Halifax permits 'no spray' zones around homes

              

Subject:    Not in My Front Yard!
 Date:        Thu, 3 May 2001 08:37:13 -0400
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

cc:    Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov

Dear Mr. Helliker, I thought you might like to read an article entitled:

Not in My Front Yard!

Halifax permits 'no spray' zones around homes

(The article can also be found at: http://www.healthscout.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Af?ap=55&id=109810 )

If you're unusually sensitive to chemicals such as pesticides, or simply don't like being exposed to man-made toxins, you can elect not to use them in your home. But what can you do with neighbors who douse their lawns with fertilizers and pesticides?

You might take a lead from the city of Halifax in Canada's maritime province of Nova Scotia. Residents there can apply to declare their property a "no spray zone," which forbids chemical sprays within 50 meters (164 feet) of a registered home. Representatives of cities across North America have been calling Halifax officials for more information, the CBC News reports.

Halifax's new bylaw is aimed mostly at curbing overuse of lawn and garden sprays, many of which use chemicals merely for cosmetic purposes. The chemicals can still cause health problems in people who are especially sensitive to them, or if they are used improperly. Health officials note that children face the greatest risk of toxicity from pesticides. An accompanying story from the CBC explains pesticide safety issues.

You can read a more detailed discussion of the pesticide debate that describes alternatives to many chemicals and even offers recipes for homemade organic insecticides and a simple weed killer.
-- Jeff Johnston

Well Mr Helliker, There seems quite a difference in Fairfax and Halifax and it appears the main difference is you!

Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten

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