Keep Off the Grass! How Friendly Are "Environmental" Lawn Care Products?

WARNING

May 16, 2003 - The Competition Bureau is advising Canadian consumers to do their homework this spring before purchasing lawn care services that claim to be green, environmentally friendly, ecologically friendly, organic or safe.

With consumers becoming increasingly aware of the potential health issues associated with chemical pesticides, the market for safe lawn care services is expanding. Many companies offer their services exclusively chemical-pesticide-free, while others have added chemical-pesticide-free or "organic" programs to their list of existing services.

However, since services differ from company to company and from program to program, the advertising can be confusing and potentially misleading. Some programs involve the regular use of chemical pesticides on the entire lawn while others involve occasional use on affected areas (spot treatments) or no chemical pesticides at all.

As a result, the Bureau strongly encourages consumers to research the various programs offered by lawn care companies and to be completely comfortable with their decisions before signing any contracts.

Some of the questions consumers should ask potential service providers include:

• Does the program include the use of chemical pesticides, even at a minimum (spot treatments)?
• If the treatment includes chemical pesticides, which ones are used and what precautions should be taken to protect children and pets?
• When and how are chemical pesticides used?
• What are the effects of the chemical pesticides used on the environment? Can they hurt local aquatic or land life or vegetation?
• Does the program conform to provincial and municipal bylaws and regulations in our area?
• If the treatment claims to be "safe", what are the ingredients which eliminate weeds and are there any hazards associated with these ingredients?

The Competition Bureau examines complaints of suspected misleading representations in the marketplace. Businesses and consumers who believe they have been misled should contact the Bureau toll free at 1-800-348-5358 or visit the Bureau's Web site at www.cb-bc.gc.ca.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that ensures all Canadians enjoy the benefits of a fair and competitive economy, low prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Senior Communications AdvisorCommunications Branch
(819) 953-8982, or (613) 296-2187 (cell)

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
1 800 348-5358