Organic or Poison

During the past few years the organic movement has increased by leaps and bounds. Not only are people in the private sector enjoying the benefits of going green, but many government agencies are seeing the need to switch to greener products. In 2003, the United States government passed a law requiring manufacturers of pressure treated lumber to stop using CCA ( chromate copper arsenate ), which is a form of arsenic. There are also many hazards in using inorganic pesticides. These chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and eye irritation, just to name a few. Inorganic fertilizers have been proven to contaminate waterways and kill fish, yet they are still sold and used for all lawn and garden applications.

One of biggest problems with not using organic fertilizer is run off. While some of the chemicals used to make fertilizers come from the earth, they are used in such high quantities that they cannot be absorbed into the soil, therefore watering and rain will cause excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous to flow into the aquifer and rivers. These high levels can be seen in drinking water and most notably at the mouth of the Mississippi River where every year fertilizer run-off causes a phenomenon known as the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone”.

The super inflated amounts of nitrogen cause algae to grow at an accelerated rate, then these  algae die,which in turn burns up the oxygen that the fish and other plant life depend on. Inorganic pesticides are another common man-made chemical that have a lasting effect on our environment and our personal health. While the EPA has an extensive list of banned pesticide ingredients, manufacturers are continually trying to come up with new products to meet the demands of farmers, pest control professionals and hobby gardeners. Some of these chemicals are still so toxic that you may need to leave your home for a few hours to a few months. During these treatments, chemicals are inadvertently released into the air and soil. These are the types of chemicals that not only kill termites and roaches, but have the capacity to kill humans. Many of us enjoy a day outside barbecuing on the deck and spending time with family and friends. Did you know that manufacturers of pressure-treated lumber did not remove chromate copper arsenate (CCA) from production until 2004. CCA treated lumber was used for many outdoor projects including decks, playground equipment, gazebos, lawn furniture, and more. While this method of treating lumber was found to be an effective preservative, exposure to high levels of arsenic have resulted in using alternative methods. The EPA (environmental protection agency) has stated that using a penetrating oil to coat the wood reduces and possibly eliminates exposure to the CCA found in the wood.

The organic movement is becoming increasingly popular since more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of using modern chemicals. For thousands of years the human race has flourished off the grid, using the tools supplied to us by Mother Nature. Now there are certified organic products available with Mother Nature in mind. We can all have a more sustainable life and leave the natural beauty of the world intact for generations to come.

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