Elephant grass was planted ten years ago at Schiphol to prevent geese and noise nuisance. It has now also turned out to be an environmentally friendly super crop with which concrete, paper and bioplastics are made.
A cooperative of four farmers in the Haarlemmermeer started growing elephant grass after an emergency landing of a plane with geese in the engines. One of them, Gert-Jan Petrie, lives next to the Polderbaan and has since experienced much less noise nuisance. In the television program Pak An Groen he lists even more advantages, for example, the four-metre-high grass absorbs more CO₂ than trees and no artificial fertilizers or pesticides are required.
The harvested grass is immediately suitable as stable bedding or ground cover, but the greatest environmental benefit can be achieved with concrete. The fibers are found in street furniture, noise barriers and cycle paths. Plastic is also made from elephant grass, which is biodegradable and compostable. And the paper industry is excited because the fibers can replace part of the wood pulp. Paper from trees costs much more energy and water.
Grab an Green
More and more North Hollanders are taking action to tackle climate change. Residents change their lifestyle, buy responsibly and insulate their homes. Entrepreneurs see opportunities and break new ground with sustainable products and services. You can see it on TV every Tuesday in the program Pak An Groen.
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