Stop Fertilizers and Pesticides

Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used for gardens, lawns, and farms are full of toxic chemicals that harm both terrestrial and aquatic animals (not to mention people!). These chemicals first kill off helpful soil microorganisms, causing the soil to turn into lifeless dirt. When it rains, this loose dirt washes away and carries these harmful chemicals with it. Where do the soil and toxins end up? In our freshwaters! This causes water to become more toxic, acidic, and salty. It also increases sedimentation, or buildup of silt and other substances on the bottom layer of the waterbed. If you have a garden, you can learn more about how to switch to organic gardening (gardening without the use of fertilizers and pesticides). At your school or community park, you can work to stop the use of fertilizers and pesticides there, too! You will need to get in contact with the people who take care of those sites so you can talk with them about their methods.