Toxin Free Challenge

Irondequoit Toxin Free Challenge

Go Chemical Free

Historically, organic lawn care has been practiced for much longer than chemical lawn care and it can easily be implemented on any lawn. Safe and effective alternatives exist for most chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Switching to a chemical free yard has many advantages.

• Healthier Grass and Plants 
  Chemical fertilizers and lawn treatments interfere with natural photosynthesis by coating grass and plants with chemicals that are difficult to absorb. Organic lawn care treatments promote deep root systems, natural photosynthesis, and longer grass growth.
• Cleaner Water
  Fertilizers and pesticides run off or leaches away, ending up in ground or surface water, including wells. Affecting drinking water supplies and animal habitats. 
• Safer for Humans and Pets 
  Exposure to pesticides can cause a range of neurological health hazards such as loss of memory, loss of coordination, slowed responses to stimuli, impaired visual ability, altered mood and uncontrollable general behavior and slowed motor skills in adults and children.
• Healthier Soils 
  Healthy soils contain millions of microbial that needed for healthy plants. Fungicides and pesticides kill off the microbial reducing the soils vitality.

Sustainable Landscaping

Go Native

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. Unlike natives, common horticultural plants do not fit the bill. These adaptations bring us several gardening advantages.

• Wildlife Viewing 
  Native plants, birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and interesting critters are "made for each other." Research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.
• Save Water 
  Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.
• Low Maintenance 
  Low maintenance landscaping methods are a natural fit with native plants that are already adapted to the local environment. Look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time.
• Pesticide Freedom 
  Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our creeks and watersheds.
• Support Local Ecology 
  As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with New York native plants can provide a "bridge" to nearby remaining wildlands.
  

For More information, please visit: www.dec.ny.gov