Coming Soon - SPCP's Lady Bug Bash

Ontario Lawn Pesticide Ban Reduces Water Pollution

Preliminary results found significant drops in commonly used lawn pesticides

A year after instituting a ban on cosmetic pesticide applications, researchers in Ontario found that the concentrations of three commonly used lawn pesticides declined significantly in urban streams. Results showed that dicamba, MCPP and 2,4-D all fell by more than 75% in collected water samples. This potentially hazardous cocktail accounts nearly half of lawn pesticide applications, and is linked to serious health and environmental impacts. For more information on the water quality effect of the ban check out the preliminary results.

Are these bans good for industry too? Initial evidence suggests that the number of lawn care companies increased in the wake of several provincial bans, and that early adopters of natural lawn care methods have been growing their business substantially. Read more about this phenomena, then use SPCP's fact sheet Midwest Natural Lawncare Companies to find a provider near you.

Evanston passes sustainable pest control policy

First municipal resolution in State to reduce pesticides on public property

On April 26th, the Evanston City Council passed the state's first municipal resolution creating a sustainable pest control and pesticide reduction policy. The policy requires city agencies and contractors to use sustainable pest control practices - both indoors and outdoors - and bans the most potentially hazardous pesticides from use on city property.

Research has demonstrated that practices such as Integrated Pest Management and Natural Lawn Care can reduce both pest populations and pesticides by eliminating pest friendly conditions first. This approach has also been shown to save money as well.

SPCP was instrumental in authoring the policy, and has been working with city staff and the Environment Board for nearly two years on this initiative. The city is also hosting a natural lawn care demonstration site at Stockham Park. For more details read the latest press here and here.

Major New Study Details Connections Between Pesticides and ADHD

Children are more vulnerable to pesticides and a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in June connects the dots for us more clearly than ever before. Check out this link to a recent ABC news piece. http://tinyurl.com/2fyejmv