NEWS EXTRA
INCREASED BACKING TO BAN USE OF NEONICOTINOIDS
W
ith Michael Gove committed to supporting a ban on use of neonicotinoids,
ManoMano’s decision to ban ‘toxic pesticides’ and most recently, Friends of the Earth (FOE) issuing more than 18,000 letters to Homebase regarding their use in the pesticides they sell – will hopefully ultimately move garden retailers to rethink their methods and commit to banning the use of neonicotinoids from 2018.
Earlier this month environment
secretary Michael Gove announced that the UK will back a total ban on insect-harming pesticides in fields across Europe – a decision that FOE welcomed, while online DIY and garden retailer ManoMano revealed it will stop selling products containing glyphosate.
Mr Gove has been applauded
by conservation groups over his move to reverse the UK’s position on neonicotinoid pesticides, which he attributed to increasing evidence coming to light since 2013 when the Government opposed such a ban. Mr Gove said: “While there is still uncertainty in the science, it is increasingly pointing in one direction. “Not to act would be to risk continuing down a course which could have extensive and permanent effects on bee populations. That is not a risk I am prepared to take, so the UK will be supporting further restrictions on neonicotinoids.” The European commission is now working towards achieving a total ban on the use of these pesticides outside of greenhouses with a vote planned for December. The UK’s U-turn means it could be very likely to pass.
Meanwhile, Philippe de Chanville and Christian Raisson, co-founders of European DIY
marketplace
ManoMano have issued a statement asserting that the business will take offending products off sale: “In light of the current debate around the use and sale of toxic pesticides,
6 DIY WEEK 24 NOVEMBER 2017
notably containing glyphosate that is known for causing harm to both the environment and people, ManoMano has decided to take a stand. “We will no longer be selling such products on our marketplace platform. We hope our decision will help lead to a change in the use of such products that are detrimental to our health and our planet.” ManoMano is the first online marketplace specialising in DIY & Gardening. Philippe de Chanville and Christian Raisson launched the site in 2013 to make DIY easy and affordable for all by bringing together the largest offering online. FOE are hailing these moves as a success for its bee campaign. Chief executive Craig Bennett said: “Michael Gove is to be congratulated for listening to the experts. The scientific evidence for a complete ban on bee-harming pesticides is now overwhelming. “Tougher restrictions on neonicotinoids are essential for our precious bees and the wider environment and a significant victory for the public and supporters
of organisations like Friends of the Earth who have called for tougher action on these chemicals.” A recent move on the FOE bee campaign saw volunteers dressed as giant bees as they presented a petition urging Homebase not to sell flowering plants grown with three neonicotinoids pesticides. FOE bee campaigner Dr Nick Rau said: “Earlier this year nine of the leading top 10 garden retailers said they have told suppliers not to use restricted neonicotinoid pesticides on their flowering plants but Homebase has yet to follow suit.” Shortly after the petition was issued Homebase released a statement which promised to stop using neonicotinoids from 2018. The company said: “As a
responsible retailer we remain committed to reducing our environmental impact, taking action where necessary with regards to our product ranges and supply chain. “We have been working closely with our suppliers and seeking advice from other stakeholders about the use of neonicotinoids and
we have committed to stop using these insecticides on garden plants, as well as removing neonicotinoid- based garden care products from sale by the end of 2018. “This will be supported by a
robust audit process which will include ongoing monitoring of the evolving science surrounding pollinators.
“This decision took some time while we sought advice from our team and suppliers as well as other key stakeholders. This is consistent with the way we approach any decision that impacts our offer to customers.”
FOE have welcomed Homebase’s commitment to stop using neonicotinoids on garden plants, supported by a robust audit process. “We’re delighted Homebase has committed to not using bee- harming neonicotinoid pesticides on its garden plants and to back this up with a robust auditing process. “We hope the Royal Horticultural
Society will now back calls for these neonic pesticides to be kept out of our garden plants.”
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