During my recent visit to Home Depot I noticed that their flowering plants are potted in soil that has been treated with neonicotiniods. A large tag was included with each plant explaining its care, while a smaller one was tucked in the tray stating that the neonicotinoid or neonicocide is "deer resistant" and approved by the EPA.
This new pesticide is very dangerous. It is banned in most European countries.
Neonicotinoids are very high concentrations of nicotine which will kill a bee, and its hive, within 48 hours of its attempt to pollinate.
We now have 40% of the bees that we had in the 60's. Seven of our bees are now on the endangered species list, as are many butterflies.
Our food supplies, not to mention home vegetable gardens, cannot be pollinated with dead bees.
PLEASE share this petition asking that Lowes, Home Depot and other suppliers stop the use of these pesticides.
Lastly, while these plants may be safe for humans to handle, they are not safe for our animals or children. Remember, babies like to eat dirt.
Keep children and animals away from your Home Depot flowers.
To the corporations of Home Depot and Lowes,
I pray that you do further research on the use of neonicotinoids in your flowering plant soils.
The facts about neonicotinoids aired on a PBS channel, and further investigation may prove that while humans may handle these plants safely, this pesticide (now mandatory if I choose to purchase my outdoor plants with you) will destroy an entire population of bees within 48 hours of a bee's attempt to pollinate.
There are 7 bees on the endangered species list now, and these soils will only further endanger them. Please become more educated about neonicotinoids and remove these plants from your stores at once.
