Fueled By Cancer Fears, Organic Lawn Care Grows

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Fueled By Cancer Fears, Organic Lawn Care Grows

 

More Homeowners Are Turning To Natural Yards, As The Industry Matures,

Learns And Expands

 

http://www.thedaily green.com/ 2007/08/23/ fueled-by- cancer-fears-

organic-lawn- care-grows/ 5729/

 

The American obsession with perfect, green carpet lawns has taken a heavy

toll on the environment, and may be contributing to high cancer rates.

These days, a movement is growing to manage yards in a less

chemical-intensive way, with organic techniques, as the News & Observer

(Raleigh, N.C.) reports.

 

Homeowners are increasingly asking for natural fertilizers made from

manure, processed sewage and bone meal, instead of petrochemical- based

treatments. A 2004 survey by the National Gardening Association reported

that 5 percent of households used only organic fertilizers, herbicides and

pesticides. But 9 percent of respondents said they would go organic by

2009.

 

Even the big players are starting to take notice. In January, industry

leader Scott’s Miracle-Gro introduced an organic lawn fertilizer, soon to

be followed by Bradford Organics from Land O’Lakes Purina Feed. Walk into

nearly any big box retailer, from Home Depot to Sears, and you’ll find

organic landscaping products.

 

Fueling the interest is concern about studies that increasingly link

pesticide exposure to a variety of illnesses. A Harvard School of Public

Health study last year found that people exposed to pesticides had a 70

percent higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease. A University of Iowa

study in the mid-1990s found that golf course superintendents died of

cancer far more often than average.

 

People are also increasingly worried about the quality of waterways, which

have been overburdened by fertilizer and pesticide runoff, causing algal

blooms that choke out native wildlife and result in fish kills and dead

zones. Scientists have recently warned that two of every three U.S.

estuaries, comprising 80% of the coastline, are threatened by the runoff

of fertilizers.

 

The good news is the organic lawn industry is growing and maturing. As

more people show interest, prices keep coming down and availability

increases. Professionals and consumers are becoming more educated and

aware of their options, and services are springing up to help people

manage their yards. People are learning that the choice doesn’t have to be

all or nothing: So-called “bridge” services are gaining popularity, in

which lawns are weaned off petrochemicals over several years, replaced

with organic alternatives. Every pound of pesticides not used means less

toxic chemicals in the air, soil and water.

 

Copyright 2007 The News and Observer

 

 

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