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The real cost of Roundup?

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

Here’s something that seems to have gotten lost in our community’s debate about the efficacy of spraying Roundup on weeds: It is deadly to amphibians.

Have you noticed how the frog population around here seems to be diminishing? Multiple studies have shown a direct correlation between the use of Roundup and frog fatality. Apparently the surfactant, which allows the chemical to penetrate the leaves, is the guilty party, not the active herbicide. Either way, studies have shown that between 75 and 86 percent of frogs exposed to Roundup will be dead within one day. Tadpoles, which will be exposed when rain runoff leaches the chemicals into the water, will be dead within three days. (Do an Internet search if you think I’m making this up.)

We need to start discussing the real cost of using a “cheap” chemical. Maybe coming up with enough money to pay people to weed-whack a few times a year is a better idea. Are some things worth paying more for?

Bernie Fleming

Sonoma