Say “No” to Pesticides to Protect Your Health

by Sydney Boogaard, SLCgreen intern

Most pesticides and fertilizers used today are produced with harmful chemicals that even when used correctly can have adverse effects on human health.

Common diseases that have affected public’s health in the 21^st century include asthma, autism, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and several types of cancer. They all have ties to pesticide exposure and there are many more that are directly connected to pesticide exposure.

Recent studies show that most homes in the United States have measurable amounts of pesticide residue in the home.

Children in particular are at a higher risk of exposure to these chemicals, due to their size and exploratory nature. They are more prone to place household items and objects that could be contaminated into their hands and mouths. Kids enjoying playing in the dirt, rolling around in the grass, and climbing trees; all potential sources for pesticide interaction. Compared to adults, children also have a proportionally higher intake of food, water, and air, further increasing their chemical exposure.

By limiting your pesticide and chemical fertilizer use you are reducing their exposures, providing a safe and healthy home for yourself and your loved ones. We hope you will go Pesticide Free this growing season and take The Pledge to be a #PesticideFreeSLC.

Health Benefits to Gardening

By saying “No” to pesticides and chemical fertilizers we are not only reducing our chemical exposure but improving our mental and physical health. Spending time in the garden, weeding, planting, and tending to our gardens is a natural stress reducer.

Studies have shown that working in the garden is more effective at reducing stress than other leisure activities. Additionally, gardening is a wonderful source of low-impact exercise, helping to stretch and strengthen groggy muscles.

Too often we are holed up at our work desks stressed up to our eyeballs. But research has shown that nature holds many restorative health properties. By getting outside breathing some fresh air and viewing the beauty of nature we can reset our over-stressed bodies and immune systems.

There are five main health benefits of being outside:

1. Decrease of stress.
2. Additional energy.
3. Clearing of our minds.
4. Mental recovery.
5. Increased recovery in hospital patients.

Pledge to be Pesticide Free

We hope you will take the pledge and make a commitment to our health, environment, and ecosystem by going pesticide free!

You will also get an attractive yard sign as a symbol of your commitment.  We expect it will also serve as an inspiration to others in your neighborhood to ask and learn more– and hopefully make their own Pesticide Free pledge.

We’ve compiled a guide with helpful guidelines to help you take the pledge with confidence!

Share this post on social media and use the hashtag #PesticideFreeSLC.

Talk to your friends and neighbors about how and why they should phase out pesticides!