HERE'S WHAT I THINK
Gardening With Chemicals Damages Our Earth's Eco-System
Gardening with chemical fertilizers and pesticides is a contradiction in terms. If you want to get your hands in the dirt, and make a difference you should garden organically.
If you want to create a haven for small animals and creatures in your garden you can't use chemical fertilizers. If you use pesticides think about all the small animals who call your garden home, and how they may be affected.
Make a positive footprint on our Earth, and help conserve it for future generations. If we don't stop using chemicals on our yards and gardens, many small animals may become endangered in the near future.
The chemicals we add to our crops and gardens end up in our water, and in our air. Soil is not an easily renewable resource. If we wear it out our soil and destroy it, hundreds of years could pass before that soil can be restored by nature.
What's Here?
- Gardening Oganically Helps Save The Earth's Creatures
- The Bees Are Disappearing, and Chemical Fertilizers May Be Adding To the Problem
- Burt's Bees Talks About Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
- YOUR TURN!
- HELP ME PROVE MY POINT
- Learn More On Green Gardening
- DISPROVE MY POINT (fine, be that way)
- GREEN Tip of the Day
- Garden For Butterflies and Beneficial Insects
- The Monarch Butterflies Habitat Is In Danger
- Monarch Butterflies Scenes from the Migration
- Creating a Habitat For Butterflies In Your Garden
- The Scoop On Organic Gardening
- Green Gardening Tips and Tricks
- Bats: A Misunderstood Link In Mother Nature's Eco-System
- Bats Suffering from White Nose Syndrome
- RELATED NEWS: FODDER FOR ARGUING MORE
- What Do You Think? Are The Chemicals We Use on Our Gardens Damaging Wildlife, and The Earth?
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Gardening Oganically Helps Save The Earth's Creatures
The Bees Are Disappearing, and Chemical Fertilizers May Be Adding To the Problem
Bees are the unsung heroes of our food network. These hard working little creatures help pollinate over 1/3 of the food we eat.Scientists are trying to figure out why the bees are disappearing. Bees leave the hive and never come back. The phenomenon has been termed Bee Colony Collapse Disorder.
While experts have several theories for the bees disappearance. In autopsies of the bees from affected hives scientists have found mites, pesticide residues, viruses, and poor nutrition. Their concern is that pesticides are breaking down the bees immune system, making them more susceptible to mites, disease, and the environment.
More on Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
Burt's Bees Talks About Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
Burt's Bees Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), Honey Bees Dying
Why are the bees dying? Why are honey bees disappearing from across the US? Well, Burt's Bees (http://www.burtsbees.com/) is raising awareness about an environmental issue called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) to find out and help save the dying bees. Colony Collapse Disorder is the sudden dying of bees causing the whole honey bee colony to collapse leading to widespread disappearance of bees from our environment. While the exact causes for bee Colony Collapse Disorder are unknown, we do know that forces like habitat destruction, misuse of pesticides, invasive species and global warming create risks to honey bees. You can help make the planet a healthy place for bees. Sign up for a free packet of wildflower seeds to plant and give bees a healthy place to live in your neighborhood. We're also providing access to support local organic farmers who naturally create pesticide-free, bee-friendly environments while providing local communities with healthy fresh produce. By saving the dying bees, we save a lot more than the bees. Be involved. For The Greater Good. http://www.burtsbees.com/colony-collapse-disorder
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10 Comments:
YOUR TURN!
Gardening With Chemicals Damages Our Earth
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
WebbyDiva says:
It's a fact ... and we no longer can deny the damage we have done. Even the run off from fertilization, insecticides and pesticides are polluting our waters and killing fish in some instances.
Besides, your vegies and fruits will taste much better without them.
Posted May 02, 2008
LisaLogan says:
Yep! And not only are birds and bees at risk, but a food at the top of our food chain contains a variety of toxins...human breastmilk. We encounter FAR too many chemicals in our daily life, and need to ask ourselves why.
Posted April 27, 2008
LeslieBrenner says:
You're preaching to the choir here, I absolutely agree with you 100%! In the UK, Prince Charles has demonstrated how organic gardening and farming benefits the environment, is cost-effective and profitable.
Posted April 23, 2008
:) says:
You are so right!!!
I hate how people turn a blind eye, and try to convince themselves it's not true!!!
Posted April 20, 2008
EelKat says:
I grew up on a farm, which our family has been running since 1547. In the 300+ years that our family has raised plants and animals here, very little about our growing methods has changed. We are Native American and believe that it is our duty to care for the earth and it's plants and animals, and as such we strive to do nothing that would in anyway harm any of them. Our gardening methods have always been "organic" and chemical free, and we intend to keep it that way.
Posted April 17, 2008
AMK says:
I agree on both sides. I agree that there are just too much chemicals. I found that out on my last visit to the US and its not just in fertalizer either. Its also what you feed your livestock with. I will tell you this: I have eaten fresh wild salmom and fishfarm salmon. That also goes for home grow meat and supermarket meat and beleave me there is a difference! People who are used to eating plastic just think its normal. One the other hand: A bee sting will kill me without an adrenelin shot. So I won,t miss them. Sadly thats only one reason!
Posted April 14, 2008
Home-healthcare says:
My mother was a National Flower Show Judge who loved her garden. But you better believe she was always concerned about toxic chemicals! I live by water, and there's no way I want run-off of chemicals there, any more than percolating down to the aquifer, or touching my foodstuffs, or the air I breathe.
Posted April 01, 2008
flowergardener says:
Besides all the harmful side effects chemicals can do to a person or animal, they also deplete the nutrients out of our gardens and flowergardens. In time, you won't be able to grow vegetables or fruits that have the nutrients you need, if you keep using chemicals. I agree with rwoman about the natural remedies for lawn and garden problems. I adore the books available from Jerry Baker!
Posted March 31, 2008
KimGiancaterino says:
Chemical fertilizers are largely to blame for the algae problem off the Los Angeles coast, as most chemicals applied to crops and gardens are salt-based and easily wash away. Organic soil conditioners and treatments add to the biomass and generally stay put.
Posted March 28, 2008
DougMcColl says:
You bet. Synthetic chemicals have become so commonplace that people have become complacent about the dangers of their own exposure let alone the ecological impact. Most people don't think much deeper than the acute toxicity of a pesticide or herbicide when they consider its potential harm. The Dominant Agricutural Industry is addicted to the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides...but gardners can make a difference. Reduce your dependacy on chemicals by making wise food choices, growing your own and becoming a vegetarian!
Posted March 27, 2008
Peggy707 says:
Yes you are right I hate chemicals on lawns. I did insurance exams and would have to do bloodwork on employes once a month because the chemicals are so harmful. Of course they are more exposed, but just think of the exposure when your children play on the lawn.
Posted March 25, 2008
archetekt says:
I avoid dangerous chemicals. We all should be concerned about what kind of environment we are leaving for our children and theirs too.
Posted March 24, 2008
riff999 says:
Everyone should follow this advice. Truly valuable information, more people need to be aware of how their actions affect the world around them.
~Jane
Posted March 22, 2008
Barkely says:
We hold the key to conserving our Earth for future generations, or wearing it out and destroying it's creatures.
Posted March 17, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
Anon says:
This is an excellent example of sloppy use of language. EVERYTHING in your garden is composed of chemicals. Water is a chemical compound. Air is a mixture of chemicals. Every living thing is composed of chemicals. The only thing in your garden that is not a chemical is the sunshine, which is radiation.
It is easy to make scary arguments using words like "chemical" and "radiation," but it is intellectually dishonest.
Posted April 12, 2008
Barkely says:
Since no one wants to say they use chemical insecticides and pesticides here's my take. There are times when it's impossible to control a disease, or garden pest with an organic method. There are also times when a chemical treatment is less invasive, or damaging than an organic method (not all organic methods are perfectly safe). So I can see where once in a while in a very controlled situation where a chemical may need to be used. Having said that I think we take the easy way out with pesticides and insecticides way too often.
Posted March 30, 2008
HELP ME PROVE MY POINT
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Butterfly Conservation Initiative
The Butterfly Conservation Initiative is dedicated more...1 point
Our Disappearing Garden Friends
0 points
Monarch Butterflies Love Milkweed
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Learn More On Green Gardening
Organic Gardening for Dummies
Whether you're cultivating a fruit and vegetable garden, maintaining your lawn, or growing roses, this book shows you how to work with nature, not against it, to create an organic garden your whole family will enjoy.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009) 
The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food
Before it was a book, The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food was organic gardener Tanya L. K. Denckla's highly prized personal database, the distillation of years of careful research and hands-on, real-life, dirt-under-the-fingernails experience in growing her own vegetables, herbs, fruits, and nuts. Now available to all, this easy-to-read sourcebook offers much to gardeners of all skill levels, answering questions quickly and authoritatively so more time can be spent enjoying the garden. Six comprehensive chapters cover vegetables, fruits and nuts, herbs, organic remedies, and allies and companions.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/05/2009)
DISPROVE MY POINT (fine, be that way)
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
Global Warming Hoax: News
Global Warming Hoax - News and Information Source more...0 points
GREEN Tip of the Day
Garden For Butterflies and Beneficial Insects
The Monarch Butterflies Habitat Is In Danger
Monarch Butterflies are being threatened by the destruction of their natural habitats, and by the pesticides used on our crops and gardens.The Monarch Butterflies larvae feeds exclusively on milkweed plants, which are being dug out to make way for more houses, and fields. Add to that the milkweed plant is considered a noxious plant in some states, and is not supposed to be planted by home gardeners.
You can create a butterfly haven in your back yard or garden. Plant milkweed, thistle, butterfly weed, butterfly bush, yarrow, English lavender and other flowers to help provide food and shelter for butterflies. Don't use harsh chemical insecticides or pesticides.
Monarch Butterflies Scenes from the Migration
Creating a Habitat For Butterflies In Your Garden
The Monarch Butterflies aren't endangered yet, but they may be soon with their habitats quickly being contaminated, and destroyed.Many butterflies are already on the endangered list. Check with your local conservation group to see what butterflies in your area are endangered, and what their favorite plants are. Many butterflies are very picky on their favorite, or host plants. They will only lay their eggs on certain plant species.
Some great flowers and plants to include in your meadow or garden if you want to attract butterflies include:
Milkweed- On the invasive list in some areas, but worth growing for the butterflies if you have an area to let it grow wild.
Yarrow
Sunflowers
Cosmos
Butterfly Bush
Hyssop (Anise)
Lilac
Zinnia
Verbena
Lavender
Purple Coneflower
Butterfly Weed (Butterfly Milkweed)
Sedum
Garden Phlox
This list is just a guideline, other plants may work better for some areas, check with your local wildlife conservation agency to find out what the best plants for butterflies are in your area.
The Scoop On Organic Gardening
Organic horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants by following the essential principles of organic agriculture in soil building and conservation, pest management, and heirloom variety preservation.
The Latin words hortus (garden plant) and cultura (culture) together form horticulture, classically defined as the culture or growing of garden plants. Horticulture is also sometimes defined simply as ?agriculture minus the plough.? Instead of the plough, horticulture makes use of human labour and gardener's hand tools, although small smal...
Green Gardening Tips and Tricks
Green Gardening Tip # 1 Make Your Own Seed Tape
Instead of buying expensive prepared seed tapes you can make your own. Cut newspaper into 1" wide strips. Create a paste from flour and water about the consistency of thick gravy. Dot the paste on the newspaper strip at evenly spaced intervals and apply the seeds. Cover the seeds with more paste, then lay the seeds aside to dry. You can store the seed tapes in a plastic container or bag until you are ready to plant.
When you are ready to plant, simply roll out the seed tape, cover with soil and water them in with water mixed with your favorite organic fertilizer. The newspaper will rot away as the seeds grow.
Green Gardening Tip # 2 Need a way to spread those tiny seeds?
Grab a used empty spice container. Put the seeds in the empty spice container, and twist the lid so the shaker holes are open. Shake out the seeds to spread them in the garden. The shaker helps spread the seeds evenly. This also works very well with old parmesan cheese bottles, or any bottle with a shaker top.
Green Gardening Tip # 3 Instant Natural Fertilizer Courtesy of Your Local Pet Shop
Alfalfa pellets (found in pet stores, in the small animal section), can be crumbled up around the base of plants, or soaked in water to create an alfalfa tea for your nutrient thirsty plants.
More gardening tips
Bats: A Misunderstood Link In Mother Nature's Eco-System
Bats have been suffering a similar fate to the bees in recent years. Their food supply (insects) is often tainted with insecticide. They've been suffering from disease in recent years, and the destruction of their habitats. Their populations are reducing rapidly.Many people do not like or understand bats, but they play an important role in our eco-system. They help reduce the mosquito population, pollinate plants, and they're prey for other animals.
Bats Suffering from White Nose Syndrome
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What Do You Think? Are The Chemicals We Use on Our Gardens Damaging Wildlife, and The Earth?
NooNoo wrote...
Great lens, very informative, thanks
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This lens is great, very informative, thank you.
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Posted April 17, 2008
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