Success: Toxic Pesticide Banned

Target: Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission

Goal: Praise the European Union’s ban on the use of a dangerous fungicide.

The European Union has banned the use of chlorothalonil, the most-used pesticide in the United Kingdom. The fungicide has been used to prevent mold and mildew on crops, but recent studies have shown that the chemical is damaging to the DNA of living things and may be responsible for the sharp decline in the bee population. The ban will be made official within the next several weeks.

Pesticide use is one of the major causes of environmental problems in the UK; air pollution, the decline in many species of wildlife, and water contamination have been linked to their use. Additionally, while there has been no direct proof of it destroying the bee population, it makes the insects more susceptible to parasites that weaken their immune systems and overall digestive health. Petitions such as this one have been circulated demanding the ban of pesticide use throughout the country.

The UK is one of the most heavily polluted countries in the world, and any steps taken to lessen this problem are steps in the right direction. Sign this petition to thank the European Council for banning this toxic fungicide.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Juncker,

Thank you for banning the use of chlorothalonil in the UK. The toxic fungicide has been known to cause DNA damage in wildlife and humans, and may be linked to the decline in the world’s bee population. Pesticide use is one of the major factors in the UK’s pollution problems, and may do more harm than good to the plants it supposedly protects.

In banning the use of chlorothalonil, you are improving the quality of life for living creatures, as well as that of the country’s air and water. While it may only be one step in cleaning up the pollution of the UK, it is a very important step. It is hoped that this ban will lead to the banning of all pesticides and the use of more humane methods to protect crops.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Jeff Vanuga