The agricultural sector is the predominant user, applying pesticides to both grow and preserve food crops. These chemicals can create drift in the air and run-off into water sources, contaminating the natural environment for both rural residents and wildlife. Pesticides used in farming also make their way to consumers as residues on a wide range of food items, most commonly fruit, vegetables and grains such as wheat.
Pesticides are still widely available to buy in various UK supermarkets, garden centres and DIY chains for use at home. However, certain major retailers have removed these products from their shelves in an effort to protect biodiversity and human health.
Pesticides are also used by councils and other private land managers (such as housing estates) to clear roads, pavements, playgrounds and other urban spaces of ‘weeds’. This is the focus of our campaign.