Are you busy in your yard improving that “curbside appeal”?
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 Roundup®! It WORKED and delivered every time. WOW – was I in the dark about the potential harm.
Just this year, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate, an active ingredient in “Roundup®, as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
The World Health Organization’s 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 world’s top oncology experts from 11 countries.
SO, I very reluctantly said goodbye to Roundup® and have been in search of natural alternatives to Roundup®. My search for an alternative that actually WORKED had been in vain, until a friend of mine introduced me to a crazy “recipe” 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 – 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 – I got mine for $19 at Home Depot):
- 1 gallon vinegar
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner’s 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.)
You may think I am “over the top,” but did you know…
- 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 “pause” when it comes to the many chemicals and toxins we may be exposing ourselves to on a regular basis. (For MORE on this – 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.
Let’s take a stand for keeping ourselves and our world HEALTHY!
~ Julie
