|
| ORGANIC LANDSCAPE ALLIANCE OFFERS ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDE BY-LAW WARNINGS, FINES | | | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2005(Toronto) Toronto residents should be aware that, although it is now illegal to use pesticides on lawns and gardens, there are companies that offer non-chemical lawn care, according to the Organic Landscaping Association. OLA is non-profit trade association committed to the promotion and development of organic horticulture.
Warnings from bylaw officers to homeowners whose lawn care companies use pesticides chemicals have drawn criticism from the companies.
"Bylaw officers are telling homeowners that pesticide use is illegal. Organic landscapers want homeowners to know that pesticide use is unnecessary," said Mark Mackenzie, president of the Organic Landscape Alliance
The Toronto pesticide bylaw prohibits the use of pesticides for non-essential residential applications. Penalties for using pesticides are gradually being phased in to allow for public awareness of the bylaw. Warnings will be issued during the summer, and fines in September.
Many homeowners and companies already use organic methods to take care of lawns and landscaped areas. How-to information is available from many sources, including the City of Toronto. Making the transition off chemicals can be a challenge, and requires special attention to building healthy soil with natural fertilizers. OLA members offer 100% organic services to thousands of clients in Ontario and offers information and references for choosing an organic lawn care company.
"Most people would not knowingly break the law," said Mackenzie. "Ask a few key questions and be sure the company you hire doesn't use chemical pesticides." Companies that make false claims regarding their products or services can be prosecuted and fined by the Federal Competition Bureau, which has issued specific guidelines regarding lawn care. Businesses and consumers who believe they have been misled should contact the Bureau toll free at 1-800-348-5358 or visit the Bureau's Web site at www.cb-bc.gc.ca
For more information:
Mark Mackenzie: 613-852-2371
Angela Rickman: 613-241-1839, 613-859-5701
The Organic Landscape Alliance can be reached toll-free at 1 866 824 7685 | | |
|
|
| |