Pesticide is a general term for Weed, Insect and Disease Controls. The following is a true story.
A good friend of mine, from my landscaping days is a Pesticide Applicator. He is licensed by the state. Last June, he was applying an Insecticide in granular form. He was wearing a respirator to keep the dust out of his lungs, short sleeves and pants, but it was hot. It was over 90 degrees that day and he was sweating. The dust stuck to his sweaty clothes and absorbed into his skin through his open pores. Before he knew it he was unconscious on a customer's front lawn and was rushed to the hospital. Thank goodness they were home. He spent the day in the hospital on IV, having fluids pumped into him to flush out the poison in his system.
This year, it was time to apply insect control again. He took the same precautions, and wore long sleeves to cover his skin. It was not quite so hot this year, in the low to mid 80's. It just happened to be time for his regular check up, and his Blood work came back irregular. High Blood Sugar. The doctor sent him for more tests. His pancreas was not processing insulin fast enough. This left him with periods of high blood sugar. He was of course very upset. This is a guy who is in generally good shape, a healthy weight and diabetes does not run in his family. At only 40 it was quite a shock.
The doctor just wanted to monitor him for a few weeks before putting him on any kind of medicine. He went for regular Blood Sugar Testing. After he had been done applying the insecticide for a few weeks, his blood sugars were back to normal. The insecticide had caused the problem. When the body is sick, whether it be from a virus or a toxin, the rest of the body slows down so it can eradicate the illness. This is what happened to my friend.
Think of all the chemicals we put on our lawn and plants, all the cleaning supplies we pour down the drains that ends up in our own bodies and our waterways. Overexposure to one chemical for a few weeks, almost poisoned my friend, just think what those chemicals constantly being applied all around us can do to fish and wildlife. Not to mention our children and pets.
How many of us have applicator's come apply 6 or 8 chemical treatments to our lawns annually? Usually a little flag is left on our front lawns. If we are not aware, it is easy to let the dog out after work, or tell our kids to go out and play, not realizing the potential danger that lurks in our own backyards.
Or maybe you apply your own chemicals. Most of us don't own respirators or even wear dust masks when applying fertilizers or control products.
Chemicals are generally not good. They cause disease in the body. Whether it is chemicals in our foods, cleaning products, or pesticides and fertilizers they can all cause problems with our health. A hundred years ago, people ate what they grew, there were no growth hormones for livestock and farmers used natural products like manure and compost to feed their plants. There were not nearly as many diseases as there are today. This is why living an organic lifestyle is so important. Get back to basics, simplify and teach your children to do the same. Our health, our planet and our future depend on it.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Storm Water Run-off... It's everyone's problem
Storm Water Run-off is a problem in every section of the United States. Some areas of course are worse than others. Every time it rains there are massive amounts of chemicals, oils, heavy metals running off our roof, through our grass and flower beds, down our driveways and into our storm drains which leads out to our natural waterways, and streams which lead to lakes and rivers.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Reduce the amount of Turf in your yard - Grass is over rated. It's high maintenance! It needs to be cut weekly, Fertilized several times a year, watered constantly in hot weather, etc., etc.
Grass also cannot absorb water the way plants, trees and shrubs can. Therefore the amount of run off is greater the more turf one has. If you reduce the amount of turf by installing a bed around the perimeter of your yard and installing native plants and mulch, you can cut down your water run off significantly.
Everyone needs grass, right? Here are a few tips to help your grass absorb more water.
Aerate your lawn regularly. This breaks the tight root barrier and allows for better oxygen and water absorption. This will make your grass healthier naturally. Aerating shoes work well, use them everytime you mow. You will also get a good workout. A machine aerator used yearly also does a great job.
Top dress your lawn with compost. Compost absorbs and eliminates harmful chemicals and pollution from the soil and air. Compost is also high in natural nutrients. This will reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
When you fertilize or put down weed or insect control...GO ORGANIC! Organic fertilizers and control products are more widely available today than ever. They work well, are competitively priced with chemical fertilizers and don't have huge warning labels. Organic Fertilizers are safe for pets, children, you and our environment. Not using them just seems silly, doesn't it?
When you have to water - water deeply, less frequently. Watering for 20 minutes every day, for example, will keep the roots of the grass up near the surface. They will dry out very fast. If you water for 1 hour twice a week, for example, this will encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep in to the soil. This keeps the roots cooler and moist longer. The grass will reqiure less water, even in a drought situation.
Next time it rains...watch where the water goes. Think about it. Nature is just that, natural. I think we have forgotten what natural is. Nature worked perfectly for thousands of years, until humans started trying to perfect it. The opposite happened. Modern technology we need, however we need to use it responsibly. All of us... and small changes in our lives can mean big changes(improvements) in our world.
It's our world, our lakes, our streams and rivers, our yard... let's take care of it.
If our ground cannot absorb the water efficiently and effectively and perk back down into our underground water supply it ends up in the storm drain. The chemicals, oils, voc's, etc. break down the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that keep our lakes and streams healthy. What we end up with is an over abundance of algae which believe it or not is harmful to our eco-system. It cuts down on the oxygen levels in the water and the beneficial bacteria cannot do its job to keep the water clean and healthy for fish and fowl.
This is not something the average American sees everyday. We don't think about where the water goes when its rushing down the street and into the storm drains. For us...it stops there. But it is actually just beginning.
We can make a difference one yard at a time. If every homeowner made simple changes, we could save our lakes, streams and rivers. Our eco-system depends on it. Not only does storm water run-off affect fish, it affects water fowl, birds, and all the animals that eat the fish, and drink from the lakes, streams and rivers.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of water that runs from your property into the storm drain:
Install Rain Barrels -Thousands of gallons of water can be captured off the average roof each year, and clean rainwater is better for plants, shrubs and lawn, washing the car, the dog etc.
Go Organic!- The use of traditional chemicals to feed your lawn and garden leach into the water every time it rains. Chemical fertilizers and controls do the most damage. Organic fertilizers and control products do not leave residual effects in the soil. Organic products come from the earth. They will not damage it.
Use Native Plants- Native plants are plants that are naturally indigenous to your specific area. You can get a list of native plants for your area by doing a web search. They are usually put out by the state. Native plants will grow better, require less water and fertilizer (organic of course), and they provide a natural habitat for our wild creatures.
Reduce the amount of Turf in your yard - Grass is over rated. It's high maintenance! It needs to be cut weekly, Fertilized several times a year, watered constantly in hot weather, etc., etc.
Grass also cannot absorb water the way plants, trees and shrubs can. Therefore the amount of run off is greater the more turf one has. If you reduce the amount of turf by installing a bed around the perimeter of your yard and installing native plants and mulch, you can cut down your water run off significantly.
Everyone needs grass, right? Here are a few tips to help your grass absorb more water.
Aerate your lawn regularly. This breaks the tight root barrier and allows for better oxygen and water absorption. This will make your grass healthier naturally. Aerating shoes work well, use them everytime you mow. You will also get a good workout. A machine aerator used yearly also does a great job.
Top dress your lawn with compost. Compost absorbs and eliminates harmful chemicals and pollution from the soil and air. Compost is also high in natural nutrients. This will reduce/eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
When you fertilize or put down weed or insect control...GO ORGANIC! Organic fertilizers and control products are more widely available today than ever. They work well, are competitively priced with chemical fertilizers and don't have huge warning labels. Organic Fertilizers are safe for pets, children, you and our environment. Not using them just seems silly, doesn't it?
When you have to water - water deeply, less frequently. Watering for 20 minutes every day, for example, will keep the roots of the grass up near the surface. They will dry out very fast. If you water for 1 hour twice a week, for example, this will encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep in to the soil. This keeps the roots cooler and moist longer. The grass will reqiure less water, even in a drought situation.
Next time it rains...watch where the water goes. Think about it. Nature is just that, natural. I think we have forgotten what natural is. Nature worked perfectly for thousands of years, until humans started trying to perfect it. The opposite happened. Modern technology we need, however we need to use it responsibly. All of us... and small changes in our lives can mean big changes(improvements) in our world.
It's our world, our lakes, our streams and rivers, our yard... let's take care of it.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Healthy Gardening Tips
Gardening is America's number one hobby. We all know too well of the aches and pains that can come from our favorite past-time! Here are a few tips that can help minimize the stress on your body and keep you healthy.
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
Protect those Joints!:
Use tools with padded handles and easy spring loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. If you are spending time on your knees, wear knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce pressure.
Conserve your energy:
Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This will save you many trips to the shed or garage. Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of bending over will save your back, hips and legs from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. They are generally cushioned on both sides for comfort.
Lift Smart!:
Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise and dump it. The material will come out of the bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow and shovel it out.
Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing position, so as not to bang the plant around. move it to its destination and reverse the process. If you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon burlap it must be removed completely. This process will minimize stress on your lower back and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have their roots banged around.
If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more lifting power and save you a trip to the Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor will usually be happy to lend a quick hand.
One project at a time!:
If you want your yard to be picture perfect NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start small. Prioritize your projects and complete them one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing it. It can also keep your frustration level down. You will be satisfied in having completed a project and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too many projects started and none finished makes for a messy yard.
Lastly...Listen to your body:
Your body will tell you every time when its had enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. Water can also reduce the chances of becoming over-heated. When your done working in the garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening tomorrow!
We would love for you to join our online green living community where you can join in on the forum, add your own pics and viewpoints and just share with other like minded individuals. Visit Green Nation Gardens Wiki
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