What makes an infill eco-friendly

Eco performance is not one thing. Judge infills by renewable content, heat reduction, stability and lifespan, chemical safety, drainage behavior, and end of life options. The right choice reduces heat, limits migration, avoids problematic chemicals, and lasts.

  • Material source: renewable, abundant mineral, or recycled content with verified testing.
  • Heat: lighter color and moisture modulation lower surface temperatures.
  • Stability: heavier or coated materials resist wind and washout, reducing replacement.
  • Chemical profile: low VOC, heavy metal screened, and third party tested.
  • Drainage and odor: performance in rain and with pets.
  • Supply chain: availability and regional sourcing to cut transport impacts.

Top eco minded infill options

Coated sand

Silica sand with a non toxic coating that reduces dust, resists migration, and stays in place. It is inert, consistent, and widely available. It runs cooler than dark rubber options and plays well with pet and play systems.

  • Pros: very stable, low maintenance, low VOC, consistent spec, good for slopes and heavy rain.
  • Consider: slightly warmer than organics in peak sun, cost above raw sand.

Cork

Renewable cork granules deliver notable heat reduction and a soft, natural feel. They are lightweight and may need periodic top off in windy sites without edge restraint.

  • Pros: renewable content, strong cooling, comfortable underfoot.
  • Consider: plan for grooming and occasional replenishment in exposed areas.

Coconut blend

Coconut husk fibers or cork-coconut blends provide cooling and good moisture modulation. They settle well and can be tuned for different pile heights.

  • Pros: renewable, effective cooling especially with routine hydration from rain or irrigation.
  • Consider: needs proper drainage design and periodic brushing.

Zeolite

A natural mineral often used as an additive for pet odor control. It absorbs and helps manage ammonia while adding ballast.

  • Pros: odor control for pet zones, mineral based, compatible with other infills.
  • Consider: can retain heat when dry and may need recharge or mixing with other infills.

Olive pit or similar plant based granules

Plant derived options offer renewable content and cooler surfaces with a natural look. Availability varies by region.

  • Pros: renewable, cooling, comfortable feel.
  • Consider: check local supply and plan for maintenance similar to cork.

Quick selection guide by use case

  • Residential lawn, low to medium traffic: coated sand for low maintenance stability or cork for maximum cooling. Mix with 10 to 30 percent zeolite for pets.
  • Pet heavy yards and kennels: coated sand base with a zeolite layer for odor control, robust drainage base, and routine rinsing.
  • Playgrounds: coated sand or cork over a rated shock pad to hit target HIC values. Verify depth and test data.
  • Hot arid climates: cork or coconut blend for cooler touch. Consider a light colored turf and shade where possible.
  • Wet climates or slopes: coated sand for ballast and anti migration performance. Add nailer board and edge restraint.
  • Rooftops and balconies: coated sand for fire and stability, with proper load calculations and drainage mats.

Heat, safety, and performance factors

  • Cooling: organics like cork and coconut typically run cooler than dark elastomers. Coated sand is moderate and consistent.
  • Safety: for play areas, pair infill with an impact attenuating pad and verify field test results.
  • Migration: heavier grains and coatings lower movement in wind and heavy rain. Use edge containment.
  • Water and odor: high flow base layers, perforated backing, and targeted zeolite improve outcomes for pets.

Cost and availability

  • Relative costs vary by region. In general: raw sand is lowest, coated sand and organics sit mid tier, specialty organics can be higher.
  • Account for lifespan and top off needs. A stable infill that stays put can lower lifetime cost.

Myths and realities

  • Organic infill molds: in a well drained system with routine grooming, cork and coconut dry quickly and perform cleanly.
  • Coated sand equals microplastics: the mineral core is sand. Modern coatings are durable and low VOC. Ask suppliers for abrasion and leach testing.
  • You cannot mix infills: strategic blends are common to balance cooling, odor control, and stability.

How much infill to order

  • Landscape turf 1.25 to 1.75 inch pile: about 1.0 to 2.0 pounds per square foot depending on yarn and stitch rate.
  • Pet and play areas: about 2.0 to 3.5 pounds per square foot plus any pad per spec.
  • Always confirm with the turf manufacturer and your installer. Field conditions can change the number.

Install and maintenance tips for greener performance

  • Set a high flow base and grade for runoff control. Use geotextile where needed.
  • Dial infill depth evenly with a drop spreader, then power broom to settle.
  • Lock edges with nailer board or paver restraint to limit loss.
  • Groom quarterly in residential settings. Top off organics as needed.
  • Ask for third party documents: heavy metal screens, VOC data, and abrasion results.