Switch to organic or natural pesticides and herbicides for your lawn and garden
Why This is Green
The synthetic chemicals used in conventional pesticides and herbicides can negatively impact health—that’s how they kill weeds and bugs. Unfortunately using them can impact human and pet health, too. Exposure can occur via vapor inhalation or residue; dust sticks around long after you’d expect and tracks indoors on your shoes or on your pet’s paws. An EPA study found that kitchen floors in most U.S. homes are laden with pesticides, even outdoor-use ones that were discontinued several decades ago.
Pound for pound children and pets are more vulnerable than adults are. They’re also more likely to be playing on contaminated surfaces—your lawn, or your play equipment. Initial exposure may induce headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. More troubling are longer-term effects: pesticides have been linked to cancers, neurological conditions, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues. Pesticides have been shown to cross the placenta during pregnancy. And they contaminate our earth and waterways.
To deter pests and weeds without harm to your family or the earth, choose natural and organic alternatives. Keep in mind that even certain organic pesticides aren’t completely safe. Research on PANNA.org.
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How To
Most nurseries and home improvement garden centers now carry an organic choice or two, and are happy to advise on what to use for your specific pest or weed.
There’s no boundary between lawns. If your town doesn’t have neighbor notification laws on the books, gently ask your neighbors to let you know what they’re spraying and when.
