Organic — the fastest-growing sector in the American food market — has enjoyed double-digit growth since 2000, and is still going strong. This paved the way for robust development of like-minded consumer products and choices, from safer cosmetics and BPA-free receptacles to hybrid vehicles and bike lanes.
Suddenly organic gardening, while not new, left the niche for the mainstream. “Five years ago during our annual trade shows and seminars, 90% of speakers were supporting pesticides. Now in 2016, 80% are organic,” says an area organic landscaper.
The debate over health effects associated with lawn pesticides rages on, but organic advocates cite studies and warnings by such sources as the National Cancer Institute, American Academy of Pediatrics, and NIH as reason enough to reduce exposure. Just as children are especially vulnerable, dogs are, too; a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association links bladder cancer and lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. A U.S. Geological Survey found at least two pesticides in every stream sampled across the United States, and at least one in every fish sample.
Connecticut legislation, local action
Chiefly driven by personal health and environmental concerns, organic landscaping was given an additional push by legislation. In Connecticut, 2009 saw the use of chemical lawn pesticides for cosmetic reasons prohibited on the grounds of daycare centers; in 2010, the ban took effect at all K-8 schools.
New Canaan convened a Pesticide Committee in 2008 to examine the issue and craft a plan for compliance, which voluntarily includes New Canaan High School. “We have been very successful by incorporating organic products into our field maintenance,” says John Howe, superintendent of Parks, who specializes in turf management. Although Howe advocates the judicious and limited use of pesticides on athletic fields, not all turf professionals bring his experience and restraint to the job — hence support for the ban from environmentalists and concerned parents.
A Virginia Tech study found that homeowners use up to ten times more pesticides than are needed, making residential overuse of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers even more troubling to organic supporters. “I felt strongly that I wanted an environment where I didn’t have to worry about chemicals on my kids or on my pet,” says Cyra Borsy, a longtime gardener on Carter Street. “My neighbor also started using organic lawn care because of her family’s asthma.”
New Canaan condos
Condominiums are often positioned to take advantage of healthy lifestyle trends — given their proximity to town and public transportation, dense zoning, and shared resources — yet condo properties were slower to sign on. Now that organic land care costs are competitive, however, some condos in town have recently jumped aboard.
Responding to resident concerns ranging from asthma and allergies to runoff polluting the Long Island Sound, Michael Novia, then-board president of Park Mead Condominiums, made the switch in 2012. Novia, a local realtor, took the long view, recognizing the quality-of-life benefits as well as organic’s value in the marketplace.
Patience, peer pressure
Going organic isn’t hard, but it does take grit. Chemically treated lawns can take up to three years to transition, and that requires patience and a new perspective. Because it requires more labor up front, the cost of going organic is higher during the transition period, when lawn and garden are essentially weaned off synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. During this time the focus changes from feeding the plant to feeding the soil, and eventually restoring a naturally functioning ecosystem.
New Canaan residents identify with their landscapes, and the pressure to conform to pesticide use can be great. Pesticide-Free New Canaan invites homeowners to join its Hall of Fame, a registry of organic landscapes in town listed on the nonprofit’s website, to show what “organic” can look like. The range is broad; some say Weed Patch, others say Country Club. Gaby and Duke Beecher are Hall of Famers whose Main Street lawn and garden showcases pesticide-free landscaping. The Beechers’ Pesticide-Free Zone sign on their mailbox post celebrates their accomplishment.
“We’re proud of it,” says Gaby Beecher, who gently reminds passersby about the issue.
The Pesticide Free Zone signs, adorned with beneficial ladybugs and bees, are used nationwide to encourage safe lawns and build momentum for the movement, which continues to grow.
For more information, visit Pesticide-Free New Canaan at pesticidefreenc.org.
Micaela Porta is co-founder of Pesticide-Free New Canaan, a nonprofit that raises awareness of dangers associated with lawn pesticides and helps people transition to safer methods of lawn care. She lives in New Canaan with her husband and two sons.
Pesticide Sidebar
Cardinal rules of organic lawn care
Organic landscaping is becoming popular in New Canaan. Lucas Alvarez, 10, freely plays on the organic lawn at Park Mead in New Canaan.