To the Editor:
I sent this letter to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) in opposition to installing highly toxic plastic turf at MVRHS. They are starting the review process this Monday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 pm at the Oak Bluffs library.
I am a highly concerned Vineyard resident, grandparent (five grandchildren who will be attending MVRHS), environmentalist, hiker, swimmer, sailor, and former athlete. I have a nonprofit organization (senseofwondercreations.org), and have been working with young people for more than 45 years. I wish to voice my extremely strong opposition to the proposal to install synthetic turf at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
I am very concerned about putting toxic plastic substances in and on the athletic fields of MVRHS. This investment in toxic plastics absolutely does not blend with the character of the Island, and would have a negative environmental impact on the land, the soil, the biomass, and the water table; cause massive solid waste, high costs, toxicity, injury rates (many articles about this), etc.
We could instead invest in a consistent and ongoing program of turning our natural grass into a rich, green, organic field with a watering program, and only organic fertilizers and treatments, which would be totally safe for humans, animals, and insects. There is already a fundraising effort established for this. Let’s invest in our natural grass, and teach our young people they can have healthy and safe playing fields and be intelligent and wise stewards of the environment.
Thank you so much (deeply heartfelt) for all of your hard work and efforts to keep Martha’s Vineyard healthy and safe for present and future generations of Vineyarders.
Pamela S. Benjamin
Vineyard Haven