9. Eliminating use of plant and animal poisons

Why?

Agricultural production in the UK uses high quantities of pesticides to protect crops and maintain high yields. However, toxic residues remain in human food and in agricultural soils and find their way into watercourses and into the aquatic food chain. In urban settings pesticides and herbicides are also used in gardens, on allotments and sports grounds. All these substances are, by definition, extremely poisonous and are associated with human health problems and biodiversity loss.

How?

• Explore alternative methods of tackling pests and diseases in gardens and allotments. Click here to see advice from the RHS
• Learn to live with damage to flowers and vegetables or grow different species and varieties that do not need chemical treatment
• Don’t use a herbicide spray, such as RoundUp, to clear an overgrown allotment or garden. Cover the plot with a geotextile or, preferably, with cardboard sheeting that will suppress the weeds and add organic matter to the soil
• Use manual techniques to remove weeds on paths, drives and play areas