(NC)-How much would you pay for the perfect lush, green
lawn? $50? $100? More? Before you pull out your wallet, you may
want to consider the cost to you and your family's health.
Commonly used to make lawns greener and bug-free, pesticides are poisons designed to kill insects, rodents, weeds and fungi. Because they are meant to destroy living organisms, they can also be harmful to humans. Some have been linked to a variety of illnesses, including cancer.
For these reasons alone, the Canadian Cancer Society
encourages healthier alternatives for Canada's green thumbs.
There are many ways you can achieve a beautiful yard. Here
are just a few:
-  Dig out weeds by hand instead of using weed
killer. 
-  Use a spray of water from the garden hose to remove
insects from plants and trees. 
-  Do not overwater your lawn. 
-  Make your own mild insecticide by mixing two
tablespoons of soap flakes with a litre of water and lightly
spraying plant leaves. 
-  Gently break up the soil in your lawn to allow moisture
and nutrients to reach the roots. 
-  Talk to your gardening supply store about natural
alternatives to pesticides, such as companion plants, which
help fend off insects that affect other plants.
For more information on pesticides and cancer, visit www.cancer.ca .
