Are you busy in your yard improving that ācurbside appealā?
Did you know you may be exposing yourself to possible cancer-causing chemicals?!
Until just last year, I WAS! Most weekends, you will find me in my yard lovingly trying to help it look its BEST, and that includes killing WEEDS. Of course, my solution to all my weed woes was RoundupĀ®! It WORKED and delivered every time. WOW ā was I in the dark about the potential harm.
Just this year, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate, an active ingredient in āRoundupĀ®, as āprobably carcinogenic to humans.ā
The World Health Organizationās research arm, the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), made its updated cancer determination for glyphosate following a review of the available scientific research by 17 of the worldās top oncology experts from 11 countries.
SO, I very reluctantly said goodbye to RoundupĀ® and have been in search of natural alternatives to RoundupĀ®. My search for an alternative that actually WORKED had been in vain, until a friend of mine introduced me to a crazy ārecipeā that I swore would never work. (THANK YOU, KATHY!)
After a month of trying to pull weeds by hand (sheer misery), I finally gave it a whirl –Ā and all I can tell you is that this vinegar weed killer mix REALLY WORKS!
Recipe for the Best Nontoxic Weed Killer
Mix the Following into a Sprayer (see picture ā I got mine for $19 at Home Depot):
- 1 gallon vinegar
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup Dr. Bronnerās Sal Suds (found at Whole Foods, Richards, Earth Origins)
Mix well and spray on weeds. It honestly works as well as the Roundup!
Apparently, it works because the vinegar is a mild acid, and with the Epson salts and soap, it forms a scum that coats the weeds.
(Note: when you are done, make sure you rinse and clean the sprayer well before your next application. The Epson salts can potentially clog the sprayer.)Ā
You may think I am āover the top,ā but did you knowā¦
- Approximately 85,000 synthetic chemicals are registered today in the US
- It is estimated that 1000 or more NEW chemicals are made each year. Complete toxicological screening data is available for only 7% of these chemicals!
- 94% of these chemicals have not even been tested for their effects on human health. (References to these stats available upon request!)
NOW, more than ever, there is good reason to take āpauseā when it comes to the many chemicals and toxins we may be exposing ourselves to on a regular basis. (For MORE on this ā check out one of my earlier blogs)
So be good to YOURSELF, the Environment, Pets, & Neighbors and try this DIY Herbicide!
I would LOVE to hear about YOUR experience – especially in regards to weed killer made from vinegar, salt and detergents. Leave a Comment..
Oh, and be sure to SHARE with friends, family, and co-workers.
Letās take a stand for keeping ourselves and our world HEALTHY!
~ Julie