.Pesticides
Used in Christmas Tree Production
.Organic
Trees,
Wreaths and Gifts
Christmas Trees and Pesticides
Most families don’t
realize that they might be bringing more than holiday cheer into their
homes this Christmas season. Families celebrating this holiday season
with the time-honored tradition of a Christmas tree can choose to go green
and avoid the toxic chemicals that are typically used to grow it.
Of the pesticides that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered for use on Christmas trees, most are linked to one or more adverse effects, including cancer, hormonal disruption, neurotoxicity, organ damage, reproductive/birth defects, asthma, environmental effects and more. Their use results in exposure to workers, wildlife, and waterways. Beyond Pesticides has compiled a list of 25 pesticides commonly used or recommended for use by state agricultural extension services, including: 2,4-D, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, endosulfan, esfenvalerate, glyphosate, simazine and more.
Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and Virginia are the nation’s top Christmas tree producing states, and together account for more than half of the trees grown in the U.S. The Cooperative Extension Service of North Carolina reports that glyphosate -a pesticide linked to increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other health issues- was applied to nearly 90 percent of the state’s trees in the 2006 season, the most recent data collected by the state.
Because of concerns about household exposure, Christmas tree growers have been advised by North Carolina officials to use only pesticides “labeled for spraying in the home” after the trees have been harvested. However, the law establishes no such restriction and these pesticides are linked to respiratory and neurological effects. Many of the pesticides registered for Christmas trees have been banned or have always been prohibited in residential settings. While continuing to be used on Christmas trees, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), for example, was taken off the market in 2000 for home use because of its neurotoxic effects.
There is some good news! Some growers today are using organic techniques. Beyond Pesticides recommends by purchasing an organic Christmas tree or wreath from a local grower, if possible. If there isn’t a local organic tree farm in your area, Beyond Pesticides encourages consumers to talk to growers about the pesticides they use and encourage them to go organic. And while you’re at it, let your guests know you care by serving organic food at your holiday dinners and parties, and buy local, organic and fair trade gifts for your loved ones.
Going Organic for Hanukah
The evening of December 20th marks the beginning of Hanukah, the Jewishholiday known as the “Festival of Lights.” Hanukah is a time for lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, eating good food, and spending time with loved ones—not a time for toxic chemicals to be making their way into your family’s holiday food.
Latkes, or potato pancakes, served with applesauce are the traditional food eaten on Hanukah. But both potatoes and apples are foods that are typically high in pesticides. Potatoes have been found to contain residues of the pesticides thiabendazole, endosulfans, and aldicarb—all 3 of which are hazardous, especially to children. Apples may have residues of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate so dangerous to children that it was banned in homes, as well as 2,4-D, an herbicide with wide-ranging reproductive and neurotoxic effects. This Hanukah, protect your family, and go organic.
INGREDIENTS:
· 4 cups peeled, grated organic potatoes
· 1 large organic onion, chopped
· 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
· 2 tablespoons unbleached organic flour
· 2 organic eggs
· Pepper (to taste)
· Organic olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
2. In a medium bowl, combine potatoes with onion, salt, flour, and pepper. Lightly beat the eggs, and stir into the mixture.
3. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels.
Serve latkes hot, and top with organic applesauce or sour cream.