Pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms and they can also have harmful effects on non-target species, including people. There are ongoing concerns about the use of glyphosate and its links to cancer and other diseases. Ending the use of pesticides in towns and cities will reduce public exposure to harmful chemicals and reduce the potential for harm, particularly for our children.
We are currently in the midst of a biodiversity crisis and the UK is widely acknowledged to be one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Going pesticide-free and allowing nature to flourish can help protect, restore and encourage biodiversity in urban areas. By allowing pavement plants to thrive we can increase plant diversity and also assist the wildlife that relies on plants for their survival, from bees and pollinators to birds and mammals such as hedgehogs. Ending pesticide use on pavements, in particular, will also reduce run off thereby protecting UK waters from further contamination.