There is increasing concern about the impact of lawn and garden pesticides on our health and our environment. A well cared for lawn should not need pesticides. A healthy lawn will out-compete weeds and be less susceptible to insect problems. You can create a beautiful lawn and garden without putting your health,the health of others, or the environment at risk.

ARE CHILDREN AT GREATER RISK?
The Ontario College of Family Physicians reported that children are particularly vulnerable to the effect of pesticides.This is because compared to adults children breathe more, eat more, have more sensitive skin,have more frequent hand to mouth contact and have increased exposure as they play on lawns where pesticides are applied. Children also have faster metabolisms and many sensitive body systems that are growing and developing.

Monitor your lawn for pests (insects, weeds and diseases). Visually inspect your lawn and soil for damage from time to time. This will help you identify potential pest problems before they become severe. Make note of any problem you observe and consult with your local gardening store, public library or the resource links. Understanding pests is necessary to help you decide if and when remedial action is warranted. Remember that pesticides not only kill pests, but often kill or harm other living things that are beneficial to your garden, like earthworms and lady bugs.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means a multi-disciplinary, ecological approach to the management of pests based first on prevention and when needed, a control (biological, cultural, physical or mechanical intervention), saving registered pesticide application as a last resort.

Use Reduced Risk Products only as a last resort. Tolerate some pests and try hand digging to control weed problems. A small pest population in a healthy lawn is hardly noticeable and not demanding of action. If the pest begins to threaten the health of the lawn then consider using a Health Canada approved product that is lower risk to your health and the environment. Call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 for a list of reduced risk products or visit York Region's website on Public Health & Pesticides.
Your storm sewer feeds directly into a large river ecosystem.
The water systems of our towns and cities are connected to the water cycle. We borrow water from nature, treat it, use it and treat it again before returning it to the water cycle. What we throw away today, we use tomorrow.

To preserve water quality:

1. Choose household products carefully. Read the label and buy only what you need.

2. Don’t put household chemicals down the drain. This includes: household cleaners, most acidic and alkalai products, wax stripper, carpet and furniture cleaner, bathroom cleaners, polishes, wax, glues, bleach, rust removers, lotions, hobby materials, paints and solvents.

3. Use them up or share with a friend.

4. Reduce or eliminate the pesticides or other chemicals used on your garden and lawn.

5. Pick up after your pets have been outdoors.

6. Take them to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot.
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