I’ve recently been enjoying tandem-biking around the city. It’s a fun way to get some movement and explore new places. During these rides, one thing I have seen again and again, is a lot of people in their front yards spraying their lawns with weed killer. Most herbicide lawn formulas contain glyphosate, which has harmful effects on our health and the health of our planet. Because of this, I have decided that it’s time for a little deep dive into why glyphosate, this popular weed killer, is so problematic.
Why do we consider this look so beautiful that we harm our health to attain it?
Glyphosate based formulas, such as Round-up, are the most widely used herbicides in the world, and are what we frequently use for lawn maintenance. However, they pose a danger to both human health and the environment. The dangers are significant and it makes me wonder: if we knew the impact, would we continue to value our perfectly immaculate lawns over our health, the health of our families, pets, neighbors and the environment? I am hoping that, if you are someone who utilizes a glyphosate based herbicide on your lawn, that perhaps this blog post may sway how you feel about the cost/benefit of continuing to use it.
The Dangers of Glyphosate
Human Health IMPACT
Glyphosate has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. “Probable” means that this conclusion was based on limited data from human studies, but sufficient (i.e. a lot) of data from animal studies. Long-term exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; an increase of 41% in one study. Glyphosate, as well the chemicals included in a lot of glyphosate herbicide formulas, has endocrine (hormone) disrupting effects, reproductive toxicity and is neurotoxic. Childhood exposure to glyphosate is associated with health problems in adulthood, including cardiometabolic disorders and liver disease. The widespread use of glyphosate has led to its presence in food and water sources, heightening human health risks. Some things we cannot avoid, as humans existing on this planet at this moment in time, but if you’re spraying your lawn with glyphosate, you’re increasing your exposure right at your front door.
Microbiome impact
Technically, this section could just as easily be included under the human health impact, because if your microbiome is unhealthy, you’re going to be unhealthy.
Seriously though, this stuff really has a negative impact on your good gut bugs. Glyphosate kills weeds by affecting shikimate pathway in the weeds we want to keep away from our perfectly manicured lawns. Proponents of glyphosate use have used this as the logic behind saying that glyphosate is completely safe for humans. However, this could not be further from the truth. We don’t have this pathway in our cells, but our gut bacteria sure do, and we need those little guys. We need them so much. If you want to learn more about the microbiome and why it’s so important for human health, you can read all about it my 4 part Microbiome 101 series. Part 1, 2, 3, 4.
Environmental Impact
Glyphosate use contributes to environmental degradation. It damages non-target plants, animals, microbes, which has a ripple effect across ecosystems. It is toxic to the microbes and earthworms in the soil, causing devastating effects on soil richness and diversity. It leaches into water bodies, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and endangering aquatic organisms. Glyphosate kills wildflowers, which are crucial for supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Not to mention, research has shown that Roundup is also directly toxic to bees (this study attributed the effects to other chemicals in the Roundup formula). This loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems and hampers the overall health of our planet.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives
Embrace Edible Weeds
Look at this beautiful lawn filled with gorgeous dandelions!!
Rather than eradicating all vegetation from lawns, consider identifying and embracing edible weeds. Many weeds such as lamb’s quarters, purslane, and chickweed are not only safe to consume but also packed with nutrition. Violets bring a pop of color to spring salads. Chicory, dandelion and plantain have medicinal uses. Educate yourself about these weeds and incorporate them into your diet, thereby reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Keep in mind that if you don’t know whether or not a lawn has been sprayed with herbicide, you should refrain from eating the weeds!
Convert Lawns into Productive Gardens
One of the most effective ways to reduce the harmful effects of glyphosate and make better use of your lawn (I would argue!) is by converting it into a productive food garden. Utilize the space to grow organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. By doing so, you can cultivate fresh and healthy produce, reduce your carbon footprint, and reconnect with nature. Bonus: gardening is good for your health! Don’t believe me, you can read what these scientists have to say about it. This guy too, who says your doctor should be encouraging you to do more gardening for your mental and physical health. So here’s your rx: gardening and more time in nature.
Implement Natural Weed Control Methods
If you don’t want to dig up your lawn to create a food garden, or embrace a garden filled with beautiful native plants, and instead are hoping to limit weed growth (which hey, that’s cool - we all have different desires!), instead of relying on glyphosate, maybe explore alternative weed control methods. Regular mowing can prevent weed growth. Mulching, hand-pulling weeds, and using organic herbicides, like vinegar or boiling water, are also effective in keeping unwanted plants at bay. The Farmer’s Almanac is a good resource for natural ways to manage weeds.
Take away
It’s important to remember that we can’t control everything. Trying to do that is just going to drive you bonkers. There’s no way we can all 100% avoid exposure to glyphosate, as it is so widely used. However, here’s what is absolutely within our control: what we do, or do not, spray on our lawns. Glyphosate use on lawns poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. To mitigate these dangers and move towards a more sustainable future, we would do well to reconsider our approach to lawn care. Embracing edible weeds, converting lawns into productive gardens, and implementing natural weed control methods are viable alternatives that promote environmental stewardship and support a healthier lifestyle. By making conscious choices about how we maintain our lawns (or replace our lawns with other things!), we can contribute to a safer and more biodiverse world for ourselves and future generations.