two people
in each line. I smile. Her words remind me of the Imam at our local mosque in Jeddah. "Unite
your lines," the Imam always urged us before leading the prayer. "Don't leave a space for the
devil among you."
Stretching, I meditate on the reason behind the call for mass demonstrations in Arab
countries after Friday prayers. But of course. United, faithful, serene, equal and barefoot,
together we stand, kneel and prostrate ourselves to a higher cause, always making sure there
is no space for the devil to separate us from our comrades or lure us into evil. We're all in
this together. No one could've guessed that, at some point in our history, the serenity of
prayers would release, so naturally, all the rage and frustration that Arab dictatorships
suppressed for decades.
From an early age, I had questions, doubts and rage. It was hard for me to focus and be calm
during prayers. I always felt guilty and ashamed for betraying God in his house of worship. I
daydreamed of my own revolution, when women, courageously inflamed by injustice, would take
to the streets of Arabia and demand freedom.
Now, in Manhattan, as a 32-year-old woman, I listen as my yoga instructor urges us to relax,
to breathe in and breathe out, to free my mind. As usual, I fail. This time I have a good
excuse, and I'm neither ashamed nor scared to declare it. I'm an Arab. Revolutions are
sweeping my part of the world — hurray! I'm happy, very happy and proud. But above all, I'm
restless.
As an Arab, a Saudi and a woman witnessing Arab revolts from a distance, I feel exuberant yet
frustrated that I'm not taking a direct part in making history. My sense of loneliness
deepens, despite my attempts to console myself with standing in line in "secular prayers." My
anxiety accelerates. Glued to Twitter and Facebook feeds, I get news from first-hand sources.
The bravery makes me tear up one second, and the very next crack up at the protesters' sense
of humour. It turns out we're funny too.
Will revolution find its way to my land? Yes, the uprising has indeed reached Saudi Arabia.
As soon as I hear the news my panic vanishes. A group of 5th graders in a public girls'
school in Riyadh has echoed the Egyptians. They yell loudly: "The people want to bring down
the principal."
My fellow sisters and future dissidents, comrades, I have faith in you. Stay close to each
other, shoulder to shoulder. Pray for us. Pray for our salvation and sanity.
others on colourful rubber mats, I think of the resemblance between Maghrib (sunset) prayers
in Jeddah, demonstrations in the Arab world and my yoga class in New York City's East
Village.
Our young instructor asks us to get closer to each other and try to fit an extra two people
in each line. I smile. Her words remind me of the Imam at our local mosque in Jeddah. "Unite
your lines," the Imam always urged us before leading the prayer. "Don't leave a space for the
devil among you."
Stretching, I meditate on the reason behind the call for mass demonstrations in Arab
countries after Friday prayers. But of course. United, faithful, serene, equal and barefoot,
together we stand, kneel and prostrate ourselves to a higher cause, always making sure there
is no space for the devil to separate us from our comrades or lure us into evil. We're all in
this together. No one could've guessed that, at some point in our history, the serenity of
prayers would release, so naturally, all the rage and frustration that Arab dictatorships
suppressed for decades.
From an early age, I had questions, doubts and rage. It was hard for me to focus and be calm
during prayers. I always felt guilty and ashamed for betraying God in his house of worship. I
daydreamed of my own revolution, when women, courageously inflamed by injustice, would take
to the streets of Arabia and demand freedom.
Now, in Manhattan, as a 32-year-old woman, I listen as my yoga instructor urges us to relax,
to breathe in and breathe out, to free my mind. As usual, I fail. This time I have a good
excuse, and I'm neither ashamed nor scared to declare it. I'm an Arab. Revolutions are
sweeping my part of the world — hurray! I'm happy, very happy and proud. But above all, I'm
restless.
As an Arab, a Saudi and a woman witnessing Arab revolts from a distance, I feel exuberant yet
frustrated that I'm not taking a direct part in making history. My sense of loneliness
deepens, despite my attempts to console myself with standing in line in "secular prayers." My
anxiety accelerates. Glued to Twitter and Facebook feeds, I get news from first-hand sources.
The bravery makes me tear up one second, and the very next crack up at the protesters' sense
of humour. It turns out we're funny too.
Will revolution find its way to my land? Yes, the uprising has indeed reached Saudi Arabia.
As soon as I hear the news my panic vanishes. A group of 5th graders in a public girls'
school in Riyadh has echoed the Egyptians. They yell loudly: "The people want to bring down
the principal."
My fellow sisters and future dissidents, comrades, I have faith in you. Stay close to each
other, shoulder to shoulder. Pray for us. Pray for our salvation and sanity.
2011年3月9日 星期三
Challenges
This week's challenge involves mud, weird rubber saucer-type-things, and a really bad decision on Marci's part.
Alison explains to the contestants that there is going to be an obstacle course set up in a pit of mud. Each team will start out with three contestants, and they will have to kneel on the rubber saucers, and pass a fourth saucer up the line in order to slowly advance through the mud. Once they have advanced thirty feet, they will pick up another teammate and saucer, and when they have advanced fifty feet, they will pick up another teammate and saucer. The first team to the end wins, but if anyone's foot touches the ground they have to go back and try again. So, basically, it's The Biggest Loser's version of that hot lava game you played as a kid.
Marci has to sit out one player, and for some strange reason keeps Sarah and sits out Courtney. Courtney and the rest of the team are surprised.
Red gets to the 30-foot mark first. Pulling the saucers out of the mud takes brute strength, which Rulon has and Sarah does not. Red has a pretty indisputable lead, but then Moses lets his foot hit the mud and they have to go back. Black has a chance to redeem themselves. However, Red creeps up from behind very quickly. The two teams are neck-in-neck at the finished, when Ken's foot slips into the mud. Red has to go back again, and as a result Black wins the challenge and a cool $6,000.
Last Chance Workouts
The Last Chance Workouts involve Cara pushing Ken, Moses, and Justin down onto gym mats, yelling at them to get up, and then pushing them down again. This is supposed to be helpful to them somehow. Also, she and Justin push each other around and it looks like they're going to make out, which is a scary thought. Especially because they're screaming in each other's faces about healing and fighting and things like that.
Meanwhile, Bob and Jillian have people doing stations. No one is making out or pushing people. I like that about Bob and Jillian.
Alison explains to the contestants that there is going to be an obstacle course set up in a pit of mud. Each team will start out with three contestants, and they will have to kneel on the rubber saucers, and pass a fourth saucer up the line in order to slowly advance through the mud. Once they have advanced thirty feet, they will pick up another teammate and saucer, and when they have advanced fifty feet, they will pick up another teammate and saucer. The first team to the end wins, but if anyone's foot touches the ground they have to go back and try again. So, basically, it's The Biggest Loser's version of that hot lava game you played as a kid.
Marci has to sit out one player, and for some strange reason keeps Sarah and sits out Courtney. Courtney and the rest of the team are surprised.
Red gets to the 30-foot mark first. Pulling the saucers out of the mud takes brute strength, which Rulon has and Sarah does not. Red has a pretty indisputable lead, but then Moses lets his foot hit the mud and they have to go back. Black has a chance to redeem themselves. However, Red creeps up from behind very quickly. The two teams are neck-in-neck at the finished, when Ken's foot slips into the mud. Red has to go back again, and as a result Black wins the challenge and a cool $6,000.
Last Chance Workouts
The Last Chance Workouts involve Cara pushing Ken, Moses, and Justin down onto gym mats, yelling at them to get up, and then pushing them down again. This is supposed to be helpful to them somehow. Also, she and Justin push each other around and it looks like they're going to make out, which is a scary thought. Especially because they're screaming in each other's faces about healing and fighting and things like that.
Meanwhile, Bob and Jillian have people doing stations. No one is making out or pushing people. I like that about Bob and Jillian.
2011年3月7日 星期一
Bennett, Mock secure bid to NCAAs
Until 197-pound freshman Zac Bennett pummeled Maryland's Christian Boley 10-4, North
Carolina was winless in six semifinal matches at the ACC Championships. The win for
Bennett matched him up with Virginia Tech's Chris Penny for an ACC title and a trip
to the NCAA championships.
The 197-pound championship was a rematch of a bout that Bennett won 9-6 in Carmichael
Arena in January.
This time, with a 6-3 lead in the final two minutes, Bennett kept Penny from rolling
his back to the mat and squeaked around behind Penny for the clinching reversal. With
the riding time advantage Bennett took the title bout 9-5.
"I just try to stay tight in those positions, hang on the guy, keep moving if you
can." Bennett said. "You never want to start letting go or stop moving."
Bennett's first-place finish was the highlight of the team's fourth place finish.
"We expected it, that's what I expected him to do." UNC coach C.D. Mock said about
his ACC Champion. "I think anything less than that tonight, he and we would have been
disappointed … As far as I'm concerned he's legitimately the best guy in the weight
class."
Even though the rest of the Tar Heels struggled in the semifinals it didn't seem to
negatively affect them in their third-place matches.
For twenty minutes in the middle of the consolation finals, the Tar Heels dominated
both mats on the floor at John Paul Jones Arena and like everything else this season
for the North Carolina wrestling team it all started with Corey Mock.
The freshman 157-pounder took to the mat with a trip to the NCAA championships on the
line against Virginia's Shawn Harris in the consolation final. Mock shot and scored a
take down near the edge of the mat in front of the scorer's table but we quickly
reversed and Harris nearly managed to make Mock's shoulder graze the mat.
Later in the period, Harris held Mock by the left ankle before Mock slid around
behind him for the escape and the reversal giving him a 7-2 lead that he wouldn't
relinquish.
Before Mock's hand was raised in victory in the center of mat one, Thomas Scotton
already had control of his own third place bout at 165-pounds. Down on the mat in the
first period, the senior successfully pushed Virginia's Jedd Moore's right shoulder
to the rubber scoring the full three-point near fall after the takedown. Scotton lead
5-1 after the first period.
"That is my number one move from the high crotch and I never hit it, I only hit it in
practice," Scotton said. "I knew then, I was like this is from God, because I never
turn anybody."
Both Scotton and Mock were waiting for the clock to run out on their opponents and
we're warned about stalling but they leads the two of them had built were too much
for the Cavaliers to overcome.
When Mock's match came to an end, it was redshirt junior Thomas Ferguson's turn to
take control of the circle. Ferguson was matched up with Virginia Tech's Matt
Epperly, a two-time ACC champion, in the 174-pound third-place match.
Ferguson put the nail in the coffin with an emphatic takedown with just less than a
minute left in the bout. The score was 3-2 when Ferguson snatched Epperly between the
legs, lifting him off his feet and pounding him to the mat. The ensuing near fall
gave Ferguson the 8-2 lead, with the point for riding time Ferguson won the match 9-
2.
Freshman Pat Owens and fifth year senior Nick Stabile both fell in the consolation
finals taking fourth place.
Bennett and Mock were the only Tar Heels to secure bids to the national championship
but coach Mock expects a few more of his wrestlers to receive at-large bids.
"I'll be pretty disappointed if Ferguson doesn't get a bid." Mock said. "There's a
very good chance that Giorgio and Scotton could get bids, but we won't know until
Wednesday."
After his third place finish Scotton described the win as bitter sweet and hopes that
it won't be his last bout as a Tar Heel.
"It's not in my hands so you never know," Scotton said. "Hopefully there's a lot of
coaches that are Thomas Scotton fans."
Carolina was winless in six semifinal matches at the ACC Championships. The win for
Bennett matched him up with Virginia Tech's Chris Penny for an ACC title and a trip
to the NCAA championships.
The 197-pound championship was a rematch of a bout that Bennett won 9-6 in Carmichael
Arena in January.
This time, with a 6-3 lead in the final two minutes, Bennett kept Penny from rolling
his back to the mat and squeaked around behind Penny for the clinching reversal. With
the riding time advantage Bennett took the title bout 9-5.
"I just try to stay tight in those positions, hang on the guy, keep moving if you
can." Bennett said. "You never want to start letting go or stop moving."
Bennett's first-place finish was the highlight of the team's fourth place finish.
"We expected it, that's what I expected him to do." UNC coach C.D. Mock said about
his ACC Champion. "I think anything less than that tonight, he and we would have been
disappointed … As far as I'm concerned he's legitimately the best guy in the weight
class."
Even though the rest of the Tar Heels struggled in the semifinals it didn't seem to
negatively affect them in their third-place matches.
For twenty minutes in the middle of the consolation finals, the Tar Heels dominated
both mats on the floor at John Paul Jones Arena and like everything else this season
for the North Carolina wrestling team it all started with Corey Mock.
The freshman 157-pounder took to the mat with a trip to the NCAA championships on the
line against Virginia's Shawn Harris in the consolation final. Mock shot and scored a
take down near the edge of the mat in front of the scorer's table but we quickly
reversed and Harris nearly managed to make Mock's shoulder graze the mat.
Later in the period, Harris held Mock by the left ankle before Mock slid around
behind him for the escape and the reversal giving him a 7-2 lead that he wouldn't
relinquish.
Before Mock's hand was raised in victory in the center of mat one, Thomas Scotton
already had control of his own third place bout at 165-pounds. Down on the mat in the
first period, the senior successfully pushed Virginia's Jedd Moore's right shoulder
to the rubber scoring the full three-point near fall after the takedown. Scotton lead
5-1 after the first period.
"That is my number one move from the high crotch and I never hit it, I only hit it in
practice," Scotton said. "I knew then, I was like this is from God, because I never
turn anybody."
Both Scotton and Mock were waiting for the clock to run out on their opponents and
we're warned about stalling but they leads the two of them had built were too much
for the Cavaliers to overcome.
When Mock's match came to an end, it was redshirt junior Thomas Ferguson's turn to
take control of the circle. Ferguson was matched up with Virginia Tech's Matt
Epperly, a two-time ACC champion, in the 174-pound third-place match.
Ferguson put the nail in the coffin with an emphatic takedown with just less than a
minute left in the bout. The score was 3-2 when Ferguson snatched Epperly between the
legs, lifting him off his feet and pounding him to the mat. The ensuing near fall
gave Ferguson the 8-2 lead, with the point for riding time Ferguson won the match 9-
2.
Freshman Pat Owens and fifth year senior Nick Stabile both fell in the consolation
finals taking fourth place.
Bennett and Mock were the only Tar Heels to secure bids to the national championship
but coach Mock expects a few more of his wrestlers to receive at-large bids.
"I'll be pretty disappointed if Ferguson doesn't get a bid." Mock said. "There's a
very good chance that Giorgio and Scotton could get bids, but we won't know until
Wednesday."
After his third place finish Scotton described the win as bitter sweet and hopes that
it won't be his last bout as a Tar Heel.
"It's not in my hands so you never know," Scotton said. "Hopefully there's a lot of
coaches that are Thomas Scotton fans."
2011年3月2日 星期三
Is Astroturf Eco After All?
Who would have thought that artificial turf would be good for the environment? I know
I have always thought of it as a blight, a replacement for natural grass that didn't
make environmental sense. Turns out I was short-sighted in my judgement of turf. It
saves natural resources and provides another use for a potentially caustic waste
product.
According to the Synthetic Turf Council, replacing natural grass fields with
artificial turf can save substantial amounts of water, three billion gallons in North
America. Also, the turf doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to keep it looking
green, saving over a billion pounds in chemicals. Mowing is not required, saving
energy and reducing smog emissions. This lack of maintenance is one reason it is the
perfect surface for indoor arenas.
Artificial turf is made of recycled tires, called crumb rubber, keeping them from
inhabiting landfills or being burned. According to Liberty Tire Recycling, over 105
million used tires have been recycled to make turf in North America. Liberty is the
number one provider of recycled tires in the U.S.
The crumb rubber provides cushioning and springiness to the turf, protecting athletes
from injury. It also helps the turf dry quickly, drain excess water, reduce mud and
dust, and minimize freezing. Crumb rubber is also used to make welcome mats,
antifatigue mats, portable speedbumps, and weightlifting plates.
"Synthetic turf is an excellent investment for the environment," said Jeffrey Kendall,
CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling. "It provides an outlet for millions of scrap tires and
helps to keep these tires out of the waste stream. We hope that the work and research
the Synthetic Turf Council performs will help to increase awareness about the numerous
benefits synthetic turf can provide for our environment and our communities."
While it may not single-handedly save the planet, artificial turf can lower the
environmental impact of sports arenas and fields, as well as saving on maintenance
expenses.
I have always thought of it as a blight, a replacement for natural grass that didn't
make environmental sense. Turns out I was short-sighted in my judgement of turf. It
saves natural resources and provides another use for a potentially caustic waste
product.
According to the Synthetic Turf Council, replacing natural grass fields with
artificial turf can save substantial amounts of water, three billion gallons in North
America. Also, the turf doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides to keep it looking
green, saving over a billion pounds in chemicals. Mowing is not required, saving
energy and reducing smog emissions. This lack of maintenance is one reason it is the
perfect surface for indoor arenas.
Artificial turf is made of recycled tires, called crumb rubber, keeping them from
inhabiting landfills or being burned. According to Liberty Tire Recycling, over 105
million used tires have been recycled to make turf in North America. Liberty is the
number one provider of recycled tires in the U.S.
The crumb rubber provides cushioning and springiness to the turf, protecting athletes
from injury. It also helps the turf dry quickly, drain excess water, reduce mud and
dust, and minimize freezing. Crumb rubber is also used to make welcome mats,
antifatigue mats, portable speedbumps, and weightlifting plates.
"Synthetic turf is an excellent investment for the environment," said Jeffrey Kendall,
CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling. "It provides an outlet for millions of scrap tires and
helps to keep these tires out of the waste stream. We hope that the work and research
the Synthetic Turf Council performs will help to increase awareness about the numerous
benefits synthetic turf can provide for our environment and our communities."
While it may not single-handedly save the planet, artificial turf can lower the
environmental impact of sports arenas and fields, as well as saving on maintenance
expenses.
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