Bees Bayer Systemic Pesticide

[NYCorchidman]

I think some people misunderstood the original post. EU is banning the use of the named chemical for all, not just hobby grower. so why making comments about why we hobby growers have to suffer and what it does to the overall environment?

Speaking of which, I also believe that everyone can make a difference. One person here and there makes the whole world in the end, isn't it?

Some of the comments here I find very irresponsible and thoughtless. No wonder the world is a mess!

Katrina- Don't you think "partial" recycling and at least making an effort however imperfect is still better than not doing it altogether??

Also, I think you took the organic way far off. Organic does mean safer for both us and the environment. While the effect of both synthetic and "organic" pesticides (for one example) will do the job of killing insects, synthetic chemicals linger on in the environment while ones made with naturally deriven material breaks down more readily.

Another example are meat and poultry. Organic products are the ones not fed or treated with growth hormone, antibiotic and such. These are not only bad for the animals (at least not nice, isn't is?), it affects our health as well.

You sound very negative. The world has been polluted for years already now, so let's keep on going? I don't think that is the right mindset at all.

[orchidsarefun]

more power to the people......who care........

Subway bread chemical appears on many restaurant chain menus

I find it ironic that chains are doing something about this, they wouldn't have to if its "harmless" or defensible or an over-reaction, would they ? Name and shame is very effective.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

... I find it ironic that chains are doing something about this, they wouldn't have to if its "harmless" or defensible or an over-reaction, would they ?

Yes they would have to do something even if it is harmless or an over reaction. It is the public perception that is important, not reality.

[katrina]

NYOrchidman -- I will agree that every little bit helps. I will completely disagree w/the fact that I am being negative and I certainly never said that we should just keep doing what we are doing. Please reread my comments if that's what you took from it because that is not even close to what I was saying.

As for organic being safer...that is not always the case. Period. You can try to argue the point all you wish but the facts are the facts and organic doesn't necessarily mean safer. I'm not saying it's bad or worthless or even that in some case it isn't better...quite the contrary...for crying out loud I stated I buy organic w/some things. The problem comes in that many people simply do not have a good grasp on what that word really means. People see the word "organic" and they equate that word to safe. They see it on a pesticide and "hey, it's ok to go spraying and pouring away". These same people tend to scream about how bad "chemicals" are..."Hey, no worries...it's "organic". I'm sorry but I call that more irresponsible than any one word of my post.

Look, I'm not saying organic is bad and that people should't try to make a difference but I am saying that don't be fooled by the word. I'm saying/trying to say/intending to make the point...that the issues at hand are WAY bigger than what we use to kill insects on our orchids. I'm not saying and I never did say that using "natural" first is a bad thing but if you continue to spray neem time and time and time again...for years on end...that is more damaging to you and the environment than using a systemic responsibly a couple of times. That's a fact. Look it up.

I admitted to getting off track in my comments...as did you w/the whole poultry and beef comment. (I have a better understanding of some of that than you would ever imagine.) But, like I said...the issue is much bigger than what we use to treat mealies and scale (or whatever other insect that bothers a person) and I just get tired of the misinformation that abounds...hence the reason for my comments.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by katrina

I'm not saying and I never did say that using "natural" first is a bad thing but if you continue to spray neem time and time and time again...for years on end...that is more damaging to you and the environment than using a systemic responsibly a couple of times. That's a fact. Look it up.

you keep mentioning neem oil. Please supply a reference to back up your statement as I am unable to find anything meaningful - other than to say there are dangers when this is taken orally and it is not recommended for children or pregnant women ( along with plenty of other herbs I can think of ). No pesticide should be taken orally and care should be taken when spraying ALWAYS ?
Neem oil has been used extensively in India for topical treatments - for centuries......
I haven't found any reference to a long-term negative impact ( "damaging" ) on the environment as you claim.

Neem Safety, Neem Side Effects And Neem Toxicity

Neem Oil General Fact Sheet