I recently went on a walk at Bellerive beach, starting from the play park end where I witnessed a diustrurbing scene. Workers, dressed head to toe in protective wear, were spraying Glyphosate right inside the playground area. The spraying was not controlled, and it certainly did not follow proper guidelines. Our walk took 30min as it was a cold and windy morning. There were no signs up to say the spraying was occuring, and no signs after the workers had left to say spraying had occured advising not to enter for 24 hours. 

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, has been the subject of numerous studies and controversies due to its potential health risks, particularly for children. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as "probably carcinogenic to humans." In parks and playgrounds, where children are at their most vulnerable, coming into contact with pesticides poses serious health concerns. Furthermore, the study that has been used to state Glyphosate is safe to use, has recently been retracted (https://www.science.org/content/article/journal-retracts-weed-killer-study-backed-monsanto-citing-serious-ethical-concerns

We must prioritize the health and safety of our children. There are safer alternatives to manage weeds that do not compromise their well-being. Eco-friendly solutions, such as organic herbicides, manual removal, or mulching, can be employed to maintain our public spaces without endangering our children.

We call upon local authorities and park management teams to immediately halt the use of Glyphosate in areas designated for children's play. Instead, implement sustainable and child-safe practices for weed control. Our children's health should never be compromised by the convenience of chemical use.

Join me in ensuring our parks and playgrounds are safe spaces for our children. Sign this petition to stop the use of Glyphosate in our children's recreational areas and advocate for safer, healthier environments. Together, we can make a difference.