Common Myths of a Pesticide By-Law Debunked

By Kelly Reid

Walkerton Herald Times Weds, May 11, 2005

With proposing a cosmetic pesticide by-law, there are some frequently asked questions as well as some common misconceptions or “myths”.
The following addresses a few of these. 

Myth:

The use of pesticides is necessary to keep our lawns and gardens attractive and weed free.

Reality:

There are many alternatives to using harmful pesticides on our lawns and gardens and these alternatives are readily available to the homeowner.

Almost all, lawn care companies offer organic lawncare services which is often less expensive than the toxic product.

To help do-it-yourself gardeners get their lawns off pesticides, Loblaws and affiliates have realized the marketing opportunities of organic lawncare and gardening so PC has gone pesticide-free. 

Proper watering and lawn care practices also go a long way in fending off weeds, pests and diseases.

Myth:

A pesticides bylaw would limit the town’s ability to address health concerns by effectively controlling allergens, infestations, epidemics or other health risks.

Reality:

An effective bylaw would prohibit the use of non-essential, cosmetic pesticides, while permitting their use to deal with specific public health-related issues, in accordance with the professional assessment of qualified public health officials. If a specific allergen could only be eradicated through the use of chemical pesticides, a resident could apply for a permit.

Myth:

Pesticide by-laws are just another limitation on personal freedoms.

Reality:

The pesticide bylaw is not really about limiting personal freedom. It is about protecting people, especially children, the fetus of pregnant women, pets, cancer patients and survivors, from involuntary exposures to these toxic chemicals when walking on or by a sprayed lawn, or when a neighbour uses pesticides. It also protects people from the dangers of pesticide drift. Like second hand smoke, if you can smell it, it is in your body and it will be chronically, negatively affecting you and your family, regardless of your lawn care practices. 

Myth:

Most people still use pesticides because they don’t really cause any harm.

Reality:

Due to public demand and environmental laws, lawn care companies, Loblaws, Home Hardware etc. are changing their primary focus of lawn care to natural, organic alternatives due to the rapidly increasing awareness of the harm that chemicals cause the environment and ourselves. More and more communities are recognizing the importance of being environmentally responsible and that doing their part really does make a difference.

The stark reality is that, like the smoking ban, this change is inevitable. The question is: how far behind the times is Brockton willing to be, and at what cost to the health of the innocent before we see change for the greater good?

To date, WHCI has received a lot of positive response in querying the population of Brockton regarding support of a pesticide by-law. So far we have received 281 cards in favour of a cosmetic pesticide by-law plus another 38 cards from people who come to town to shop and are concerned about their health and feel they should be counted.

To express your concerns please contact a member of Brockton council or call the municipal office at 881-2223.

 

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