About

My interest in the effects of pesticides began when I worked for the Sierra Club in Los Angeles.  Even though I worked in their production office for movies, I read the Environmental News Network looking for stories that might be worth developing.

Instead, I found a fascination with the amount of chemicals I used and brought into my home. Harmful chemicals can be found in detergents, cleaners even shampoos.  All of these things I had control over.  Most I have stopped using. When I started researching chemicals I found out about their links to cancer in children, adults and pets.

I read how middle and upper-class families were most affected because they could afford the chemicals to keep their lawns green. Women seemed to be more susceptible than men, perhaps because they were home more often during the sprayings.  Men's sperm counts have been affected by chemicals; however, many women from my neighborhood who have more exposure to these chemicals, have recently battled or lost their lives to cancer most likely as a result of this exposure.
 

In my neighborhood, the smell of pesticides filled most summer days. I lost my mother to cancer. The doctors never knew what kind. We also lost a dog to cancer and one to heart problems. I strongly believe the pesticides we used were partially to blame.

Doctors and nurses are aware of the harmful nature of pesticides. What amazes me is how few people know what they are being exposed to, and up until a few years ago, how little I knew about it all.

I’ve created this site because I want to share what I’ve learned and explore the alternatives. I would love to hear your stories and tips for pesticide-free gardening.

Thank you for visiting my site.

Dagny McKinley
dagnymckinley@yahoo.com