What hazardous chemicals might be lurking at the back of your shed, garage or under the kitchen sink? Help protect nature in your neighbourhood and dispose of unwanted pesticides by joining in England’s first domestic pesticide amnesty.
Image: Hoverlfy. Credit: Matt Postles.
The Natural History Consortium (the charity behind the city’s annual Festival of Nature) is running a “pesticide amnesty” on the weekend of October 23-24 for residents to ‘hand back’ their household and garden chemicals at one of two free pop-up events. The results will be given to University of Bristol’s chemistry department as we start to map out pesticide use around the city.
The use of pesticides has been linked to the decline in bees and other vital pollinators, as well as other insects, birds, mammals, and aquatic species that are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. To that end, these events will encourage residents to part with their pesticides and prevent their use in Bristol.
“The Pesticide Amnesty is an easy, free way to take action to support nature. Pesticides affect habitats and pollinators, and we know that having fewer chemicals at home is also safer. We’re inviting everyone who wants to join us in our target to reduce pesticide use across the city by 50% to get started. Our first 500 visitors will get a great ‘swap pack’ and we can’t wait to talk to people about their ideas for the balcony, garden or allotment”. said Savita Willmott, Director of The Natural History Consortium.
The pesticide amnesty will help Bristol to meet its target of reducing pesticides across the city by at least 50% by 2030, which will not be possible without the support of local residents.
At the events, Bristol residents will be able to:
1. Discuss the pesticide problem with a friendly welcome team who will be available to handle pesticides and answer questions about the impacts of using pesticides
2. Dispose of pesticides from their homes in an amnesty vehicle provided by Bristol Waste, aided by the welcome team
3. Receive a swap pack which will provide information on pesticide alternatives, where to get them and gardening tips
4. Contribute to scientific research, with pesticides handed over on the day used to monitor the change of pesticide use in Bristol, helping to produce a long term social study for the city.
People can take part in the Pesticide Amnesty at Redcatch Park on October 23 between 11-3, and at Blaise Nursery on October 24 between 11-3.
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