Campaigners and local councils in the UK are urging for a ban on pesticides in urban areas, taking inspiration from Paris.
The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) highlights how Paris maintained its beauty during the Olympics without the use of toxic chemicals, emphasizing that UK towns and cities can do the same.
Advocates argue that pavements, parks, and playgrounds should be free from harmful substances to safeguard wildlife and human health.
Over 150 councillors and 15,000 members of the public have joined PAN’s initiative to push for pesticide-free urban areas.
Amy Heley from the Pesticide Collaboration emphasizes the need to eliminate harmful chemicals from areas where people live, work, and play, pointing out that Paris and other European cities have successfully gone pesticide-free.
Paris phased out pesticide use starting in the 1990s, with a complete ban in all French towns and cities since 2017.
While the UK does not have a nationwide ban, 100 councils have already reduced pesticide use, with 50 being completely pesticide-free.
Heley urges the UK government to commit to phasing out urban pesticides, citing the positive impact on public health, environmental conservation, and wildlife protection.
She emphasizes the availability of non-chemical alternatives and the success of cities worldwide in going pesticide-free, making it a logical and beneficial choice.
2024-08-27 23:00:08
Original from www.theguardian.com