Editor’s note: Here is the latest news from Georgina Blackmore from the Weed Management Advisory group on the campaign to stop the spraying of glyphosate in Auckland.
For more information and to sign a petition against the use of glyphosate, please see this link https://naturalmedicine.net.nz/environmental-health/please-help-get-rid-of-glyphosate/
As the update below states, if you are in a part of Auckland where glyphosate is currently used and you do not want the verge outside your home to be sprayed you can go on the no spray list by following the instructions at this link: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/asset-maintenance/weed-spraying/no-spray-register/.
Dear Friends,
This isn’t a chilling paranormal tale and there are no conspiracy theories here – Bermuda have actually just banned the import of Roundup (AKA Glyphosate) into their country.(1) High-five to Bermuda!
Bermuda is such a small country, but they are taking a BIG stand to protect their people and environment in light of the recent WHO classification of Glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
But it’s not just Bermuda. Cities and countries around the world are starting to wake up and take the dangers inherent in Glyphosate seriously with what seems like a new country every week making moves to restrict or ban Glyphosate entirely.
Germany’s state consumer protection ministers are now calling for an EU-wide ban on Glyphosate in parks, roads, gardens and playgrounds.(2) As the EU’s approval for Glyphosate is due to expire at the end of the year, this is a critical time – Europe could see this product banned in EU communities within 6 months!
In the retail sector a massive corporation called REWE in Germany have made the decision to remove products containing Glyphosate from all of their DIY stores.(3) *Hint-hint* Mitre 10!
All this is great news. The dominoes are beginning to topple…
We must remember that the world is in this together and when one country, like Bermuda, takes a stand; it strengthens the case for others.
New Zealand is very similar to Bermuda. We both use Glyphosate for weed control in cites/towns and we also don’t have Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) or ‘Roundup-Ready’ crops which tie us to the use of Roundup in agriculture. This, thankfully, makes it a little easier for Bermuda (and us) to drop Glyphosate and move on to safer methods of weed control without threatening our economies.
Auckland can make Glyphosate disappear too. But we need to send a strong message to the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.
Now is the time to take action and tell the Council that we want Glyphosate banned on Auckland roads and parks.
One simple way to do this is to go on the No-Spray Register
This doesn’t stop the Council spraying on parks, reserves or non-residential roads in your area, but does stop them spraying outside your home. Let’s show the Council just how many people are concerned about spraying – say ‘NO’ to the verge in front of your home being sprayed with this dangerous chemical.
Request your property be removed from the spray register or you can call (09) 355-3553 and tell them of your concern and request a no-spray pack to be sent out to you.
Imagine the message we can send if thousands of us opt-out of spraying outside our homes. What if all of us said ‘no’?
If you haven’t already done so, please don’t forget to share our petition with your friends and follow us on Facebook.
Thank you again for your support. Real change happens when everyday people like you and I take a stand for what we believe in.
Together we can stand up for each other.
Georgina
P.S. Have a read of the good news:
(1) http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20150511/NEWS/150519966