Pesticides

This page will contain general information about pesticides. Pesticides is a general term for all herbicides, insecticides and other ~icides used in “modern” farming. Generally speaking: Killing everything that can’t be sold for a profit, or will reduce the profit.

UN: 200,000 die each year from pesticide poisoning

Pesticides and harmful chemicals cause more than 900,000 deaths annually

New study suggests insect populations have declined by 75% over 3 decades

Highly hazardous pesticides: policies should focus on bans, rather than secure storage, studies suggest

Argentinians link pesticides to illnesses

Actions

  • Get educated about pesticides.
  • Look for local groups or organizations that are working to prevent use of pesticides. Or start your own. In Mendocino we have a couple of groups that are contacting school boards, mulching Todd Grove park and work with local government to avoid using pesticides.
    • Environmental Action Group Ukiah
    • Climate Action Group, Ukiah
    • Redwood Valley Community Guild
  • Go to farmers markets and buy locally grown organic produce.
  • Always bring the garbage to a place where it can be taken care of. No need to add your problems to our beautiful land.
  • Join groups that are cleaning land, rivers or sea. In Mendocino you can look up these groups:
  • Work on local representatives to increase their commitment to clean air, land and water.
    • One idea that I saw mentioned is that in Texas they are hiring people are without a job or are homeless to clean up the city. What about changing the work scoop to weeding and maintain the city streets? They know more about the city/town than anyone else.