Alternatives to Pesticides
Many gardening practices are harmful to pollinators and the environment. The very worst is the use of pesticides. Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill pests, including insects, weeds and fungi. Herbicides are chemicals that specifically target weeds. Regardless of the pest you are battling, there is an alternative to using chemicals.
Pesticides are harmful to plants, animals and humans. They destroy habitat that pollinators need to survive, get into our soil and crops, and infiltrate our water systems. Pesticides are poisons and are responsible for acute and chronic health issues in humans.
Here are links to more information about the dangers of pesticides and alternatives to using them:
- Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides – this site offers an abundance of information and resources for buying pesticide-free plants, avoiding pesticides in your garden, and ways you can get involved in spreading the word.
- Understanding Pesticides and Their Risks – Xerces Society article outlining the dangers of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Also info on efforts to regulate the use of these substances.
- Protect Pollinators at Home: Alternatives to Herbicides – another Xerces Society article about safe ways to kill weeds.
- How to Identify Good and Bad Bugs in Your Garden – Beneficial insects are out there eating the ones that do harm. Learn how to tell the good guys from the bad guys.
- Healthy Alternatives to Glyphosate. – Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a popular herbicide widely used in agriculture and home gardens. Read about the health hazards to pollinators and humans from the use of this product, and learn the alternatives.
- ConsumerNotice.org – This site offers alternatives to RoundUp that do not contain glyphosate and are made with natural organic oils and acid.