Toyota's Meticulously Manicured Lawn Reveals Hidden Origins
In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and improve urban air quality, Toyota has been delving into research related to plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grass. While specific details about their exact research projects in these areas are not readily available, the automotive giant's commitment to eco-friendly innovations is evident.
One of the key focuses of Toyota's research is the development of TM9, a short-stature grass variety. This grass, which was first introduced in 2000, requires less frequent mowing and is easier to maintain, leading to cheaper maintenance costs. Remarkably, TM9 has been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than half compared to conventional Zoysia grass.
The benefits of low-growing grass for urban environments are manifold. These grasses, growing to mere centimeters, absorb carbon dioxide on a similar scale to large trees. They also play a significant role in reducing the urban heat island effect through evapotranspiration and shading.
Toyota's interest in plant-based air purifiers is not new. The company has been engaged in fundamental biotech-related research since the late 1980s, including research on using plants to clean the air. For instance, certain plants, such as gardenias, can be bred for larger stoma to promote the absorption of NO2 gas, a harmful air pollutant.
Makoto Naruse, a Senior Expert at the Agriculture & Biotechnology Business Dept. at Toyota, spent 18 months growing vegetables to gain firsthand experience in agriculture. Naruse aimed to improve agricultural tasks to make life easier for farmers, identifying waste in agriculture as a complex issue. In 2000, Naruse and his team started developing grasses, specifically a new, easy-to-manage variety of Zoysia tenuifolia, TM9.
Lawns, including those grown using TM9, sequester CO2 in the soil, working hard for the environment even under human foot traffic. In fact, lawns capture roughly the same amount of CO2 as forests. This carbon capture, combined with reduced CO2 emissions from less frequent mowing and decreased fertilizer usage, makes lawns an important tool in the fight against climate change.
Moreover, greening spaces by laying turf instead of asphalt can drastically reduce ground temperatures, helping to alleviate the heat island effect. Decreased grass clippings lead to a further reduction in emissions due to less incineration.
In addition to these environmental benefits, green urban spaces offer improved biodiversity and ecosystem support, enhanced aesthetic and psychological benefits for urban residents, and contribute to a healthier, less polluted urban environment.
While Toyota's specific research projects in plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grass remain somewhat elusive, it is clear that the company is committed to exploring these areas as part of their broader focus on wellness and environmental responsibility. This commitment is reflected in their advanced air purification technologies in automotive cabins, such as the premium cabin air filtration systems featured in their 2025 models like the Toyota Crown. These systems help maintain clean interior air quality, contributing to occupant health by filtering out pollutants.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is likely that Toyota's research into plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grass will yield exciting discoveries and innovative solutions for a greener, cleaner urban future.
Using their expertise in biotechnology and environmental science, Toyota is exploring the potential of plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grass as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental practices and lifestyle choices. In the realm of technology, their aim is to create efficient, low-maintenance grass varieties like TM9 that contribute to carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and healthier urban environments.
