Clean Green Action promotes sustainable practices to protect people from contaminated water, soil, and air. Sustainable landscaping and gardening address environmental issues by using numerous practices to prevent damage to our yards, gardens and neighborhoods that can affect pets and humans. There has been a large decrease in the number of birds, insects, bats, and other wildlife due to habitat destruction and pollution. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, homeowners use 10 times more pesticides than farmers. This excess ends up in the rivers and streams. Many herbicides and insecticides have proven toxic to humans. Exposure to dioxins found in many of these products has been linked to birth defects, certain cancers, blood disorders, diseases of the nervous and immune system, and reproductive health issues. Helpful Tips:
Limit the use of chemical pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers as a last resort and control the amount, range, and weather conditions. When using sprays, powders, etc. in yard and garden, carefully read and follow the directions on the container.
View this video to learn how to make a "bee hotel": pbswisconsin.org/letsgrowstuff// Go to the May 11, 2021 video, Make a Bee Hotel!
Even when using natural pest control products such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth, limit usage to times when pollinating insects are less likely to visit your garden.
Purchase eco-friendly and cruelty-free household cleaning products, lawn care products, and personal care products when possible.
Consider whether the benefits of using the pesticides and other yard chemicals outweigh the risks to children, pets and wildlife.
Reduce weeds by mulching, adding ground cover, foraging suitable types, and weeding by hand. Large weedy areas can be managed by introducing grazing animals. This also serves to fertilize ground cover at healthy levels.
Practice co-planting techniques to discourage unwanted garden pests. Introducing plants such as citronella, rosemary, marigolds, basil, mint, catnip, or lavender can effectively repel problematic insects.
Avoid pesticides with half lives longer than 21 days.
Photos courtesy of Pat McGrath