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Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Lowe’s announces plans to phase out neonicotinoid pesticides to protect bees

 

 

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2015
Contact: Paul Towers, ptowers@panna.org, 916-216-1082

Lowe’s announces plans to phase out neonicotinoid pesticides to protect bees 

Today, Lowe’s (NYSE: LOW) announced its plans to phase out the use of neonicotinoid pesticides — a key factor contributing to declining bee and pollinator populations — in response to consumer, investor and NGO pressure. Lowe’s has made a public commitment to transitioning to suitable alternatives to neonicotinoids in the next 48 months; expanding availability of organic and non-neonic products; encouraging the use of biological controls for pest management; and increasing employee and customer education on the issue of bee declines.  

Today’s announcement is another victory in a two-year campaign led by Friends of the Earth and other NGO’s, including PAN, to urge Lowe’s and other leading garden retailers to phase out the use of neonicotinoids.  

In response to Lowe’s commitment, PAN organizer Lex Horan released the following statement: 

“We’re excited to hear today’s announcement from Lowe’s — this is major progress for bees and pollinators. The science linking neonicotinoids and other systemic insecticides with bee declines is growing stronger every day, and it’s high time for retailers to phase out these products in favor of least-toxic alternatives. We congratulate Lowe’s for stepping up to protect pollinators, and we fully expect other retailers to follow suit in the near future.  

As people demand neonic free plants from nurseries, we know they’re also calling for policy change from decisionmakers — and so we look forward to similar progress from state legislatures and regulators, Congress and President Obama’s Pollinator Task Force. We need action across the board to protect bees from pesticides.” 

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Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network is dedicated to advancing alternatives to pesticides worldwide. Follow @pesticideaction

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