Did You Know?
Here where I live in Idaho, our seemingly pristine lakes are sprayed with glyphosate, an herbicide better known as Roundup. The reality of our 'clean waters' in Idaho is far from the truth. A picture I’ve included shows several pounds of weeds carried away from just one home’s beachfront area. Despite our beliefs, Idaho's waters are not as pristine as we think. Is it a similar situation in most places in the US?
A Closer Look at the Issue
Summertime recreation in our area creates lifelong memories, but there's a dark side. Over 70% of freshwater bodies and 42% of streams in Idaho are too polluted for safe recreation. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, contaminate our drinking and recreational waters, as well as the air we breathe. Agricultural and lawn care use of glyphosate, along with mining, milling, and smelting activities, have led to widespread contamination. A recent report from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) states that around 51% of the country’s rivers and 55% of its lakes are similarly polluted.
What’s Upstream, Downstream, and In-between?
Consider this cycle: we experience stress and make poor choices, often resorting to medication. These medications, through urination and feces, enter the sewage system and eventually contaminate fresh bodies of water and soil. The U.S. Geological Survey found that 80% of 139 streams tested contained detectable chemicals, including active pharmaceutical compounds contaminating aquatic life. Pharmaceuticals have even been detected in drinking water samples.
The Broader Picture of Contamination
From plastics and forever chemicals to pesticides and herbicides, our choices have significant environmental impacts. Before purchasing unnecessary chemicals, consider using acetic acid (found in vinegar) to rid your lawn of weeds. Daily detoxification with simple drops of Cell Defender can also help reduce your body's toxic load. If we don’t take steps to lead better lives, the contamination cycle will only worsen, including in your body; posing a threat to your health and quality of life.
The Effectiveness of Acetic Acid in Weed Control
Acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar, is an effective and natural alternative to synthetic herbicides for eradicating weeds. Here's how it works and where you can commonly find it:
How Acetic Acid Works
Mode of Action: Acetic acid acts as a desiccant. When applied to plant foliage, it draws out moisture from the leaves, causing the plant tissues to dry out and die. This is particularly effective on young, tender weeds.
Contact Herbicide: It is a contact herbicide, meaning it only affects the parts of the plant it directly touches. This makes it necessary to thoroughly cover the weeds during application.
Quick Results: Results can often be seen within hours of application, with weeds wilting and browning. However, it may require multiple applications to completely kill more established or tougher weeds.
Environmentally Friendly: As a natural substance, acetic acid breaks down quickly in the environment and does not leave harmful residues. It is a safer option for use around pets, children, and in vegetable gardens.
Where to Purchase Acetic Acid
Household Vinegar: Household white vinegar typically contains about 5% acetic acid and can be purchased at most grocery stores. This concentration is effective for small, young weeds.
Horticultural Vinegar: For tougher or more established weeds, horticultural vinegar, which contains 20% to 30% acetic acid, is more effective. This type of vinegar can be found at garden centers, home improvement stores, or online retailers specializing in gardening supplies.
Organic Gardening Sections: Many stores with organic gardening sections offer products specifically formulated for weed control that contain acetic acid. Look for labels indicating organic or natural weed control solutions.
DIY Solutions: For a DIY approach, you can enhance the effectiveness of household vinegar by mixing it with a few drops of dish soap. The soap helps the vinegar adhere better to the leaves of the weeds.
How to Use Acetic Acid for Weed Control
Preparation: Ensure you have a spray bottle or garden sprayer. If using household vinegar, you may want to consider undiluted application for best results.
Application: Apply on a sunny day to maximize the desiccant effect. Spray directly onto the leaves of the weeds, ensuring complete coverage. Avoid spraying desirable plants as it can harm them as well.
Repeat Treatments: Some weeds may require multiple applications, especially those with deeper root systems. Reapply every few days until the weeds are completely eradicated.
Think Before You Buy
Please think before purchasing desirable goods that are unnecessary and most often discarded within a year—you know what I'm talking about: that plastic cup you bought on vacation as a memento or that toy for your nephew. Opt for intentional gifts like handmade crafts, experiences, or sustainable items. For example, consider gifting a plant, a stainless steel tumbler, a cotton sweatshirt. These choices not only reduce waste but also contribute to a healthier environment. For example, on one trip to the Oregon Coast many years ago, I bought a fold-up beach chair I still use today. I love handy, practical items that last for years to come. Choosing durable, useful items over disposable ones makes a significant difference in reducing environmental impact.
Key Facts
Upstream:
Two hundred billion liters of untreated sewage are discharged annually into Canada’s waters. In 2017, over 270 million cubic meters of raw sewage and stormwater leaked into bodies of water across Canada【
13 Water Pollution Facts and Statistics in Canada: 2024 Update | House Grail】.
Nearly 22 million pounds of plastic debris end up in the Great Lakes every year.
Three billion barrels worth of Alberta bitumen have entered the world’s oceans.
Downstream:
There are serious concerns about the groundwater quality in the Magic Valley, which affects over 300,000 Idahoans who rely on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) for drinking water. The water quality is significantly degraded and is expected to worsen.
In-between:
Oregon has over 112,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet water quality standards.
The EPA’s studies reveal the presence of PFAS in public water systems, which can increase certain cancer risks and cause other health issues even at very low concentrations.
Environmental Laws and Policies
Fifty years ago, the U.S. passed the Clean Water Act aiming for “fishable, swimmable” water by 1983. However, about half of the nation’s lakes and rivers remain too polluted for swimming, fishing, or drinking. In 2015, the Act’s scope was expanded to cover about 60% of the nation's water bodies. In 2020, a new rule limited protections to navigable waterways, their tributaries, certain lakes and ponds, and adjacent wetlands, excluding groundwater and seasonal water features.
Hope for the Future
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revisiting a 2020 rule that removed Clean Water Act protections from many waterways, including smaller streams and wetlands. While government oversight might not always be appreciated, it's necessary to protect our environment from irresponsible actions.
Taking Action
To preserve our waters and environment, we must be mindful of our choices. Opt for natural alternatives and support policies that protect our water bodies. Together, we can make a difference and ensure cleaner, safer water for future generations.
5. Do Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Pose a Health Risk? | American Council on Science and Health (acsh.org)
6. Cell Defender: https://avinihealth.com/heatherholistics
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