Home Depot, Lowe’s Canada banners among bee heroes

OTTAWA — A survey by Friends of the Earth Canada has found that retailers have made great strides in reducing or eliminating the use of plants containing neonicotinoid pesticides, a major threat to the bee population. Top place for neonic-free flowering plants goes to two national firms and one regional chain: Home Depot Canada, Lowe’s Canada (including RONA and Reno-Depot corporate stores across Canada) and Sheridan Nurseries in Ontario. Canadian Tire responded that at least 87% of its plants have not been exposed to neonic pesticides, and the company believes that over 95% are neonic-free. Home Hardware’s distribution centres remain neonic-free, though individual Home Hardware stores also host local nurseries.