Just in Time for Earth Day: the Largest Pesticide Ban in North America

If I were to have a lawn, I would want one like this!! Photo from RTPeat

Starting tomorrow (which is of course Earth Day) the Ontario government will be implementing the largest ban for cosmetic pesticide use in North America.

Here is a blurb about it from the Ontario government website:

Ontario’s lawns, gardens, school yards and parks will be a lot healthier beginning Earth Day, April 22, 2009. That’s the day the province’s cosmetic pesticides ban takes effect.

The McGuinty government believes the use of pesticides to control pesky weeds and insects for purely cosmetic reasons is an unnecessary risk to our families and pets, especially when you can have a healthier lawn and garden without chemicals.

We have listened to medical experts – like the Canadian Cancer Society – who have made a convincing case for reducing our exposure to pesticides, particularly children who are generally more susceptible to the potential toxic effects of pesticides.

The ban is part of the McGuinty government’s commitment to protect families, especially children from pollution and toxic chemicals through tough new environmental laws.

The provincial ban overrides municipal pesticide bylaws, protecting all Ontarians, not just those in some communities. It also establishes one clear set of rules, which makes it easier for Ontario businesses to follow.

To find out more about the details you can check here and here.

To me this is fantastic, and it is a step in the right direction. We can certainly do more. Next I would love to see the stupid obsession of 'manicured' lawns and see more veggie beds and lawns like this:

Another photo from RTPeat

There are some corporations who are not happy about it, like these folks. Oh well!

Sláinte!

Laurel