As we put our yards to bed for the winter, I invite Missoulians to eliminate chemicals from public and private lawn care when they begin to plant again next year. The active ingredient used by TruGreen and other lawn maintenance companies is 2,4-D, which was originally developed for use in Agent Orange. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies 2,4-D as a possible human carcinogen. 2,4-D works by causing uncontrolled cell growth in plants.

Another popular herbicide, glyphosate, is sprayed in our public parks and commonly used to kill weeds along fence lines and paths. It's best-known by its brand name Roundup and also considered a likely carcinogen by the WHO. In January a man was awarded $2.25B after a jury found Roundup caused his Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In April, researchers at the University of Michigan found a relationship between ALS and household exposure to lawn care products and pesticides.

Last month a lawsuit was filed alleging Miracle-Gro has sewage sludge containing PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in their garden products even though they are marketed as eco-friendly.

Many communities have moved to lawn management practices that do not involve chemicals that make their residents -- especially their children and pets -- sick. Next spring, let's make Missoula a healthier place.