The Garden Club of America and National Audubon Society Call on Their Members and the Public

March 13, 2019

Take the Pledge and Use Native Plants

Did you know that Americans use a staggering 80 million pounds of pesticides on 30 million acres of lawns — 10 times more chemicals per acre than farmers use.

That’s the harsh reality.

And that’s why the GCA and National Audubon Society are calling on their members – as well as citizens and communities across the country — to take The Healthy Yard Pledge and plant native plants. The GCA is featuring the pledge on its public and members pages and Audubon is promoting the pledge through Twitter and social media.

Homeowners can help promote and ensure a healthy environment by adopting good practices in their own yards.

By pledging, individuals agree to end the use of synthetic pesticides in their yard. They agree also to stop the disposal of drugs down their toilets. We know that small amounts of these chemicals can harm plant and human health.  

TAKE THE PLEDGE

I pledge to take care of my yard without synthetic pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers except on rare occasions to resolve an infestation or to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.

I also pledge not to throw pharmaceuticals or chemicals down my drains or toilets.

By using native plants, homeowners can in turn reduce the need for pesticides altogether. Native plants adapt to local environmental conditions, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water. In addition to providing vital habitat for birds, many other species of wildlife benefit as well.

Through individual action, we can make real progress to ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems.

All it takes is one yard at a time.

 

Photo Credit: Missy Janes

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