I am at my computer right now, writing an article for the paper about the province of Ontario's ban of cosmetic pesticides.
Interviewing many people, it is very interesting to hear various views on the subject.
Business owners, in the lawn care industry, are definitely being hurt by it. Ok, I get that - they need to feed their families too.
Many individuals are very pro-ban (is that a word? it sounds like a brand of sunglasses). Why not? Who wants chemicals in their food, water, children (aaagh.....that's the reality isn't it - these things are ending up inside our children's growning bodies).
Of course, I am very excited about the chemical ban.
HOwever, I do sympathize with those whose livelihood has been dependent upon it.
I have the solution!
Make the kids pull the weeds and kill the bugs (for individuals).
Hire out your kids to pull the weeds and kill the bugs for other people (for businesses hurt by the ban).
I'm joking about that previous statement, obviously.
I was speaking to a lawn care business owner, who did have something positive to say. He felt that people would have to become better gardeners/growers in order to make things thrive without chemicals.
I heartily agree. And what a wonderful business opportunity - so many people have become reliant upon chemicals and they don't know any other way of making their vegetables blemish-free and their lawns green and weedless.
Those with the know-how will be able to lead the way in their industry, and educate and help people become better ( and chemical free ) in their nurturing of their home herbage.
Hmmm, perhaps a new line of work????? Do I want to go back to teaching when my maternity leave ends?
Well, ok, I do love teaching....but perhaps others will pick up on this idea and run with it (please feel free to send me a "cut" when you start making the big bucks).
In the meantime, the rest of us will get out our hoe's and get to work (the garden kind, people!!!!!!!!).
And the best bit of advice that I got was from a long-time family friend, Carol Loveridge. She simply grows exra vegetables so that the bugs can have their share, and that there are plenty left for her.
How simple is that! No chemicals required.
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I got into Paducah!
1 day ago
www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/about146.html
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to a vinegar, salt and dishsoap solution.
I have not tried it yet But I am going to. I usualy just grab a screw driver and pull the weeds out. There are a couple of pics of my modest garden today on. www.betterpanic.blogspot.com
BP
I would love to have someone teaching me all I need to know about gardening and taking good care of my yard! Actually, a friend of mine has been wanting to do something like that, and I've encouraged her to get started as I'm sure there is a need for such a service (I'm certainly not the only one!). Unfortunately for me, she lives on the other side of the country - but I'm still hoping she'll start what would be a dream business for her and help people in her area.
ReplyDeleteWe live on a large parcel of property and get our drinking (and everything else) water from the well a few steps from our house. It makes me very aware that anything and everything we place or even spill on our lawn and soil can and will end up in the water that we drink. Needless to say all our gardens and lawns are naturally beautiful. If everyone were more aware of where their water comes from a chemical ban would be less of a fuss and more common sense.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post! BTW, I've been reading all your articles in the paper! Always looking forward to your next article!
ReplyDeleteI imagine that a lot of lawn care businesses will be hurt, but I also know that the environment is so precious and we need to do what we can to protect and preserve what we have.
In our gardenS (yes, as in multiple gardens!) I don't use any chemicals. Like others have mentioned, soapy water or vinegar work. I've even posted on our Green Is Her New Blog about using beer to deter slugs. It works.
Like your Anonymous commenter said, our water is also well water. It really makes you conscious of what goes into the soil. I agree--if everyone were more aware of where their water comes from, people would understand more.
I also mentioned in my last post how when I lived in the city, it seemed people were brainwashed into thinking that dandelions were unsightly. It seemed to be everyone's mission to have a dandelion-free yard. I actually think they're pretty. Is that weird? ;)