Pesticides, at their first induction into general society?s usage, were considered by many as the golden product. The chemical structure allowed for elimination of insects, weeds and other organisms of the sort, thus hindering the spread of diseases such as malaria. Food could be produced in abundance and this given sector of the economy would drastically see increases.

However, what was then disregarded was concerning health consequences. Bans, as a result, led this, and groups ranging from the governmental sector (Stockholm Convention) to organizational ones (WHO) started taking initiative. Identification on types of species and their poisonings were taken into account and even more careful scrutiny on data collection of casualties or death were conducted. Scientific advancements with medicine are of utmost importance as well.  

What is not done too much with however, is on the environment. Yes, the public is aware of the same aforementioned health consequences in relation to species loss but nevertheless, the level of initiatives are much too subpar. What is going on with the honey bee populations is worsening and the fact that male frogs exposed to this chemical become females aren?t any different. Overall, a disruption of the biodiversity cycle can in turn, impact our livelihood as well.

Currently, the solutions available are small scale, that is, what many people take action on impact merely themselves and at most, their surrounding community. This includes, for instance, organic alternatives incorporating oils, plants and vegetables. If interested, one can access the more comprehensive recipes here: https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/8-natural-homemade-insecticides-save-your-garden-without-killing-earth.html

And yet, the potential is all there. The core of the issue, when analyzed, shows the following methods can mitigate usage of pesticides entirely:

• Crop rotation: Because insects and weeds cannot adapt to changes of crops, they will have to resort to moving to different locations to find food. Crop yields and lowered irrigation are also present.

• Soil incorporation: This is the process of placing the pesticide into the top two inches of soil by tillage, thus, avoiding runoff of the substance where species could be harmed from it.

• Early preplant application: The application of pesticides before the crop emerges from the soil, like the above, prevents runoff.

• Split application: Giving the amount of pesticides in various increments throughout the entire agricultural process. Little to no contamination and its health associations will be at hand.

Making this a general norm and making this known on the side of major agricultural industries and environmental protection agencies alike is imperative for change. Especially with the spread of population growth, alternative systems would help aid developing nations where poverty and hunger are rampant. Consequences are avoided, and in the end, we can still experience the preliminary benefits that pesticides first brought us.

Credit to WHO, EPA, and Pesticide Action Network