Action Of The Month: Ditch The Pesticides!

Insecticides (which kill insects) and herbicides (which kill weeds), often grouped together collectively as “pesticides,” are used worldwide to the tune of 5 billion pounds per year. These poisons infiltrate our water, soil, air, and food, thereby affecting both flora and fauna, not only in large-scale agriculture but also in homes, schools, businesses, and elsewhere. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring exposed DDT for its negative impact on the environment, especially on birds, which led to its ban, but pesticide use has actually increased.

More on this story on the Sustainable Contra Costa County website.