We have past the date when spring has officially begun and for some parts of the country so has the yardwork. We begin to reach for all sorts of tools that make our lives easier when it comes to caring for our properties. They come in all shapes and sizes and employ string, blades, tines, edges, motors and alot of sweat. It is at this time of year when we all head to the big boxes to pick our implements of choice, that I like to review a little known study warning against one of the worlds favorite gardening helpers.
In 1999 a years long study was published on the effects of Glyphosate on the human body. this study turned up some very desturbing results. Drs. Hardell and Ericksson of Sweden discovered a clear link between the above mentioned Glyphosate and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma(NHL), a form of cancer that attacks the Lymphatic system. According to the American Cancer Society, there has been an 80% increase in NHL in western countries since the early 1970's. Remember the date on this study was 1999 and the use of this herbicide has increased dramatically in the dacade since due to the growth of genetically engineered (modified) crops and seeds and the emergence of the developing nations.
Why should you care? You have never bought this Glyphosate and dont plan on buying it now. Keep reading and you will find out the why. The use of genetically modified (GMO) crops and seeds was hailed as a breakthrough that would significantly reduce the need for and use of these herbicides in commercially grown crops. (AKA your food) The truth of the matter has been the exact opposite. Glyphosate, better known as Roundup has spawned a whole category of crops and seed known as Roundup ready. These Roundup ready crops tend to receive up to 300% more of the cancer causing herb killer. Why? The short answer is that farmers know their crops can take it. Less care takes less time. The problem should be very obvious at this point. If the crops get it, you get it. You cant wash it out of your food. If it is sprayed in your yard your kids and your pets get it. (I havent seen the study yet but I seem to know far to many dogs who have to fight the cancer battle).
Ok now the ray of sunshine. You have absolute control over what is sprayed of spread in your yard whether it is by your own hand or a lawn service. Many of the services now offer "organic only" versions of their normally offered programs. There are also numerous products on the market that can help you gain the advantage over the garden bad guys and they can be found quite easily if it is your hand. If your property association tends to eradicate the undesirebles with spray, raise heck to get them to stop. This is especially important if the sprayed common area is close to your veggie garden. Finally, check the list of heaviest sprayed commercial fruits and veggies and stick to certified organics for the ones you are not growing yourself. They are more expensive than the non-organic but far less expensive than a cancer battle. For more articles go to http://www.veggiespa.com
In 1999 a years long study was published on the effects of Glyphosate on the human body. this study turned up some very desturbing results. Drs. Hardell and Ericksson of Sweden discovered a clear link between the above mentioned Glyphosate and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma(NHL), a form of cancer that attacks the Lymphatic system. According to the American Cancer Society, there has been an 80% increase in NHL in western countries since the early 1970's. Remember the date on this study was 1999 and the use of this herbicide has increased dramatically in the dacade since due to the growth of genetically engineered (modified) crops and seeds and the emergence of the developing nations.
Why should you care? You have never bought this Glyphosate and dont plan on buying it now. Keep reading and you will find out the why. The use of genetically modified (GMO) crops and seeds was hailed as a breakthrough that would significantly reduce the need for and use of these herbicides in commercially grown crops. (AKA your food) The truth of the matter has been the exact opposite. Glyphosate, better known as Roundup has spawned a whole category of crops and seed known as Roundup ready. These Roundup ready crops tend to receive up to 300% more of the cancer causing herb killer. Why? The short answer is that farmers know their crops can take it. Less care takes less time. The problem should be very obvious at this point. If the crops get it, you get it. You cant wash it out of your food. If it is sprayed in your yard your kids and your pets get it. (I havent seen the study yet but I seem to know far to many dogs who have to fight the cancer battle).
Ok now the ray of sunshine. You have absolute control over what is sprayed of spread in your yard whether it is by your own hand or a lawn service. Many of the services now offer "organic only" versions of their normally offered programs. There are also numerous products on the market that can help you gain the advantage over the garden bad guys and they can be found quite easily if it is your hand. If your property association tends to eradicate the undesirebles with spray, raise heck to get them to stop. This is especially important if the sprayed common area is close to your veggie garden. Finally, check the list of heaviest sprayed commercial fruits and veggies and stick to certified organics for the ones you are not growing yourself. They are more expensive than the non-organic but far less expensive than a cancer battle. For more articles go to http://www.veggiespa.com