Environmental death by the truckload

At the warehouse where I work we are preparing for spring.   The seasonal department is  frantically setting up displays of gardening supplies.  Every day truck loads of supplies arrive, bearing seeds of all descriptions and tools.   It is quite a sight, and when you think about spring all manner of pleasant images pop into the mind.  Bright flowers, a clean and tidy home, home grown foods, a perfect yard, relaxation in sunshine etc., etc.  All very pleasant thoughts.  Unfortunately there is a black lining in this cloud of pleasing anticipation, because along with these types of supplies also arrives something very unhealthy and deadly for the environment, wildlife and humans alike.



You wouldn't believe the amount of toxic chemicals arriving in the warehouse along with the life giving seed.  Pesticides, herbicides, extra "cleaning" chemicals and more.  Pallets and pallets of the stuff, loaded to the max. With all we know about their effects on our world and health, you would think there would be a decrease in chemical use.  However, chemical producers it appears, have trained us well, and we have become very dependent on chemicals to solve all of our problems from pests and healthy gardens, to household cleanliness.

As I watch the chemicals arrive, I wonder how many tons of these toxins are going to be spread in this city alone come spring and throughout the summer.  This warehouse isn't the only one of it's kind after all. There are many other places, like gardening centers, that will also be stocking up on the same, or similar toxic products.  The concept is phenomenal, especially when I try to image the sheer volume of use throughout the country and then the world. How many, adult or child alike, will be sick this summer as a result?  How much of this city's wildlife will die? It is all very depressing.

Here is  just one example of  the kind of environmental damage that can be caused  by  fertilizers, just follow the link:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/grist-sheds-light-dark-side-of-nitrogen.php?campaign=th_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+treehuggersite+%28Treehugger%29

Then a part of me, the part that is optimistic, wonders how much of it will actually sell?  Has enough of the population been educated in the danger to themselves and our world?  Likely not, but many, many people have, and hopefully these will act on their knowledge and teach others.  Then there are those who know, but have no idea how to go about  their gardening, for example, without the use of these chemicals.  It seems to me the single, most important thing that needs to be achieved, if we are to save both ourselves and the planet, is to educate the population.  Not just in the dangers of the use of these chemicals, but more importantly in the application of alternative methods.  The use of alternative methods whether for gardening, cleaning or farming will  free us, both from the expense of chemical use and the propaganda spewed forth by chemical companies  in their advertisements, as well as the beliefs that this propaganda has instilled.

There is a chemical  free alternative method for dealing with just about every household, pest, health, and gardening concern.  For example here is a list of natural, chemical free insect repellants:
Catnip, neem oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.  Some of these are even antifungal.

To learn about other alternatives to toxic chemical use just follow these links:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/alternative-methods-to-bug-zappers#ixzz0fjnooSlu
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107876
http://www.squidoo.com/fight-mold-go-green
http://www.communicationagents.com/chris/2006/06/14/chemicalfree_gardening.htm
http://www.pluginpestfree.co.nz/

Susan