Tomorrow is Earth Day, and in Ontario the law banning the cosmetic use of pesticides comes into effect.

As a licensed commercial pesticide applicator in Ontario, I thought it might be a good idea to I read over a few fact sheets outlining the new Ontario pesticide law. Also, there is some good information on the Ministry of Environment’s website.  I am pleased for the most part with the law. In a nutshell the new law denies the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes. So that means herbicides can not be used on your lawns for dandelions.

This law will give regulators some more “teeth” when dealing with pesticide application abuses. I know in parts of the province, pesticides are overused and many pesticide applications are really not necessary. I think a few dandelions are cute… but only a few.

While I was working for Cornell University Cooperative Extension a few years back, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Frank Rossi aka the Turf Guy at Cornell. He developed a great resource that outlines how to care for your lawn without the use of pesticides. You could also download the PDF and wall paper your garden shed with these great lawn care tips.

Source: http://www.bugsyinfo.com/siteassist_images/whatis.jpg

Posted in Musings - Botanical, Musings - Environmental