This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bristol-smells-of-vinegar-as-council-uses-condiment-as-bizarre-weed-killer-a6999776.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Bristol smells of vinegar after council uses condiment as 'bizarre' weed killer | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Residents of Bristol have complained the city is starting to smell of vinegar after the council decided to use the chip shop condiment as a weed killer. | Residents of Bristol have complained the city is starting to smell of vinegar after the council decided to use the chip shop condiment as a weed killer. |
Vinegar is being trialled as an alternative to the chemical Glyphosate - the active ingredient in Roundup and other weed killers - after experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded it is "probably" carcinogenic. | Vinegar is being trialled as an alternative to the chemical Glyphosate - the active ingredient in Roundup and other weed killers - after experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded it is "probably" carcinogenic. |
Bristol City Council are using vinegar on some areas of the city as part of a year-long trial into Glyphosate-free weed treatments. Other areas are not being treated at all as part of the trial. | Bristol City Council are using vinegar on some areas of the city as part of a year-long trial into Glyphosate-free weed treatments. Other areas are not being treated at all as part of the trial. |
Horticultural vinegar, which contains more acetic acid than regular malt vinegar, can be used as an inexpensive weed treatment. | Horticultural vinegar, which contains more acetic acid than regular malt vinegar, can be used as an inexpensive weed treatment. |
The acetic acid destroys cell membranes, causing the plant tissues to dry out. | The acetic acid destroys cell membranes, causing the plant tissues to dry out. |
However, some campaigning groups say vinegar is a feeble alternative to commercial weed killers. | However, some campaigning groups say vinegar is a feeble alternative to commercial weed killers. |
Harriet Williams, from Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance, told the Western Daily Press: "The only true trial involved here will be that endured by local residents, as they face a year of weeds growing upon streets and pavements, and the smell of vinegar in unexpected places." | Harriet Williams, from Pesticide Safe Bristol Alliance, told the Western Daily Press: "The only true trial involved here will be that endured by local residents, as they face a year of weeds growing upon streets and pavements, and the smell of vinegar in unexpected places." |
The PSBA said it is "bizarre" the council opted for vinegar, or stopped killing weeds in some places, when safer and more modern technologies are available. | The PSBA said it is "bizarre" the council opted for vinegar, or stopped killing weeds in some places, when safer and more modern technologies are available. |
The council's interim service director for clean and green, Gillian Douglas, told the paper: ''This trial of Glyphosate-free weed treatments is still in its early stages, having been implemented in response to widespread public concern about the use of Glyphosate as a weed killer. | The council's interim service director for clean and green, Gillian Douglas, told the paper: ''This trial of Glyphosate-free weed treatments is still in its early stages, having been implemented in response to widespread public concern about the use of Glyphosate as a weed killer. |
"We are sorry to hear that some residents are concerned about the use of vinegar and we will monitor feedback throughout the trial." | "We are sorry to hear that some residents are concerned about the use of vinegar and we will monitor feedback throughout the trial." |
Previous version
1
Next version