Use homemade, safe weed killer.
Researchers from the University of Washington evaluated existing studies into the chemical Glyphosate, also known as Roundup, the second most widely used lawn and garden weed killer in the U.S., and concluded that it raises the cancer risk of those exposed to it by 41% and significantly increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. A recent study sampled waterways in 38 states and found glyphosate in the majority of rivers, streams, ditches, and wastewater treatment plant outfalls tested. Glyphosate also was found in about 70 percent of rainfall samples. One study suggests that glyphosate exposure contributes to antibiotic resistance and can interfere with hormones. One big unanswered question that scientists are beginning to study is the potential health effect of low levels of exposure over extended periods of time. A homemade alternative to Roundup for home gardeners is 1-gallon white vinegar, 1 cup salt, 1 tablespoon dish soap.
The Weekly Green Tip is brought to you by Michelle Sgarlat.