Paradigms live in a garden of sorts. Competing elements, some desired, others not so much, struggle to survive in a system of natural selection. Similarly, while gardeners may dream of only heirloom tomatoes or blue-ribbon roses, we all must face weeds along the way. But, when dealing with these persistent pests, how should we proceed? The question is perhaps surprisingly more germane today than ever.

Since the Second World War, didactic consumer ads have preached better things for better living through chemistry. In fact, DuPont adopted the very phrase as its corporate mantra in 1939. After over half-a-century, the commercial thrust behind the use of chemical pesticides has seemingly obliterated the possibility of alternatives. To many home gardeners, the use of chemicals seems the only viable option in pesticide use.

In fact, it is not.

BioLynceus Biological Solutions, an environmental company based in Colorado, distributes AllDown, the only organic weed and grass herbicide. Although other herbicides claim to be all-natural, they have not been reviewed or listed. Labels can be ambiguous, but green gardeners can rely on AllDown's authenticity.

AllDown is a non-selective broadleaf herbicide containing vinegar, garlic and other ingredients. While it sounds like it belongs on a salad, Biological Solutions claims it can safely exterminate weeds within hours, especially when applied on a warm, sunny day.

The Boulder County Weed Project (BCWP) is currently considering using AllDown if requested to do so by its clients. “The practical basis is one of our main concerns,” says Tim DiAmato of the BCWP. “If a client is adverse to chemical use, we want to do all that we can to provide alternatives. AllDown has us excited.”

So, why not go green? Simply, no one knows.

In the sixties, the alarming level of chemical pesticide use in this country led scientist and best-selling author Rachel Carson to describe, in her book Silent Spring, “a rain of chemicals” bound to destroy the earth if not stopped. As some argue, Carson sprouted what has blossomed into today’s environmental movement. In response perhaps to such a nascent social desire a paradigmatic shift away from a stubborn adherence to the use of chemicals, DuPont dropped chemistry from its mantra in the eighties and ultimately changed their corporate slogan to “Miracles through science.”

However, the movement for which Carson and others fought over forty years ago has not fully matured. The influence of over fifty years of market advertising on behalf of chemical pesticides has deprived the modern gardener of sufficient knowledge pertaining to non-toxic alternatives.

A paradigm shift must occur in order for organic herbicides to survive and benefit our communities. Rick Allen of Biological Solutions insists, “People don’t buy organic herbicides because for fifty years they’ve been told to pursue ‘a better life through chemistry’. Now, we are trying to shift that paradigm in order to promote ‘a better life through microbiology’.”

Though optimistic regarding the potential benefits of using organic herbicides as a safe alternative to weed control, DiAmato also remains concerned about community awareness: “Even if there are alternative products out there that work, people aren’t always aware of them.”

Connie Smith, manager of Sturtz and Copeland in Boulder, agrees with DiAmato, “Customers are not coming in and immediately asking for AllDown, or any other particular organic product, by name. In fact, not enough people even know it exists. Most people just come in with a desperate look on their face, not wanting to use chemicals, but not knowing the viable alternatives”.

Although Smith personally endorses the use of organic products like AllDown, she can imagine why such products may be frustrating for some people who are accustomed to using chemicals. Though it does not always occur, there is a potential need to reapply AllDown in order to get rid of certain obstinate perennials.

Smith and her customers, however, exemplify the education and persistence necessary for organic herbicides to succeed as a safe alternative to weed control. “Everyone is just so glad to learn that there is a viable alternative out there”.

Why Not Go Green?
Contributed by: Mike Kolakoski, Environmental Journalist, Tucson, AZ

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