Did You Know?
Children are uniquely vulnerable to the harmful effects of exposure to pesticides. According to the EPA, children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals.
Find this article plus more information at:
www.beyondpesticides.org/schools/sepa/SEPA_fact&figures.htm
Forbes rates Atlanta ‘most toxic city' in U.S.
"In Atlanta, Ga., you'll find southern gentility, a world-class music scene -- and 21,000 tons of environmental waste. In spite of its charms, the city's combination of air pollution, contaminated land and atmospheric chemicals makes it the most toxic city in the country," the magazine says in an article published this week.
Forbes said its calculations included the "number of facilities that reported releasing toxins into the environment, the total pounds of certain toxic chemicals released into the air, water and earth, the days per year that air pollution was above healthy levels, and the total number of Superfund sites." The Superfund category refers to areas targeted by the federal government for clean-up priority due to high levels of toxicity. Wednesday, November 4, 2009
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/forbes-rates-atlanta-most-185466.html
Problems with synthetics
Pollution and leaching - Because the salts are soluble and quick-release, they quickly leach from the soil into groundwater, where they end up in rivers and lakes. The problem isn't necessarily the fertilizer; it's the improper application. Many people unknowingly add too much fertilizer to their lawns and gardens, not realizing the damage they are causing. The extra nitrogen washing out of urban soils into the water cause algae blooms, which suffocate fish and other aquatic animals.
Synthetics do not "feed the soil" - That is, strictly adding synthetic fertilizer only adds plant nutrients. Soils need much more than nutrients to stay healthy in the long run. The result is a steady decline in the overall health of gardens. Weeds and pests become more prevalent, forcing the conventional gardener to treat with pesticides. This results in a steady download cycle of greater fertilizer and herbicide treatments.
Plants form a chemical dependency - Since nutrients are so readily available, your garden plants and lawn have no need to grow strong roots in their search for nutrients. With a stunted root system, they are less resistant to weeds and pests, forcing the constant use of pesticides.
Many all-purpose fertilizers only consist of the 3 main nutrients - Your plants need a variety of micronutrients along with the basic NPK nutrients. Calcium, boron, magnesium, copper, iron are examples of other trace nutrients. Over time chemically-treated soils will become deficient in them.
Most pesticides, despite having an EPA registration, have not been adequately tested to determine their effects on people or the environment.
Many lawn pesticides persist in soils and lawns long after the re-entry time of 24-72 hours.
Why Organic?
Organic fertilizers and compost - with this combination, you're actively contributing to the health of your soil, which in turn will strengthen your plants against disease, weeds and insects. Be aware that it's a long-term process involving both under and above ground.
And remember, good things come to those who wait!
Organic fertilizers slowly release naturally derived nutrients allowing grass to grow stronger and healthier.
The above lawn care advice will eliminate 95% to 99% of your weed problem. But there are some weeds that are almost impossible to get rid of, no matter what. Some of these are even resistant to the chemical army.
The Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI)
The Organic Materials Research Institute (OMRI) has two lists, a generic list and a brand name list. The generic list contains materials by generic name that are allowed, restricted or prohibited. If the material is allowed with restrictions, those restrictions are described. The generic list can be viewed at http://www.omri.org/OMRI_generic_list.html. The brand name list contains only the names of products reviewed by OMRI at the manufacturer’s request. The application for OMRI review can be lengthy and expensive so manufacturers have to weight cost against gain when they apply. Just because a product is not OMRI listed does not preclude it from use on a certified organic farm. There are other reviewing agencies that can determine whether a product should be allowed, restricted, or prohibited. A manufacturer may choose not to apply for OMRI listing because their product is inappropriate for used on organic farms but is nonetheless organic. The OMRI brand name list can be viewed at the OMRI web site.