## Garden center products

Gardening products are substances used to maintain and treat plants, lawns, and gardens. They include pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and products for disease and pest control.

1%
Of pesticides are used on target pests

Only 1% of pesticides are effective against the target pests, while the rest harm beneficial insects, soil, and water.

99%
Leaving the remaining to impact the environment

99% of waste is improperly disposed of, leaving the remaining 1% to severely impact the environment — from polluted oceans to toxic soils.

## Dangers

## Pesticide Toxicity:

Discarded pesticides and herbicides can be toxic to humans and animals, causing poisonings.

## Soil and Water Contamination:

Chemicals from gardening products can seep into the soil and groundwater, contaminating water sources.

## Air Pollution:

Volatile gardening products can pollute the air, affecting air quality and respiratory health.

## Risks to Wildlife:

Gardening waste can be ingested by wildlife, causing poisoning and death.

Excessive or incorrect use of gardening products can pose risks to human health, such as skin irritations, respiratory disorders, and poisoning. Additionally, the chemicals in these products can contaminate soil, water, and air, affecting biodiversity and the environment.

## Where to throw them ?

To dispose of gardening products safely, it is recommended to take them to special collection points, such as hazardous waste recycling centers or product return programs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only about 1% of pesticides are used on target pests, leaving the remaining 99% to impact the environment. Avoid throwing them in regular trash bins or pouring them down drains.

## The alternatives

Alternatives to chemical gardening products include using organic and natural gardening methods such as crop rotation, composting, mulching, and the use of natural insecticides and fertilizers. These methods are more environmentally friendly and help preserve soil health and biodiversity. According to a study by the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic gardening products have increased by 20% in the past decade, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable gardening practices.