As of 2012, Newfoundland and Labrador will join the maritime provinces, Quebec and Ontario in banning the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides. That announcement was made last Thursday by Environment and Conservation Minister Ross Wiseman, following many years of dedicated activism by a number of concerned citizens and organisations.

Most recently, efforts by NLEN member organisation the Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides–NL, served to highlight the unnecessary environmental and human health risks posed by cosmetic pesticide use, and rally public support for a ban.

Cosmetic pesticide use will continue for the remainder of the 2011 spray season. For residents of the Northeast Avalon region, please consult or subscribe to the daily Spray Advisory to learn if weather conditions permit spraying, and to gather tips on how to care for your lawn using natural techniques.

Read news release from the Department of Environment and Conservation: Ban Implemented on Cosmetic Pesticides for Lawn Care