Cancer In The Garden

Spring is here along with the parade of gardeners, many of whom will be using chemicals like glyphosate, carbaryl, malathion, and 2, 4-D in our gardens, according to Dr. Diane Lewis, a physician and founder of the Great Healthy Yard Project (Google for more information). Synthetic pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers have been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; prostate, ovarian, breast, and other cancers; depression; and respiratory problems. Many of these chemicals have known carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting properties and can cause reproductive disorders; birth defects; and other hormone-related cancers, according to an article published by Consumer Reports, May 2015.
At greatest risk from pesticide exposure are children. Pesticide exposure can affect children’s development at many stages. Fetuses, babies, and kids are more vulnerable to the effects of pesticides and herbicides because their organs and nervous systems are still developing. Certain pesticides have been related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lower IQ, and the effect of pesticides in our body is cumulative. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it has been documented that homeowners apply up to 10 times more pesticides and herbicides per acre to their lawns than farmers do to crops.
After these chemicals leave our yards, they wind up in our bay and aquifer and eventually get into our drinking water, and they are not removed by water treatment facilities. Bottled water is not a solution because it comes from the same sources and is susceptible to the same contaminants.
Many homeowners have been rejecting the emerald green lawn and planting with species that do not demand chemicals. A change in our perception will see a perfect lawn not as enviable, but as a sign of harm. A change in our perception will see the imperfect “varied” lawn as healthy, natural and beautiful. Clover and dandelions supply sustenance to endangered monarch butterflies and other wildlife. Clover also helps supply nutrition to a lawn naturally because clover fixes nitrogen from the air and makes it available to other plants. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn, not only returns nitrogen to the lawn, but also prevents it from drying out. When the “varied” lawn is mowed, it looks just as green and beautiful as a chemically-treated lawn. Got weeds lining your driveway? Don’t reach for Roundup. Fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and one part water and spray them down.
Many of us purchase organic fruits and vegetables in order to avoid these chemicals. These fruits may not be as pretty, but we see them as beautiful. We could choose to have the same mindset for our gardens. Let’s make our community healthier for ourselves and the next generation.
Denise Polis