Peace and Environment News* June 1995
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Peace and Environment News * June 1995 |
by Peggy Land
 Lawn sign for pesticide-free lawn. |
The current campaign by Gloucester's Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to raise awareness about concerns over pesticide use began in March and is gaining speed.
Earlier this year, Rockliffe, Nepean and Gloucester all held their first pesticide information nights. In Gloucester, on March 2, a panel of government and industry spokespersons and local naturalists debated the issue of pesticide safety. Fortunately, now that Health Canada has the right to the last word in pesticide registration, health concerns may be given the top priority they deserve.
In its latest report on pesticide and fertilizer use, Gloucester's EAC Pesticide Subcommittee congratulated City parks staff for significantly reducing dependence on herbicides and urged them to phase herbicides out completely within the next two years. Letting the grass grow longer, applying leaf compost, aerating the soil, and increasing naturalized areas within park lands are biological practices that have helped make phaseout possible.
Parks staff are urged to make themselves fully aware of the chemical content of the herbicides they apply, namely 2,4-D/Mecoprop and Round-Up. Of concern, as stated in the report, is the little-known fact that 2,4-D contains five allowable dioxins ("relatively benign" ones, but toxic enough to be strictly controlled to an average limit of only six parts per billion each), and that Round-Up's secret "inert" ingredient, Dioxane, is a known carcinogen.
The Subcommittee is distributing lawn signs to encourage citizens to seek alternatives to pesticide use, in line with the mandate of the Regional Department of Health's pesticide education program. These cute full colour laminated signs are being distributed across Canada. They can be obtained directly for two dollars each or for three dollars through the mail, or at Arbour Recycled Products, 800 Bank Street, or Laporte's on Montreal Road. Call Peggy Land at 747-9651 after 3 P.M. if you would like a sign.
Peggy Land is a member of the Gloucester Environmental Advisory Committee.
Converted July 7, 2000 - Lg
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