News Room
Residents complain over herbicide use
When Howard Kent of Delcie Drive returned home from a trip to California's Sequoia National Park, he was welcomed home by a contrast: miles of dead foliage along Wildwood Drive.
Kent on Wednesday described the ancient, hulking tree he saw, then pointed toward the 6- to 8-foot-high and miles-long tract of underbrush seared a crispy brown by herbicides.
"I get back and I see all this -- awesome," he said with sarcasm. "It looks like a forest fire went down Wildwood Drive."
County Public Works Director Joe Stephenson said the county used the herbicide, called Carlon, to restrain underbrush creeping toward the roadway.
Lawn care pesticides threaten extinction of fireflies
Read more: Lawn care pesticides threaten extinction of fireflies
Do we believe those with something to lose? Are Pesticides Really Safe?
I wonder if your readers remember the tobacco industry telling us that their product was safe to use. Even scientists (hired by the industry) told us that tobacco was safe.
Mr. Hepworth, president of CropLife Canada, represents the pesticide industry, and so, of course, he would like us to believe that pesticides are safe.
The review of products by Health Canada is largely based on information submitted by the producers of pesticides; would they submit information to Health Canada that would prohibit there use?
Regulatory agencies approved DDT, Thalidomide, VIOXX, DES, etc. And then these products were discovered to be unsafe and they were withdrawn from sale, sometimes after disastrous effects. We are in the process of discovering the harmful effects of cosmetic pesticides and would like to prevent any more disastrous effects.
Should we believe the Canadian Cancer Society, which has nothing to gain from banning cosmetic pesticides, or Mr. Hepworth, who represents an industry with something to lose?
Sheila Pratt. Maple Ridge.
Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/letters/103087564.html
13-year Old Takes to the Web to Just Say “No” to Pesticides
A thirteen-year old girl in a Northern Virginia suburb has recently launched her own campaign to urge her neighbors to stop spraying pesticides, and we want you to do the same! With a growing body of scientific evidence proving that pesticides threaten the public’s health by increasing the risk of cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, reproductive problems and more, there is an urgent need for pesticide reform at all levels, and everyone can do their part!
Read more: 13-year Old Takes to the Web to Just Say “No” to Pesticides
Do Your Part: Be kind to animals, environment
Use a powder or shampoo with all-natural diatomaceous earth to kill existing fleas on pets.
Anyone who knows me knows I love animals. Over the years I’ve had cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Add in a few lizards, countless fish and even a few frogs and you can see why my house is called “the zoo.”
My pets are like family so I am always mindful of the products that I buy to care for them. Since the dogs and cats get free run of the house, I’m even more careful about the chemicals used in their products.
Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find eco-friendly alternatives that will reduce your exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals and are equally effective.
