Councils and Local Authorities throughout the UK
routinely use herbicides to control 'weeds' and
other chemicals such as pesticides and fungicides.
The 'War on Weeds' has reached a crisis point for
nature and the many species which depend on wild
plants and the soil beneath. These toxic chemicals
are also extremely harmful to us and our beloved pets.
This petition is to STOP the use of chemicals (usually
by spraying) as a means of weed control, maintenance,
gardening, landscaping and clearance etc and to allow
more areas to grow wild and natural without being cut
until August.
Why is this important?
Firstly weedkillers, such as Glyphosate and pesticides are
highly toxic. They may cause conditions including; digestive
issues, obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression,
Parkinson’s disease, reproductive issues, liver diseases,
and cancer, among others in humans. Their negative
impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over
time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout
the body. There have even been cases of pets, particularly
dogs, becoming very sick or even dying after contact with
recently sprayed areas in parks and although not proven,
as far as I'm aware, may be a contributory factor.
Secondly, most plants perceived as weeds are native
to this country and are, thus, extremely important to
wildlife including bees, butterflies and birds. The 'State
of Nature' report reveals that 60% of the species studied
have declined over recent decades.
97% of wildflower meadows in the countryside have been
lost in the last century due to intensive farming and spraying
, therefore, the few remaining patches of 'weeds' and wild
flowers on roadverges and in parks are now more vital
than ever.
Thirdly, chemicals evaporate naturally into the air and
studies have shown these chemicals are present in rain.
They can also soak into the water drainage systems
causing further toxic contamination.The ecosystem knows
no boundaries.
The use of chemicals has become so common, that
barely a thought is given to their use; it is perceived as
the 'normal' thing to do. It is the 'easy' option and it
works - but the long-term damage to the ecosystem
is like a time bomb.
Where there is a need to control weeds, regular cutting
or uprooting is the preferred option, which causes no
damage (other than to the plants being removed). It may
be hard work, but well worth the effort.
Leaving more areas uncut, like roadverges and wild areas
in parks also has a massive saving on costs to councils
and local authorities. Spraying and cutting them, conversely
is very costly.
Chemical Warfare on Weeds Must Stop!
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