Public Consultation - Lawn Care and Landscape Pesticide Use



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Public Consultation

Lawn Care and Landscape Pesticide Use

The following comments were received regarding lawn care and landscape pesticide use.

The following are comments regarding lawn care and landscape pesticide use that were submitted using the on-line form. A summary report of all comments will be made available in the near future.

Comments appear in the language received.

Option 1 : Continued emphasis on education, awareness and voluntary reduction

People don't seem to care whether they are poisoning children & pets - only whether their yard looks pretty with cheap pesticides... - 7/17/2008

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Oui, c'est primordial. Surtout proposer des alternatives biologiques aux produits chimiques et remplacer engrais chimique par du composte. - 7/18/2008

teaching poeple to read insturctions on using products is a good idea. tv ads telling poeple about saftey concerns would be good. - 7/29/2008

Selon moi, l'éducation et la sensibilisation sont toujours des moyens à conserver, mais ce n'est pas une option à envisager en soit. Il y a toujours des personnes qui utilisent les pesticides sans consigne et sans suivre les directives. - 7/29/2008

This is the absolute best method for all concerned. The entire issue surrounds the quest for the "perfect Lawn". Today the home owner wants a carpet outside rather than a natural lawn, they do not want clover, dandelions or plantain visible. Thus the birth of Lawn care companies and their use of herbicides and insecticides to "make " the lawn grow free of weeds or insect infestations. PLEASE do not couple the use of domestic use of insecticides and fungicides with this lawn issue. Many gardeners grow flowers and fruit and need on occasion some timely applications to controls various pests or diseases. Don't cloud the issue by reacting to some very vocal and often misinformed individuals. We don't need herbicides on our lawns it is a public pressure point. Maybe they should manage their lawn better by properly limimg,mowing and feeding their lawns themselves. I live with my own well and would never consider utilizing pesticides on my property for lawn purposes. This issue needs to be a well informed decision not one made by a vocal few! We have far to many issues affecting our environment, motor vehicles are much more damaging to child and adult health than these issues. Our highway's and adjacent homes are constantly lambasted with the by products of petroleum combustion leaking oil , transmission fluid and rubber components launched into our breathing air , surface water and aquifers. This should be your challenge ,really pick your battles more effectively! What are the large emitters doing to our lungs and bodily tissues in the long run? Your department needs to do far more in this area , deal with the pesticide issue quickly then clean up our air and water it is far overdue!
- 8/11/2008

C'est bien de maintenir une importance à l'éducation et sensibilisation pour arriver à une reduction volontaire ou encore a un utilisation raisonnable et a risque calculé de ceux-ci. Nous nous devons de garder certains pesticides afin de conserver notre paysage dans sa sante actuel ainsi que de sa longétivité. Au NB nous sommes fiers et nous devons de garder cette cote au niveau touristique et de savoir vivre. - 8/13/2008

Not sufficient. No control over what amount enters the water system and shared environment. - 8/13/2008

- 8/15/2008

We need to continue to educate people about the real dangers of chemical usage, whether or not they are banned. - 8/20/2008

I think this is the best approach in combination with IPM. - 8/21/2008

Bonjour , je suis contre les pesticides utilisée sur les pelouses, je penses que nous devrions avoire une loi pour les interdires, et un controle tres sévere pour les industrie, agriculture , foret, etc. - 8/25/2008

I do not support the status quo. Attitudes about lawn care will only occur if people are forced to make changes. The science is there regarding the effect of pedticide use on children and their neurodevelopment. If the government takes the high road and target pesticide reduction then industry will follow suit. - 8/25/2008

This is the most logical option. The PMRA is one of the most stringent regulatory bodies in the world and does an excellent job regulating those pesticides that have no harm to people or the environment. Promoting the proper use of these products is definitely needed as they provide a tremendous benenfit when used according to their intended use. - 9/17/2008

I am responsible for the Operator Licence and Permit for the City of Saint John. I believe the best solution is voluntary reduction through IPM and an educated public. - 9/18/2008

je crois que l'importance de l'éducation est prémordial mais pas seulement aux adultes par l'entremise de sestions d'info publique ou seulement ceux que l'environnement préocupe y participe vous savez les gens qui ne croit pas que la terre est malade non rien a faire a des sestions onfo. Il faux que nos enfants soit eduqués aux probleme a l'école il faux que la questions enviromemtals sous toute ces forme deviennent une priorité dans l'educations de nos enfants a quoi bon savoir lire écrire compté si dans un siecle nous sommes disparu de la surface de la terre. je dit non a la réduction volontaire trop facile a l'oblié, les décideur qui prone se type d'actions ne veulent tout simplement pas s'impliqué in manque de leadership et de conviction
- 9/20/2008

Increase emphasis on Integrated Pest Management, which includes availability of pesticides for lawncare and landscape pest control. Checks to ensure that companies, municipalities and golf courses are indeed following IPM programs and only using pesticides when numbers/situation warrents. - 9/22/2008

Yes, the government should continue to educate the public about the dangers of pesticide use, and should advise citizens to not use them at all.

The advantages of a diversity of plants in a yard should be promoted, and the drawbacks to "perfectly manicured" grass lawns should be laid out for everyone to see.

However, voluntary reduction does not work quickly enough, and there will be a subset of the population that will never voluntary reduce their use of these poisons. - 9/24/2008

I think that it's important to educate everyone on the secondary effects of pesticides...especially the younger generation to provide a solide base on how to protect the environment with natural products. - 9/26/2008

I don't think it should be voluntary...but mandatory! - 9/26/2008

L' education, la sensibilisation et la reduction volontaire ne seront pas de taille pour les fanatiques de ces produits. Les utilisateurs de ces produits ne connaissent pas suffisament le fonctionnement des produits et de la nature pour comprendre les impactes - 9/26/2008

What is the difference between using Harmful pesticides and fertilizers on laws and landscape and using Harmful persticides and fertilizers on fruits and vegetables by New Brunswick Commercial Growers ?????????? - 9/26/2008

À mon avis, il est primordial de continuer à informer et sensibiliser la population à tout ce qui a un lien avec les pesticides ainsi que tous les effets néfastes sur l'environnement et la santé humaine, animale et végétale de ceux-ci. De plus, il faut absolument donner des solutions de rechange aux pesticides. Les gens ne savent tout simplement pas comment résoudre leurs problèmes autrement. Il manque beaucoup d'information à ce sujet. - 9/27/2008

this option would have my support, but with a prohibition clause anywhere private wells are used - 9/29/2008

Je suis contre les pesticides pour l,entretien des pelouses ou autres. - 9/29/2008

Still a very good idea - 9/29/2008

As a lawn care operator it is very evident when speaking to the public that they have very little or no education as to what a pesticide is or how they are regulated. Many think a pesticide is only a lawn care product, and are very shocked to find out the vast products on the market such as pool chemicals, household claners, and even antibacterial soaps are pesticides. I feel the gouvernment should have put more emphasis on public education about pesticides before they were even consulted on the topic.. As for the future a campagn should be started with lawn care companies and retailers to educate people so we can move forward in a postive manner. - 10/1/2008

Education and awareness is important with or without province wide bans. Voluntary reduction would not be the most efficient way to reduce pesticide use as it is the most profitable option for companies, and the most effective option for individuals. While education is important, it is not the most efficient way of reducing pesticide use. - 10/1/2008

education is important, but ... - 10/1/2008

Education and awareness of the impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment is lacking with most people I discuss this subject with. Greater awareness would no doubt encourage reduced use. - 10/2/2008

Education doesn't work. People who don't want to be educated, can't be. Laws and regulations are needed. - 10/2/2008

Education is an excellent activity and should be undertaken, but regulations and prohibitions are needed in order to protect the health of our most vulnerable population - our children. - 10/3/2008

La lutte antiparasitaire intégrée n'est rien d'autre qu'un prétexte visant à permettre la continuation de l'épandage de biocides en aménagement paysager.
Un NON FERME donc à la composante chimique de la lutte antiparasitaire intégrée.
Cependant, un OUI massif à l'augmentation de l'effort publique sur les méfaits des biocides chimiques.
Quant à la RÉDUCTION VOLONTAIRE de l'emploi de biocides, ce n'est N'EST PAS, mais PAS DU TOUT ACCEPTABLE. - 10/3/2008

THis would only work if the NB Government was willing to invest money in to an education program and also seek advice from the professional applicators and the PMRA. - 10/5/2008

L'éducation et la sensibilisation est quelque chose de très important dans toutes initiatives de réduction des pesticides. Cependant, il faut allez plus loin pour obtenir des résultats significatifs. - 10/7/2008

I support option number 1 or number 2 but i DO NOT SUPPORT A BAN - 10/7/2008

À la page 5 du document il est indiqué:”Par ailleurs ,puisque les pesticides en question ont été dûment analysés et considérés comme sans danger par le processus fédéral d,homologation ,aucun risque évident pour la santé humaine et de l’environnement n’a été identifié quoi pourrait justifier une approche non volontaire .” Même si cela représente notre niveau connaissance scientifique à l’heure actuelle,il reste que nous avons un haut taux de maladies respiratoires (y inclus d’asthme ,particulièrement chez les enfants) et que l’on trouve une incidence plus élevée non expliqué de maladies tel que la maladie de Parkinson chez les travailleurs de l’industrie d’entretien des pelouses et d’aménagement paysagers . Voir aussi commentaires ou idées supplémentaires ci-dessous.

- 10/7/2008

This has some affect, but does not protect us from those among us that are primarily self centred and believe it is allright if they don't get caught. - 10/7/2008

I agree with this option. When applied safely, pesticides can be a ver useful, effective, and safe option. - 10/8/2008

I agree with this option. - 10/8/2008

I agree with this option i dont support a ban - 10/8/2008

Education is important for all opinions so that people and governments can make informed decisions - 10/9/2008

This option is a must. People must be educated on the role of pesticides in residential and commercial envrionments. They are not the only option and are a last resort - however they must still be an option to maintain recreational fields and parks, and deal with significant problems on a residential level. - 10/9/2008

I support either option 1 or 2. I feel that we as individual should be able to decide for ourselves whether or not we apply pesticides to our own lawns. - 10/9/2008

I support option number 1. I believe I should be able to freely treat my lawn with pesticides as I deem necessary! - 10/9/2008

Professional regulated use of pesticides should not be banned!!!! - 10/9/2008

Pesticides used properly are a benifit i do not support a ban - 10/9/2008

i support options 1 or 2 i am opposed to a pesticide ban - 10/9/2008

Fredericton has a reputation as the one of the greenest cities in North America I would llike to keep it that way!

Pesticides used properly are non-harmful, research shows.

Thanks - 10/9/2008

I beleive this along with option #2 to be the best action - 10/9/2008

No, it is time for a ban. - 10/10/2008

I strongly support an increased emphasis on education for both the applicator and the user. The chemicals approved for use have gone through rigorous testing prior to being allowed for sale and the applicators, vendors etc have to be knowledgeable prior to being licensed.

Pests are here to stay and the educated use of pesticides seems to be the only way of controlling them. However, when alternate methods of control are or become available, they should be used. - 10/10/2008

I have had lawn care for a number of years from three different suppliers and berlieve that they have been supplying a good serviceI. I know of no danger to the public and believe that sufficient supervision is now given and believe that Option # 1 should be continued. - 10/10/2008

This would seem like the best choice. Given the raging debate in the present Federal election over the environment the Province would find an attentive audience for environmental topics.
Personally i use a Lawn care company. I never use the Grub control option and use the Pesticide option once every three years. I spot spray dandelions only once in a while. Mowing on a regular basis is enough control. - 10/10/2008

I personally would prefer that this line of education approach would best serve the need of home owners in New Brunswick - 10/10/2008

I agree with option 1 - 10/10/2008

Education to individual citizens on the regulations, as well as environmentally friendly ways to effectively deal with pests (as well as fertilizing options) should be part of any provincial pesticide management strategy. - 10/11/2008

To whom it may concern,

I am in favour of Option #1. I do not believe that the banning of pesticides is the answer to the question. I think that the education of the types of pesticides used and the effects should be understood by the public. The company that I use to maintain the weed and fertilization of our lawn does not use harsh chemicals and will only apply when needed. I have pets and am conscious of the fact or pets use the lawn and the requirements of the neighbourhood from a pesticides perspective and particularly concerned for our grand children.

Banning will not solve the issue, education will. I choose to have a well maintained and healthy lawn which serves many environmental issues (see attachment please).

I can understand why some people are very active in removing pesticides as it affects the health risk to some people but there needs to be some other reaction than a total ban. Several accidents involve moose in the area; we are not prepared to kill all the moose based on that issue.

I believe that education is the answer and have a voluntary reduction on some pesticides. Home owners with large lots and no close neighbours have no issues with pesticides, why have them subjected to a general rule.

I do look at the chemicals that are going to be applied to my lawn and make a decision if I want the pesticides applied or not. That is my choice.

The pesticides are out there and we do not want them to necessarily be applied by the home owner but rather through a correct and controlled application, which is why I have a maintenance company perform that task.

Please consider these thoughts,

John Hughson
- 10/12/2008

This makes sense (or option 2) - 10/13/2008

Il ya de la sensibilisation de faite depuis des années par les groupes environnementaux et les organismes de la santé de la province et malgré cela l'utilisation de pesticides et d'herbicides ont augmenté dans ma région. Les fabricants et vendeurs de ces produits tiennent des campagnes publicitaires beaucoup plus soutenues que ce que les groupes environnementaux peuvent se payer. Opter pour l'option 1 ne donnera pas de grand changements, Il faut plus que ça. - 10/13/2008

Best option - 10/13/2008

This is not an effective way to rid the problem of overuse and misuse of cosmetic pesticides. The only way to prevent exposure of the public, especially children, to these unnecessary chemicals is to ban their existence in the province. 24D, diazinon, and roundup, and a large list of other chemicals should not be available for consumer purchase, nor should it be used by commercial enterprises for cosmetic reasons. There is too much at stake firstly the health of our young people. Not to mention water and ground contaminations and the list goes on. - 10/13/2008

I don't believe this option is environmentally responsible. If voluntary reduction was effective we wouldn't need to consider a ban. - 10/14/2008

We need far more education on the hazards of pesticides and alternatives to their use. We need to go beyond IPM and look at completely organic solutions -- not a limited use of chemicals but rather a complete absence of them. - 10/14/2008

yes i support option 1 - 10/14/2008

Appears this option would do little to change the status quo in the industry. Those that are currently incorporating proper lawn care methods would continue and the abusers would also continue. People rarely "volunteer" to change, especially if it may affect their wallet. - 10/14/2008

I support this option .... Education, education, education with volentary reduction ... If no change in attitude .. after a period of time then implement option two. - 10/14/2008

This should be a constant. Education is continuous as changes are always happening, whether new products, new methods or new equipment available. - 10/14/2008

Education should be the first line of awareness. It does not matter which option is chosen, education will still be required. We all know the proven side effect of cigarette smoke but many people still smoke nevertheless. However many people quit due to the new regulations banning smoking. - 10/14/2008

While I think that education and awareness raising are very good idea, I don't think that they will necesarily lead to a voluntary reduction in the use of pesticides. Those who use pesticides are doing so for appearance sake not out of necessity. Tehre is enough conflicting information on the health effects of pesticides on humans that those in favour of their use will likely be able to find a study or report supporting their use. - 10/14/2008

I choose option 1 - 10/14/2008

Public education is important but insufficient to reduce pesticide use. Research from the Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention has shown that only communities that have both legislative restrictions and public education reduce pesticide use significantly. - 10/14/2008

I support option number 1. - 10/14/2008

i support option number 1 - 10/14/2008

I support option number 1. - 10/14/2008

i support option number 1 - 10/14/2008

I support option number 1. I think the government should leave the pesticide issue as is. - 10/14/2008

i support option number 1 - 10/14/2008

Education and awareness are key, especially in NB where the level of environmental awareness is very low compared to other Canadian regions and Europe. We need to inetgrate environment and sustainability into our school curriculum so that our children understand how sustainability is key to moving forward. Today very few New Brunswickers understand the concept of sustainability and environmental stewardship. - 10/14/2008

It's good that the use of lawn pesticides has decreased from 1994 to 2005. However, 4% over 11 years is not a big decrease. Although the use of household pesticides in NB is below the national average, this could also be due to the fact that median total income in NB is below the national median total income. I dont think the decrease can be attributed to the "joint efforts of the federal and provincial governments ... awareness initiatives". In fact, I don't remember ever hearing of any actions by government to reduce the use of lawn pesticides.
"pesticide products in question have been duly reviewed and deemed safe through the federal registration process" - There is quite a bit of controversy over this - some reputable websites regarding this issue include those of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and the Ontario College of Family Physicians. - 10/14/2008

I vote for Option 1. - 10/14/2008

In August of 2007, we had to renew a major part of our lawn because of installing a new septic tank. We had seen an ad about Eco-Lawn and did some research on it. We decided to try it and we are very pleased with the results. It is a thick green carpet and we didn't fertilize it. There were some weeds but I feel that because of the thickness and the depth to which the roots grow that the weeds will not be able to compete. Perhaps some sort of incentive for people to try alternatives would be effective. - 10/14/2008

This is the best option. The professionals that are using these products have spent many years developing Integrated Pest Management Systems to work towards a systematic reduction in product usage. These products and their application are heavily regulated by both Federal and Provincial Government departments and they have been doing an excellent job. They have not however; been given the mandate from leadership to spend more time educating the public about these products. - 10/14/2008

I do not support this option. While I believe that it is important to continue to promote public education on this issue, this is not sufficient. Voluntary reduction does not work sufficiently well.
Pesticides eventually find their way into our drinking water. People who voluntarily abstain from the use of pesticides are still exposed to all their carcinogenic and other unhealthy effects if a large number of people in their community continue to make use of them ! My husband and I do not use pesticides on our lawn, however, when we walk around our neighbourhood, we see many lawns that look like plush carpets that are completely weed free. There is only one way to obtain a lawn that looks like that, ie with the use of pesticides.
Another concern I have is that some lawn care companies use language which is deceptive to consumers. Specifically, some companies advertise that they do not use "pesticides" when in fact, they are using herbicides but not insecticides. Herbicides also are health hazards ! - 10/14/2008

I support this option completely - 10/15/2008

my opinions are down in the bottom text box - 10/15/2008

I would support this option. It needs to be monitored to see that voluntary reductions are actually working. Imperitive that science not popular opinion drives the process for two reasons 1) you may ban something for no reason; 2) you may encourage something that should be banned because it is popular. - 10/15/2008

I believe like all things education is the answer. I see no need to ban products if they are being responsiblily and with a minimum required dose. - 10/15/2008

I believe that the education of the public and lawn care companies and their employees is by far the best approach. There are instances where the use of pesticides is more efficient and have less environmental impact than alternative.methods. Some so-called natural solutions when used excessively can injure the environment or health to a greater extent than a pesticide applied by a professional. A good IPM leaves all the tools in the toolbox should a severe pest outbreak occur. - 10/15/2008

Probably a good idea. Those opposed to lawn care will continue to be very vocal. - 10/15/2008

I support option number 1 or 2 - 10/15/2008

I support option 1 or 2 - 10/15/2008

I support option #1 - 10/15/2008

A necessary step - 10/15/2008

Not nearly enough.

- 10/15/2008

I am in agreement with option 1 or 2. I think that we as individuals should be able to determine whether or not we should be able to decide on the use of pesticides or not. - 10/15/2008

I would emphasize continued education and awareness campaigns, but would NOT at all rely on voluntary reductions. - 10/16/2008

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