TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org

(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)

 

WHY SUPPORT THE LESS TOXIC LANDSCAPING CAMPAIGN?

 

Toxics Information Project (TIP) is sponsoring a campaign in 2004 to encourage reducing or avoiding the use of lawn chemicals and considering creative landscaping alternatives to lawns.  Why should I participate in this effort?  What’s in it for me?

 

CARROTS

 

By reducing or avoiding lawn chemicals and trying creative alternatives:

 

n                    I’ll have the peace of mind of knowing I’m not exposing myself, my family or pets to possibly harmful substances.

n                    Plain grass is DULL.  I can have a much more interesting and attractive home and grounds by investigating alternative plantings.

n                    By using native plants and grass varieties that are suited to the environment on my property, I will have less problems with maintaining them.

n                    I can save the money that I have been spending on chemicals.

 

STICKS

 

What’s wrong with using lawn pesticides?

 

n                    A child in a household using home and garden pesticides has a

6.5 times greater risk of developing leukemia.

n                    Dog owners who use the herbicide 2,4-D four or more times per season double their dog’s chances of suffering lymphoma.

n                    Of the 36 most commonly used lawn pesticides: 14 are probable

or possible carcinogens, 15 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 24 with neurotoxicity, 22 with liver or kidney damage, and 34 are sensitizers and/or irritants.

n                    Runoff from lawns and gardens is a major pollutant.  Pesticides and other household hazardous waste products are turning up in drinking water sources.  The CDC and the Body Burden Test have found them in our bodies.

 

What can I do to get involved?  Also, what if I don’t have a lawn or garden?