Over the last decade there has been a growing resentment towards pesticides and pesticide use.
This is especially true where pesticide use for cosmetic purposes is concerned. Unfortunately, the feeling is often guided either by a lack of information or by misinformation. This has, in some cases, led to governments issuing bans based on information that is not supported by science, but rather supported by fear.
Science has come a long way since the Green Revolution in the 1950s. Chemical pesticides are “softer,” in that they are increasingly target specific, less injurious to beneficial insects and are less persistent in the environment.
Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has some of the best laboratories in the world and before any pesticide is approved, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that risks associated with casual exposures are minimal, particularly where domestic-use products are concerned. It is in the industry’s own best interest to ensure that products are both effective and safe.
In B.C., we have the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Act, which replaced the Pesticide Act in 2004.
It is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at risk and harm reduction in the use of pesticides. A summary can be found at www.al.gov.bc.ca/pesticides/i_4.htm.
A recent review of the legislation by the Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides found that a provincial ban was not necessary and made 17 recommendations to strengthen the act.
To quote the final paragraph in the executive summary of the final report:
“The Committee believes these recommendations will protect British Columbians from unnecessary exposure to pesticides, will provide improved education, will lead to safer use by unlicensed applicators, and will encourage the overall reduction of pesticide use while providing individuals, businesses and industries with access to the tools necessary to enhance their personal green spaces, and control pests and invasive species.” - Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides Report, May 2012
During this Pesticide Awareness Week (Oct. 17 to 24), I encourage everyone to inform themselves better on pesticide use and to turn an eye to other methods of pest control that help to reduce the need for chemicals.
Have a look in your sheds and get rid of products that are no longer sold, as there are plenty of “softer” products available.
When choosing a product, always look at the active ingredient guarantee. Some products are sold as being “green” and are more expensive but have the exact active ingredient as a product that has been available for years at a lesser cost.
Finally, everyone that brings pesticides to the regional landfill will have a chance to win one of three prizes of Gaia Green Organic Fertilizer valued at $50 each. After all, healthy soils make for healthy plants.
Healthy plants are better able to resist pests and disease, and thereby reduce the need for pesticides. It’s a win-win.