Pesticides push organic lawn-care movement ; Science has linked pesticide exposure with an array of medical problems
Fran Henry / Newhouse News Service
The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids, Mich.
Oct 23, 2005
In June, Scotts Canada met the gaping hole in its market by introducing EcoSense, a line of organic lawn and gardening products, including weed-control sprays, insect dusts and a lawn fertilizer.
Scotts' news comes as numerous U.S. environmental groups are stepping up their campaigns to ban or restrict the use of lawn pesticides.
The EPA maintains that re-registered pesticides are safe when used according to directions. The risks associated with older pesticides, [Enesta Jones] said in an e-mail, "are mitigated by changes in their use brought about by changes in product labeling." |
Fertilizer won't help stressed plants
John Hogan
The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jul 22, 2007
"In many fertilizers you find ammonia. Ammonia is a salt; it dehydrates the life in the soil," [Scott Meyer] said. "Over time, you will kill life in the soil and cause it to dehydrate."
"I live in a suburban area; my lawn needs to look good," he said. "I've been there 16 years and have never sprayed anything on it. Sure, there's a few dandelions in spring, but otherwise, I'm not hearing complaints from neighbors who rely on the chemicals."
"Gardening is a gratifying experience if you are not beating your head against the wall," Meyer said. "Working with nature works. You are not working against, but collaborating with nature as your ally."
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