Edwina von Gal’s RADICLE Thinking
Know Your Chemicals: Glyphosate
What’s in that magic bottle of liquid sprayed on driveways and sidewalks to kill stubborn weeds? Mostly it’s glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and other weed killers that was deemed a “probable” human carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2015. Glyphosate also is used widely in agriculture, resulting in weed resistance, water contamination, soil degradation, and damage to marine wildlife. Over 826 million pounds of glyphosate are applied to crops and landscapes across the globe every year.
Some of the scary human health effects associated with glyphosate:
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Kidney and liver damage
- Endocrine (hormone) disruption
- Reproductive effects
- Eye and skin irritation
Also in these products, but not listed on the label: a host of “inert” ingredients that make the active ingredient easier to apply or better able to adhere to its target. These inerts can be as toxic as the active ingredients themselves and/or amplify the toxicity of individual ingredients when combined. For example, many glyphosate products contain polyethoxylated tallowamine (POEA), a surfactant that is considered more toxic to marine life than glyphosate.
Source: Beyond Pesticides
Want to get rid of those pesky weeds naturally? Try our homemade herbicide recipe:
- 1 gallon 20% vinegar
- 1 cup orange oil
Mix vinegar and orange oil in a bucket. Mix thoroughly, and use a spray bottle to apply to all surfaces of plant. Reapply as necessary. Store any unused liquid in a clear, labeled glass container and store in a cool, dark space.
Note: Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when applying your homemade herbicide. It can irritate your skin and eyes.
Photo credit: Lacuna Design / Getty Images
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Know Your Chemicals - Pre-Emergents
Know Your Chemicals: Atrazine
