Environment

Ontario to ban cosmetic pesticide use

by Rob Peters | April 22, 2008 at 03:29 pm

901 views | 0 Recommendations | 6 comments

I've always thought a slightly unkempt but still thought-out garden is nicer than the golf green variety anyway. Maybe with this ban the shaggy chic garden will soon be in vogue?

It's a ban environment and health advocates have wanted for years and the Ontario government plans to take action to implement it just in time for Earth Day.

Premier Dalton McGuinty plans to introduce legislation Tuesday that would outlaw the cosmetic use and sale of pesticides.

"It will be the toughest (ban) of its kind in North America. It will go beyond just lawns. It will go to school yards and playgrounds and the like," McGuinty said.

This provincial measure is aimed at replacing a patchwork of municipal pesticide bans, including the one currently in effect in Toronto.

Quebec was the first province to pass a law banning pesticides in 2003. The ban was fully implemented in 2006.

Ontario's ban will likely take effect next spring.

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pilliebee

at 19:32 on April 22nd, 2008

This is a sign planted in a flower bed at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA.

pilliebee has contributed a photo to this story.

MrsPivec

at 04:04 on April 23rd, 2008

Posted this lawn sign in our yard this weekend. We hope to educate and inspire other home owners to consider what they put onto their lawns and into the environment every day.

MrsPivec has contributed a photo to this story.

WaynedeWho

at 04:07 on April 23rd, 2008

Great piece, Rob.

Crazed Fangirl

at 09:53 on April 23rd, 2008

Bun-Bun says,
"Both humans and animals can enjoy dandelion greens, but only if your lawn is pesticide-free."

Crazed Fangirl has contributed a photo to this story.

digitalambitions

at 10:34 on May 7th, 2008

no pesticides and just look at this lush growth!.........lots of toads and ladybugs! :-)

digitalambitions has contributed a photo to this story.

Muskoka (not verified)

at 12:50 on July 11th, 2008

Hi, my inn keeper sprays killex and roundup ,also an insecticide for japanese beatles. No signs are posted he tells no one what he is spraying or when he is spraying it.

Lots of children are here and adults that are unaware of the dangers, i am pretty sure there is fines for not posting any signs.

Can anyone tell me what to do and who to call: i am in Port Carling Ontario Canada