By Kate Watkins, Outreach Intern with
Toxic Free NC
(some information adapted with permission from Dr. Mike Waldvogel and Patty Alder, NCSU Department of
Entomology)
With
the winter holidays just ahead, many people have begun to the deck the halls,
hang the mistletoe, and decorate their homes. With all of the excitement the holidays bring, we sometimes
forget the environmental impact that this season can have, not to mention the
impact on our health. This year, while
retrieving the decorations from the dusty attic and strapping the tree to the
roof of the car, keep the following tips in mind.
Christmas
trees, wreaths, and garlands are often sprayed with pesticides that can be
dangerous to us and to our families. These toxins affect the health of farm workers and pollute
the environment. In order to
protect ourselves from these harsh chemicals, we should opt for organic or low-spray
greenery whenever possible. By
buying from farms that use sustainable and safe methods, we show support for
workers and businesses that respect the environment and their customers! For a list of toxic-free and low-spray tree
and wreath distributors in North Carolina, visit the Toxic Free website at http://www.toxicfreenc.org/involved/actionalerts/organic_christmas_tree_guide.html
Concerned
that an organic purchase means bringing critters into your house? Don’t be! They are many non-toxic ways to handle any little critters
that may try to hitch a ride. One
such potential hitchhiker is the Cinera Aphid (common on conifers), which has
been known to occasionally tag along on greenery. Some people mistake Cinera Aphids for ticks; however, they
are not ticks and there are many toxic-free methods for preventing them from
getting into your home. The
simplest way to make sure they don’t come in with the tree is to vigorously tap
the base of the tree on your sidewalk or driveway several times before bringing
the tree inside. If you want to be
extra-thorough, blasting the tree with a stream of water and leaving it outside
for a few hours to dry is also an effective pre-decoration method and will
remove other undesirable hitchhikers like pollen, dust, and loose needles.
While some people may want to use aerosol
insecticides, these can be as toxic as agricultural pesticides and are also a
fire hazard when old-style incandescent lights are used on treated greenery—so
don’t spray anything on your tree, especially not while it is decorated and the
lights are plugged in! Vacuum
cleaners with crevice tools are another efficient and non-toxic way to remove
aphids. Remember that even boxed,
artificial Christmas trees can be infested with bugs like spiders and dust
mites, so you may as well go real and organic! Real trees sometimes mean real bugs, but this is a problem that
is easily solved without using harmful and toxic pesticides.
By
choosing organic or low-spray decor, we are voting in support of healthy families
and sustainable farming. Now, go
stand under your organic mistletoe, and wait for your kiss from the
environment!
Resources:
Toxic
Free NC Organic Christmas Trees and Wreaths: 2012 Buying Guide http://www.toxicfreenc.org/involved/actionalerts/organic_christmas_tree_guide.html
Cinera
Aphid Prevention information provided from an article by Dr. Mike Waldvogel and
Patty Alder- NC State Department of Entomology: http://entomology.ncsu.edu/training
Ways
to recycle and reuse your holiday greenery: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/recycle-your-christmas-tree
Kate Watkins is a
student, nanny, dancer, and she is also a volunteer for Toxic Free NC. She hopes to join the Peace Corps or
another international NGO, and she is extremely passionate about environmental
issues and their impact on human rights.
Toxic Free NC is a non-profit organization in Raleigh fighting
pesticide pollution by advocating for common-sense alternatives that protect
our health and environment. Toxic Free NC works extensively with child care
providers and parents to reduce toxic pollution in children’s environments. You
can find out more about their work at www.toxicfreenc.org, or by calling
(919) 833-1123.