June 3 is Clean Air Day and June 5 is Environment Day. Wouldn't it be great if the Alberta Government or the cities of St. Albert and Edmonton would step up and ban the use of cosmetic pesticides like Killex, Roundup and Dandelion Bars?
According to the Canadian Cancer Society these pesticides are linked to cancer, particularly in children! Ontario and Quebec have banned cosmetic pesticides and several communities in B.C. also have. Your health, the health of your children, your grandchildren, your neighbours and the environment is far more important than having a perfect weed-free lawn. It is much healthier to just dig the weeds out by hand, pour full strength vinegar on them or use a stand-up weed remover that is very easy to use.
If you absolutely must use a cosmetic pesticide please be considerate and use it when the least number of people are outside to reduce exposure to these chemicals, use as little as possible, and don't use them on a windy day where they can drift onto other people's lawns or greenspaces where children may play. If you use a lawn service ask them to provide an affordable organic service that is safer.
A.B. Schmidt, St. Albert
