The Less Herbicides, The Better

Herbicides are used to kill weeds and other undesirable plants. Although herbicide use is important to maintain invasive plants and weeds, it is also important to recognize the negative effects they have on the environment and people, if used irresponsibly. Understanding the side effects can help prevent unnecessary harm and encourage responsible use and management of herbicides.

By using land for solar rather than for agricultural use, we save 2,625 gallons of 2,4 D and 492 gallons of roundup over the course of a solar farm’s lifetime. Herbicides have been linked to:

• Destruction of wildlife and habitats

• Depletion of animal and aquatic life

• Air, water, and soil pollution.

By changing the vegetation of treated sites, herbicides also change the habitats of the surrounding animals. These herbicides can then runoff into nearby water bodies, creating water pollution problems and increase herbicides in groundwater discharge.

Herbicides can also have negative effects of humans. Inhaling herbicides can cause damage and irritation to the respiratory tract. Herbicides can also affect the nose, eyes, and throat, and the symptoms can be temporary or in extreme cases, permanent. Along with any other harmful chemical, herbicides can be linked to an increased risk of cancer and birth defects.