I always knew RoundUp wasn't "good" for us but given its popularity, availability, and convenience it was one of the last toxic chemicals to be removed from our household. It was one that was dear to my husband as he loathes weeds, especially those that find their home in the cracks of our cement. Since I couldn't offer a safer alternative at the time, off to OSH he would go. My husband would wear gloves during application and we wouldn't go outside for several hours after he sprayed. Even with careful application, several places along our hedges were inadvertently impacted as RoundUp doesn't distinguish between the good and bad plants. I knew I had to come up with an alternative. I heard boiling water works but me carrying boiling water is a hazard in itself.
I then methodically sprayed my various safe and non-toxic cleaners to determine which, if any, would be as effective as RoundUp. Tough & Tender (Melaleuca's Multi-Purpose Cleaner) won hands down. After 24 hours, the weeds were brown and just crumbled as I took my shoe back and forth against them. RoundUp found its match and I am so glad it did. Here's Why:
RoundUp is MORE than just a weed killer. Scarily, it is the most widely used herbicide in the world yet has showed negative health impacts on humans and animals, and fatal impacts on amphibians. And not only is the active ingredient Glyphosate dangerous, other ingredients found in RoundUp such as Polyoxyethylene Amine (POEA) increases Glyphosate's toxic effects.
Scientists at the University of Caen in France in December 2008 found that Glyphosate in low doses can kill embryonic cells. Placental and umbilical cord cells are vulnerable as well. Not surprisingly they found high rates of premature births and miscarriages in farm women who were frequently exposed to POEA. In addition, tests in Finland and Canada showed RoundUp remaining in the soil for up to 350 days after application.
There ARE SAFER yet EFFECTIVE alternatives to RoundUp! Let me know if you would like more information!
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