More Resources for a Pesticide-Free Lawn
Did You Know That…
- If a lawn product lists an EPA registration number, then it contains toxic ingredients.
- According to the EPA, many “inert” ingredients are also toxic.
- Pesticides are mixed with fertilizer in products called “weed and feed.”
- State law prohibits the use of carcinogenic pesticides in Massachusetts schools.
- The province of Quebec and over 70 municipalities in Canada, including Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, have banned cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns.
- Pesticides can persist in lawns and soil longer than the posted 24-72 hours.
- Many garden centers now carry some organic products – just ask. The more demand from you, the better the selection will be.
For More Information....
Overview and fact sheets on pesticide hazards and alternatives:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/index.htm
http://npic.orst.edu/npicfact.htm
www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html
To look up health effects of a pesticide:
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Search_Chemicals.jsp
To find an organic landscaper in your community:
www.organiclandcare.net
For courses, demonstration sites, and other resources:
http://mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/lawnland.htm
www.nsrwa.org/greenscapes
www.livinglawn.org
www.grassrootsinfo.org
http://healthylawnsforhealthyfamilies.com/
This information is provided as a public service from the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Established by the State’s Toxics Use Reduction Act of 1989, TURI provides research, training, technical support, laboratory services and grant programs to reduce the use of toxic chemicals while enhancing the economic competitiveness of local businesses. Names of commercial web sites and private corporations are given for informational purposes only. TURI does not endorse nor recommend private organizations.
This page updated Thursday May 10 2007