The Long Island Neighborhood Network has issued a call to arms for all anti-pesticide proponents in New York to stand up and be counted. The 26-year-old activist organization is kicking off a campaign today (Dec. 30, 2010) in Huntington, NY, pushing for a statewide ban on the use of "toxic" lawn care chemicals.
"We don’t believe the use of poisons that can harm our health, our families, our drinking water and the environment is justified for keeping weeds out of lawns and insects out of flowerbeds. The risk associated with these pesticides is unacceptable, because safer, effective organic methods and low-risk materials are available. If you agree, join us there, bring a sign and demonstrate with us, sign the petition and make your voice heard. If you can’t make it, write your State Legislators," proclaimed the group, seeking to ignite a statewide uprising against the use of common lawn care products.
It is not known how many people will show up for the campaign kickoff, including lawn care professionals, the people that are trained, have long used these products and have the most at stake should the campaign gain steam.
Will this be the flame that ignites NY legislation similar to that enacted in Ontario Province several years ago? If it does it will seriously harm the lawn care industry there and likely encourage groups in neighboring states to seek similar bans. — Ron Hall
Flash: Here's an update on the rally held on Long Island to protest the use of lawn care chemicals. The Long Island Press reported Jan. 1 that "a small group huddled in a parking lot" in downtown Huntington. Three of the huddlers wore haz-mat suits and others flashed signs. Doesn't exactly sound like a groundswell of support for the effort in spite of the ambitious name of MillionsOfVoters.org, the organizer. Read the account of the rally here.
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this. I think we need to pay attention to these events. Squeaky wheels get greased, unfortunately.
I would be better able to make some sort of stand if I specifically knew how the weed problems,insect,and fertilization issues were to be addressed and the efficacy of the products being used as the alternatives.If I want my lawn or flower beds to be beautiful as they can be,I find fungicides,as one example,preferable to sickly plants.If I want weed control,I expect one trip with equipment to keep the lawn or flower beds clean for the entire season.Not dumping corn byproducts and getting mediocre results on the soil.and using high concentrations of acetic acid that could damage my eyesight,such as the 20% vinegar contains for weed kill.I have attended two day seminars on organic controls and done the procedures on experimental areas,but the number of trips and extra expense don't seem to be environmentally friendly when the emissions, are figured in,let alone the expenditures unless one does so as a hobby.
Post a Comment