# data[].attributes.headline
Robert Cevasco Jr – Businessman and Creator of the Lavender Hannah

# data[].attributes.subject
Robert Cevasco Jr – Businessman and Creator of the Lavender Hannah

# data[].attributes.body
A California businessman from Redwood City, Robert Cevasco, Jr, started his business, R. Cevasco Nursery, after graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in business management in 1994. As an entrepreneur, Robert Cevasco Jr has accomplished several feats, including receiving a patent for a flower he created, the Lavender Hannah.

At R Cevasco Nursery, Mr. Cevasco has used his expertise in agriculture/horticulture to improve the company’s performance, develop strong partnerships with cross-functional teams, and streamline business processes. Robert Cevasco, Jr has also focused on improving customer service through new initiatives. Regarding company culture, he inspires creative thinking and problem-solving among his employees.

In addition, Mr. Cevasco has implemented sustainable growing practices by minimizing the use of pesticides and fungicides. Professionally, he maintains a membership with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau. Outside of overseeing the business, Robert Cevasco, Jr enjoys USC and San Francisco 49r football. He travels extensively and has visited Europe, Africa, and South America. He also is an outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, fishing, and camping.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gardening is a popular activity in the United States. Roughly 55 percent of residences, or 71.5 million homes, feature a garden. Gardeners must contend with various challenges, including invasive pests. However, they have several non-toxic options to get rid of them.

Gardeners have used pesticides for decades to keep harmful bugs away from their fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Still, research has shown the negative health effects pesticides can have on other animals and humans. There are several ways for gardeners to ward off unwanted insects without pesticides.

First, individuals should appreciate the potential complications associated with using pesticides. The exact chemical composition varies from one brand of pesticide to another. Pesticides differ from herbicides, which kill weeds, and fungicides, which help gardeners manage unwanted fungi. In all three cases, the application serves as a toxic solution. Pesticides equal poison, and many chemicals used to kill insects also threaten the health of birds and small animals. Some pesticides are deadly to larger animals, including cats and dogs.

In some cases, gardeners may have no choice but to use pesticides. Individuals in this situation must carefully review different pesticides, paying particular attention to toxicity warnings. Pesticides with a "Caution" warning have low levels of toxicity. A human would need to ingest at least one ounce for it to have fatal effects. A "Warning" tag indicates a moderately toxic pesticide that can kill a human with as little as a teaspoon. "Danger" warnings on pesticides indicate a highly toxic chemical. If a human ingests a single drop of this level of pesticide, the results could be fatal.

Fortunately, there are several alternatives to toxic pesticides, including other bugs. Gardeners value different insects for different reasons. Bees and butterflies serve as pollinators who help plants reproduce and thrive. Ladybugs pose no threat to vegetable gardens but regularly consume between 50 and 60 aphids daily and mites, leafhoppers, and other garden pests. Other helpful insect species include spiders, dragonflies, and praying mantises. These bugs are so beneficial that many nurseries sell praying mantis and ladybug larvae.

Certain gardening strategies can minimize the impact of invasive bugs, such as companion planting. This strategy involves growing certain plants together to protect and help one another. For example, marigolds ward off aphids and can even kill nematodes in the soil. By planting marigolds around root vegetables, gardeners create a living wall. Other companion plants include mint and lavender, as well as various herbs.

Not all sprays equal poison. Gardeners can research different organic bug sprays depending on the pests present in their gardens. While organic bug sprays are non-toxic for humans and animals, test spray small patches of the garden to ensure a specific spray has no adverse effects. Similar options include neem oil and insecticidal soap spray. Garlic and vinegar-based sprays can also be effective, though not all gardeners enjoy the odors.

Lastly, gardeners cannot overlook the importance of basic garden maintenance. Excessive weed growth often leads to more bugs in the area. Similarly, dead leaves and other detritus provide an attractive cover for bugs. Gardeners can also repair and maintain physical barriers, such as row covers, though these are only temporary. Remove covers to allow pollination landing spots, and they cannot protect plants from soil-dwelling pests.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Non Toxic Alternatives to Pesticides for Gardeners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Gardening is a popular activity in the United States. Roughly 55 percent of residences, or 71.5 million homes, feature a garden. Gardeners must contend with various challenges, including invasive...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Effects of Pesticides on Human and Environmental Health

Pesticides are crucial in agriculture for controlling harmful pests and protecting crop yields. However, their extensive use raises concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. The effects of pesticide exposure range from short-term discomfort to severe, long-term consequences. Acute effects may include stinging eyes, skin rashes, nausea, and dizziness. Chronic exposure has been linked to cancers, birth defects, reproductive harm, and neurological disorders.

Pesticides can be classified based on their chemical structure and toxic effects. Organophosphates and carbamates are nerve agents that can cause a range of symptoms, from headaches to convulsions, and are responsible for thousands of poisoning incidents worldwide each year. Soil fumigants control pests in soil and pose risks to nearby communities through exposure to toxic gases. Premature birth rates are higher in areas with heavy fumigant use. Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides with nervous system toxicity. They have been linked to tremors, fatigue, and heart disease.

Pesticides can persist in the environment, posing long-term risks to human health. Their accumulation in food and water sources is a significant concern, leading to chronic exposure among the general population. Occupational exposure is high among farmers and pesticide applicators, with potential adverse effects ranging from acute poisonings to chronic health issues. Farmers who handle pesticides regularly face significant exposure risks, particularly during preparation, application, and equipment cleaning. Exposure can also occur through spills, splashes, direct contact, or drift from neighboring fields.

Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides due to their developing organs and higher exposure rates. From inhaling airborne pesticides to ingesting residues on food and surfaces, children face unique risks that demand attention and action.

The consequences of pesticide exposure on wildlife health are alarming, spanning from cancer and reproductive effects to neurotoxicity and developmental changes. For instance, certain pesticides can impair birds' ability to sing, hindering their reproduction and impacting their offspring's survival. Bees face sublethal effects from systemic pesticides that affect mobility, feeding behaviors, and navigation. Moreover, hormone-mimicking pesticides induce deformities in various species, from frogs to polar bears, highlighting the widespread impact on ecosystems.

Biodiversity is directly linked to pesticide impacts. Studies reveal a significant loss of species richness in aquatic environments due to pesticide exposure. Research shows additional environmental threats, such as microplastic pollution and industrial contamination in thawing permafrost regions, compounding the challenges faced by wildlife. Understanding the complex interactions between pollutants and ecosystems is paramount for effective conservation efforts. Legal frameworks like the Endangered Species Act are crucial in safeguarding wildlife from pesticide threats. However, enforcement gaps and regulatory deficiencies persist, necessitating more organized efforts to hold agencies accountable and strengthen protective measures.

Economically, the loss of biodiversity translates into substantial costs exceeding billions annually. Beyond the direct economic impacts, recreational activities like hunting and fishing suffer as beneficial insect populations decline due to pesticide exposure.

Reducing pesticide exposure requires a multi-faceted approach. Alternative cropping systems, emphasizing ecological approaches to pest management, offer promising solutions. These systems focus on prevention, decision-making, and control, minimizing pesticide reliance. Additionally, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial in limiting dermal exposure. Various types of PPE, such as gloves, boots, and coveralls, offer protection but must be used correctly to be effective.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Effects of Pesticides on Human and Environmental Health Pesticides are crucial in agriculture for controlling harmful pests and protecting crop yields. However, their extensive use raises concerns...