Is the golf industry doing enough to help the environment?



Is the golf industry doing enough to help the environment?

Traditional golf practices have not always been in line with best practices for the environment ─ with excess water consumption and pesticides used to maintain beautiful greens, gasoline-powered equipment, high energy consumption, and general waste, the golf industry has a lot of work to do to reduce its environmental impact.

Why do golf courses use effluent?

Because of water scarcity, in recent years more golf courses have started to use effluent, which is treated wastewater from community or industry sewage. It is cleansed of major pollutants, but still contains enough trace amounts of salt, heavy metals such as zinc and cadmium and bacteria to render it undrinkable.

How does golf affect the US economy?

These changes have huge impacts on the U.S. economy, and according to GOLF 20/20, golf’s total impact on the U.S. economy was about $190 billion in 2007. Despite an economic downturn in 2008, charities across the country continued to benefit from golf.

Are golf courses bad for the environment?

Although dependent on the environment, golf courses are often criticized for their negative impact on their surroundings. From ground water pollution caused by fertilizers and pesticides to loss of natural habitats and wetlands, the concerns are great.