Artificial turf has made it possible to have sporting events in the locations where sod would normally not be able to grow. It is an all weather turf that provides a fairly natural playing surface that is especially suited for doors. There are several versions of artificial turf that are available today, but there is only one Astroturf. The original product was created in 1965 and patented that year under the name “ChemGrass.”
There are three inventors of credit on the patent: Donald Elbert, Robert Wright, and James Faria. It became known as Astroturf after it in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. To bring Astroturf to what it is today, the Monsanto Corporation helped to develop a more uniform product. Monsanto has been responsible for a number of inventions over the years. Here are just a few for your consideration.
1. Saccharin
The Monsanto Corporation actually got its start because of saccharin. This artificial sweetener was initially produced to give the Coca-Cola Corporation an alternative sweetener for the soda. There is a lot of controversy that surrounds this invention, especially since at one point it was listed as a carcinogen. Even so, people who have difficulty in metabolizing sugar have an option for sweetened foods thanks to this invention.
2. DDT
In the 1940’s, mosquitoes were wrecking havoc on the human population. A number of organizations were trying to come up with an effective insecticide that could kill off the mosquitoes and save people’s lives. The solutions that Monsanto came up with having to be DDT. Much of Monsanto’s internal research was publicized how safe this insecticide happen to be. It wasn’t until 1972, however, that the dangers of DDT became known and it was ultimately banned from use throughout the United States.
3. Dioxin
Soon after the release of DDT, the Monsanto Corporation began promoting the use of chemical pesticides for the improvement of agriculture. Dioxins were one of the first pesticides that were released to the general public. The only problem with dioxins is that they can accumulate within the food chain, especially within the fatty tissues of animals that are consumed. It is effective at killing plants, but some also believe that it is effective at killing people too.
4. RoundUp
There’s a good chance that you have a bottle of RoundUp somewhere in your garage. This weed killer does excellent job at removing the plants that can grow up in the cracks of sidewalks. It is also able to kill weeds without killing the crops that a farmer might be trying to grow. Although it is considered fairly safe to use, some research has also shown that buildup of agricultural chemical may also lead to the growth of tumors and altered organ function in animals.
5. GMOs
The main invention for Monsanto that has the most debate right now are genetically modified crops, or GMOs. By splicing genetic materials into plants and animals, the idea is that humans can get a better overall food product for the same cost. Are GMOs safe? That’s a determination that requires more research, either for or against their safety.
Strong proponent of individual liberty and free speech. My goal is to present information that expands our awareness of crucial issues and exposes the manufactured illusion of freedom that we are sold in America. Question everything because nothing is what it seems.
