Bloom Tender

The motto of my alma mater was, “find your voice.” I may never sit in the presence of a president to share my dreams for this country, but I’ve come to understand that my voice is most powerful in the places closest to me. Real change begins at home. It starts in our own hearts, then reaches out to touch the soil beneath our feet, and eventually spreads into the wider community. These small ripples of change have the power to shape the future and to inspire others to join in.

Over ten years ago, I found my path in organic farming. It was then that I realized how deeply the health of the environment mattered to me. The very ground we walk on, the gardens we tend, offer us the chance to make a positive impact. Our yards hold within them the potential for incredible transformation. If I’ve learned anything from my journey, it’s that science, like the earth itself, is always evolving. As stewards of this world, it is our responsibility to embrace new knowledge with open hands and open hearts, especially when that knowledge brings us closer to kindness, sustainability, and a better way of living for all beings.

I am so grateful to live in a city that listens. Oakwood’s leaders have created space for us to share our ideas, concerns, and hopes for a better tomorrow. Last night, I stood before the city council to speak about something our community has become deeply passionate about: the harmful effects of toxic lawn chemicals. As more members of our community become aware of the dangers these products pose to our health and environment, they are educating themselves on better, gentler ways to care for the land. Organic land management, it turns out, is not only safer and more sustainable, but it’s also more cost-effective.

I had the honor of bringing these critical issues to our city’s leadership, offering insights into how we can strengthen our community through more mindful land stewardship. These concerns are gaining traction in cities across the country, as science increasingly shows the harmful effects of lawn chemicals on our health, wildlife, ecosystems, and even our finances.

I encourage everyone who has something positive to contribute to their community to find their voice. The change we seek for our world begins at home, in our neighborhoods, in our states, and from there, ripples outward. It’s in local leadership where the most meaningful and lasting impact happens.

Here’s the speech I gave last night. I’m hopeful for the changes that Oakwood will soon embark on, and I look forward to sharing what’s next for our community!��

Oakwood City Council Meeting of September 16, 2024 Produced by the City of Oakwood

I am covered in mosquito bites. 😫

But, before you comment and say, “call up mosquito services x,” PLEASE, for the love of the planet, your children, your food, your life, just consider the following…

Many commercial mosquito sprays promise to keep your backyard mosquito-free, but they often fall short. These sprays typically rely on chemicals like pyrethroids, which may initially reduce mosquito populations. However, mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable and can quickly develop resistance to these chemicals, rendering them ineffective over time. This resistance occurs because a small number of mosquitoes naturally possess genes that protect them from the spray. When these mosquitoes survive and reproduce, their resilient offspring dominate the population. Additionally, over-reliance on chemical sprays can harm beneficial insects and disrupt local ecosystems. A more effective approach to mosquito control includes reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed, using physical barriers like screens, and promoting natural predators such as bats and birds.

Mosquito sprays, especially those containing pyrethroids and other synthetic chemicals, can have numerous adverse effects on the environment, soil, wildlife, and human health. When sprayed, these chemicals don't just target mosquitoes; they also impact non-target species, including beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which play crucial roles in pollination and pest control. The chemicals can leach into the soil, disrupting soil microbiota and affecting soil health, leading to reduced fertility and harming plants. Wildlife, particularly aquatic organisms, are also at risk as runoff from sprayed areas contaminates water bodies, affecting fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life. Birds and other animals that consume contaminated insects can suffer from poisoning and reproductive issues. For humans, exposure to these chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and, with prolonged exposure, more severe health issues such as endocrine disruption and neurological effects. Moreover, the indiscriminate use of these sprays can lead to the development of chemical-resistant mosquito populations, making future control efforts even more challenging. A holistic approach that includes natural and integrated pest management strategies is essential to mitigate these negative impacts while effectively controlling mosquito populations.

Harmful Effects of Mosquito Sprays:

Impact on Non-Target Insects: 🐝
Pollinators: Over 40% of managed honeybee colonies in the U.S. were lost between April 2018 and April 2019, with pesticide exposure being a significant factor (Bee Informed Partnership).

Natural Predators: Pyrethroid exposure can reduce populations of beneficial predatory insects by up to 80% in treated areas (Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal).

Soil Health:
Microbial Disruption: Pyrethroids can reduce soil microbial biomass by 30-50%, affecting nutrient cycling (Journal of Environmental Quality).

Plant Toxicity: Pesticide residues can decrease plant root growth by 20-40% in contaminated soils (Ecotoxicology Journal).

Water Contamination:
Aquatic Life: Pyrethroids were detected in 60% of urban streams, often exceeding toxicity thresholds for aquatic life (U.S. Geological Survey).

Ecosystem Imbalance: Pesticides in water bodies have led to a 50% decline in amphibian populations in some areas (Global Change Biology).

Wildlife:
Bioaccumulation: Birds exposed to pyrethroids can have residues in their tissues at levels up to 50 times higher than those in their environment (Journal of Avian Biology).

Reproductive Issues: Wildlife exposed to pyrethroids exhibit a 25-30% decrease in reproductive success (Environmental Health Perspectives).

Human Health:
Immediate Effects: Approximately 25% of individuals exposed to mosquito control pesticides experience acute symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues (CDC).

Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure to pesticides is associated with a 30-50% increased risk of developing neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (American Journal of Epidemiology).

Childhood Cancer: Children exposed to high levels of pesticides have a 60% increased risk of developing leukemia and other childhood cancers (Pediatrics Journal).

Resistance Development:
Mosquito Adaptation: In some regions, up to 90% of mosquito populations have developed resistance to commonly used pyrethroids (Journal of Vector Ecology).

Environmental Persistence:
Longevity: Certain pyrethroids can persist in the environment for up to 90 days, continuing to pose risks to non-target organisms (Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal).

These statistics highlight the extensive and varied impacts of mosquito sprays on the environment, wildlife, and human health, underscoring the need for more sustainable pest control methods.

Transforming our community’s approach involves planting native, beneficial plants to kickstart the natural cycle of life. Focusing on soil health and altering mindsets is what will have a lasting impact. The more we rely on spraying for mosquitoes, the more we exacerbate mosquito population problems.

Native plants are particularly effective in controlling pests because they attract and support a variety of beneficial insects and wildlife. These natural predators help keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Additionally, native plants are adapted to the local environment, making them more resilient and easier to maintain. For example, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) attracts birds that feed on insects, Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) supports a range of pollinators and beneficial insects, and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) has fragrant leaves that act as a natural mosquito repellent while attracting pollinators.

Let’s work together to protect our environment, our health, and our future by choosing sustainable mosquito control methods. 🌍💚

☠ STOP SUPPORTING PEST CONTROL COMPANIES. ☠

Yesterday was TATER THURSDAY with my best SPUD !💖

Harvested the first tower of golden potatoes. May have over packed the potato tower, but a harvest is a harvest and it’s even better with your friends. 👩🏻‍🌾🥔👩🏼‍🌾

Tomorrow looks like it’s going to be a spudtacular day to come out to the from 9am - 12pm! Swing by, say hi! Check out the taters, fresh herbs, natives, and house plants. See you there. ✌🏼

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