Cedar
A tree native to mountainous regions from North America to Asia, cedar is known for its strong properties. There are many species of cedar but western red is commonly used for gardening purposes.
Pros
Cons
- Whilst native to areas outside of the UK, the species was introduced to Britain, planted in the UK for timber. British red cedar wood will be locally sourced and reduce emissions in terms of transport.
- Whilst some species of cedar are endanger, the western red cedar in Britain is not.
- The wood is durable and naturally resistant to fungi, due to natural preservatives.
- Cedar woods can be found FSC certified.
- The wood is usually reasonably priced.
- Imported red cedar tends to be more durable than locally sourced, but not by too much. Imports will also have more impact on the environment due to the amount they will travel.
- Cedar imported from non-certified sources and from abroad may have further environmental impacts, threatening habitats along with indigenous cultures.
Pesticides
Pesticides
A substance designed to kill a pest, be that plant (herbicide), insect, animal or microorganism, these can come in many forms, natural and chemical. Here the chemical pesticides will be analysed. One common pesticide is neonicotinoids. Learn the role of organic pesticides in sustainable gardening.
Pros
Cons
- Pesticides can easily contaminate the environment near them if they are sprayed in the air or not disposed off properly. (ref)
- Ground and surface water have both been found to have traces of pesticides, there from soil absorption and chemical runoff. (ref)
- The use of pesticides reduces general biodiversity. (ref)
- Animals may be poisoned by residue left by pesticides. (ref)
- By killing some organisms, animals higher up the food chain may be affected negatively as their food source is diminished. (ref)
- Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies can be impacted by pesticides and this can have undesirable effects. (ref) A result of pesticides not being selective and killing desired organisms. (ref)
- Some species can grow resistant to a pesticide, (ref) causing issues for the future, potentially.
- Conditions have to be good to use these chemicals, it should not be too windy or wet as this will potentially spread the pesticide. (ref)
- Organic pesticides tend to be more expensive, despite the fact they do less damage. (ref)
- The EU and the UK have the strictest laws on pesticides. (ref) Meaning pesticides purchased in the UK will not be as harmful as those elsewhere in the world.
- If it is the only solution, a pesticide can save a plant from being destroyed by pests. (ref)
- Following the label to the letter will reduce any potential damage to the environment. (ref)
- They are easy to buy and relatively cheap. (ref)
- Organic pesticides are available and this reduces their impact on the environment. (ref)
- Some species have no natural predators, and a pesticide is the only solution to getting rid of them. (ref)
Pesticides Summary
Pesticides can ensure that a pest is removed, and that plants and gardens are protected. The EU and the UK have the strictest rules worldwide when it comes to pesticides, meaning the most damaging pesticides are not found in the UK. Despite this, however, there are concerns about chemical leaks into the environment which kill and impact organisms. There are also issues in which synthetic pesticides can attack other, unintended organisms, impacting the wildlife in and near gardens. Organic pesticides are an alternate to synthetic pesticides (more information can be found below) which have less of an impact on the environment and help to ensure local environmental sustainability.
Alternates
- There are guides which specify how to repel certain pests from the garden. These guides advocate alternates which re not chemical in origin, they range from planting varieties of plants to using materials to repel pests. (ref), (ref)
