Without regulatory limits or environmental levies, millions of square metres of synthetic turf are purchased annually at prices determined by the price mechanism. Homeowners enjoy low maintenance costs and year-round green spaces, reflecting their private benefits. However, the social costs associated with artificial grass significantly exceed these private benefits. Synthetic lawns contribute heavily to urban microplastic runoff into local waterways, destroy natural habitats for essential pollinators, and exacerbate the urban heat island effect, requiring municipal authorities to spend millions on drainage repairs and urban cooling initiatives.
Define the term 'price mechanism' (Extract C, line 2).
