Subject: Re: Roundup
From: bum@mail.utexas.edu (Caleb Rounds)
Organization: The University of Texas at Austin
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 12:45:48 -0500
Message-ID: <MOD$970917.22772@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$970912.25120@rec.gardens.ecosystems>


In article <MOD$970912.25120@rec.gardens.ecosystems>, Troy Coziahr
wrote:

> In article <MOD$970912.3238@rec.gardens.ecosystems>,
> "Lawrence F. London, Jr." wrote:
> >
> >
> > Bill Robinson wrote:
> > > RoundUp is relatively low toxic and relatively easy on the
> > > environment.
> >
> > No its not. Its very toxic to humans and to the environment.
> > Serious eye and respiratory problems can result from exposure
> > during application. Entire trees can be killed by it, over time,
> > when doing weed control around them.

I've been in and out of these sorts of newsgroups for a while now and I've
noticed that these debates never get resolved. Furthermore, I have seen
fairly substantial evidence on both sides; ususally this information is
provied by a source that could be labeled as pro-industry or
anti-synthetic-chemical. What does this prove? Nothin.' We all have to
make a choice about what we are going to put in our backyard ecosystems.
There are ways to do things that approximate the way a natural ecosystem
works (usually long-term, slow solutions) and there are ways that are
faster and sometimes somewhat more dangerous. It is unfortunately true
that this issue can become quite emotional. Those who believe that
synthetic-chemicals can often be extremely harmful and that industry might
not be aware of or chose to tell you about the harmful side-effects see
this as an important issue for all ecosystems. Those who believe that
synthetic chemicals can have value when used properly can see these folks
as whining ninnies.

What we've seen in this debate is that there are two sides to this issue,
both have "facts." The "facts" disagree;this is probably true b/c of
different sorts of experimental conditions. Now each of us can make
his/her own decision.

Roundup can be harmful. So can apple seeds. So can a guitar string if used
incorrectly. (like around the guitarist's neck).

I happen to believe that using synthetic chemicals is a gamble. I also
believe that what's on the line in this gamble is the water, air, soil and
life of this planet. Ultimately we can't know the long term effects of
anything we do. This newsgroup though is called rec.gardens.ecosystems. I
assume we are supposed to talk about the net effect of gardening choices
we make on the ecosystems we all share. This said, there is no definite
answer on these debates. Thus, I love the debate, I liek to see the
different sides. But, folks, let's try to stay civil.

Caleb Rounds
Austin, TX