Everyday, new information about negative health, climate, and economic impacts of chemical-intensive agriculture abound, while new reports emerge showing the benefits of organic agriculture and lifestyle. Read about them here.
Home, Lawn, & Garden News
Dramatic Array of Pesticides Used Outdoors Make Their Way Inside, Contaminating the Indoor Environment
Beyond Pesticides
Pesticides applied outdoors are making their way into our homes. A study found that chemicals used in agriculture and landscaping can infiltrate indoor environments through air, dust, and soil particles. It’s essential to recognize that pesticide exposure isn’t confined to fields or gardens – it can affect our living spaces.
Cockroaches have evolved and developed resistance to common insect sprays
Earth.com
New research reveals that common cockroach sprays are not only losing their effectiveness but could also be putting your health at risk. Cockroaches have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, the primary ingredient in many sprays, making them nearly immune to these treatments. But that’s not all—these sprays come with serious side effects:
Respiratory Issues: Pyrethroids can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems, especially in children.
Skin Irritation: Direct contact with these chemicals can cause rashes and irritation.
Neurological Concerns: Prolonged exposure has been linked to headaches, dizziness, and even long-term nerve damage.
It’s time to reconsider what’s in your home. Learn more about safer, more effective ways to keep your home pest-free without compromising your family’s health.
LA Council committee moves synthetic grass ban proposal forward
CBS News
A Los Angeles City Council committee is moving toward calling for a ban on synthetic grass citywide, for environmental & health reasons – especially because PFAS is often found in the turf
Why We Want Some ‘Pests’ In Our Organic Garden
Treehugger
Though pest species may cause some problems for you as a gardener, they are also a crucial part of the garden ecosystem upon which you, as a gardener, depend. This article argues for letting some pests stay in your organic garden.
Avoid greenwashing and harmful pesticides in lawn care
Environmental Health News
Companies are looking to cash in on consumers’ desires for friendly options by ‘greenwashing’ dangerous products with labels like ‘natural’.
Pesticides & Mosquito Control: Dangers & Safe Management
Maryland Pesticide Education Network
An outline of several non-toxic ways to manage mosquitoes.
“As our climate continues to change, mosquito-borne diseases will be an increasing public health challenge for which we must prepare.”
Managing Mosquitoes Without Pesticides
Maryland Pesticide Education Network
There are safer ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes! Don’t let mosquitoes spoil your fun!
“As the impact of climate change worsens—longer warm and wet seasons—we must prepare to deal with an increase in mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases that affect people, wildlife and our waterways.”
A Lush Lawn Without Pesticides
Consumer Reports
The truth about the toxic pesticides and other chemicals that keep your lawn green, and how to create a healthy oasis without them.
“Shortly after Lydia Chambers had her first child, in 1995, her family moved to a new home in Ohio.”
Common mosquito pesticide packed with PFAS
EE News
“A pesticide widely used for mosquito control in Maryland and other states contains so-called forever chemicals — including a notorious compound phased out of U.S. production years ago due to health concerns — according to recent test results.”
Buying Bee-Safe Plants
Xerces Society
Xerces Society Buying Bee-Safe Plants helps you find plants free from harmful pesticides and includes tips and questions for the nursery.
“Creating a welcoming home for local pollinators in your home garden or city park habitat is reason enough to choose plants free from harmful pesticide residues.”
Building Your Garden from the Ground Up: Basic Tips for Improving Garden Soil Quality
National Garden Bureau
Basic tips for improving garden soil quality to help grow a gorgeous garden filled with fresh food and beautiful blooms.
Engage the Senses With a Sensory Garden
Treehugger
A garden that appeals to all the senses helps one feel fully immersed in the natural world.
Top Sustainable Garden Trends for 2021
Treehugger
One great thing to come out of this terrible pandemic is that…more and more people are valuing their gardens and making the most of all that they can provide.
Check out FoodPrint’s Tips for Sustainable Grocery Shopping!
FoodPrint
Tips by FoodPrint on how to shop for groceries sustainably.
“Meatloaf, roast chicken, chickpea stew: what’s for dinner tonight?”
Good news if you buy organic food — it’s getting cheaper
Associated Press
“U.S. shoppers are still paying more for organic food, but the price premium is falling as organic options multiply. Last year, organic food and beverages cost an average of 24 cents more per unit than conventional food, or about 7.5 percent more, according to Nielsen. That was down from a 27 cent, or 9 percent, premium in 2014.”
How to avoid the toxic kitchen chemicals that could damage your fertility
Washington Post
The kitchen is often the hub of the home — and one of the biggest sources of exposure to phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), agents that essentially hijack hormones in the body’s endocrine system.
Popular flea collar linked to almost 1,700 pet deaths. The EPA has issued no warning.
USA Today
The popular Seresto flea and tick collars have been linked to roughly 1,700 pet deaths and the EPA has issued no warning regarding such.
Are organic tampons the best choice for women’s health?
Longevity
In addition to fragrances and chemicals used in the bleaching process, the risk of pesticide exposure may be the biggest reason to switch to organic tampons.