by Awanee Russell, Stevensville
Wow, life can change in an instant. And yet, though it is 2025 what I see around me is very shocking! Herbicides and insecticides containing life-threatening glyphosate and many other potent neurotoxins are being blithely sprayed, copiously, in municipalities, county- and federally-regulated areas. Not to mention the gallons dumped on private lands!
Way back in 1996, a Prime Time newscast warned us all re these dangers. Wake up, people! If these sprays kill weeds and bugs, they’ll also greatly harm you. The use of these toxic chemical poisons is scientifically proven to cause severe debilitating illness and autoimmune disorders and does kill. They are proven carcinogens (cancer-causers). Independent scientific testing detected the presence of the pesticide Dursban eight years after its application. In the case of Paraquat, abundantly sprayed on South American soy crops, there is no known antidote to poisoning.
After pesticides enter our bodies through air, water, food, and other exposures, they are NOT easily excreted, metabolized. Very copious research worldwide does show that they indeed cause birth defects, dementia, mental illness, Alzheimer’s genital tract abnormalities, childhood hyperactivity, human and animal disease and DEATH. Not to mention the huge devastation wrought on beneficial insects, birds and more.
My own Montana rural childhood provided many exposures to pesticides. No doctor could explain my severe hair loss, vomiting, heart problems, twisted breastbone, nosebleeds and more. It took me roughly 14 years to recover, using natural, alternative and spiritual methods. Then, I worked at dog and horse shows where pesticides were used in huge measures. I also assisted two clients, one at her store in Missoula, and one at a large ranch in WY to remove stockpiles of pesticides. Though I used disposable gloves and double-bagged the toxins, I am now battling cancer.
We MUST grasp that all use of these chemical poisons is extremely dangerous, and work together to halt their use. Very viable alternatives do exist: hoeing weeds (check out the hula-hoe), pulling weeds, corn gluten pre-emergent, agricultural strength vinegar, spraying with Dr. Bronner’s soap, and blends of powerful essential oils. For a great catalog and more info, call Arbico, 1-800-827-2847. Also, go online to Mother Earth News to see their offering of safe effective products.
In closing, please ponder these words, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more man.” — Albert Einstein