This campaign will continue until the end of August 2004. To date, we have reached several thousand of London's citizens. Next week we will be visiting the Chippewa Community Centre's Thames River Learning fair, June 2 and 3 in Muncey, and Gathering on the Green in south London, on June 5.

The travelling fair is supported by twelve local organizations involved directly with air
quality issues, and the fair continues to partner with other concerned community groups. The campaign has been promoted in collaboration with the City of London's Air Quality and Energy objectives.

Over the last couple of months, TREA has spearheaded a survey with the schools boards and visited the majority of London high schools to gather information on vehicle idling. TREA will also be visiting a number of elementary schools to collect vehicle idling data as part of its London and Area Active & Safe Routes to School initiative.

Now that we are heading into the summer, TREA reminds you not to idle your vehicle. Idling causes unnecessary pollution and wastes money as well.

To learn more about the travelling fair visits and get involved with solutions to reduce air pollution, visit our website - www.trea.ca or contact TREA directly by phone at 645-2845.

Last year's London Air Quality Campaign Survey Results now impacted by high price of vehicle fuel!

Organic Fertilizers
An organic fertilizer is derived from animal or vegetable matter having a carbon basis. Organic fertilizers provide a balance of non-leaching nutrients that are all plant-available. Organic fertilizers feed not only the plant but also the microbes in the soil as well the ones which produce nutrients, break down organic matter, and improve soil conditions.

Synthetic Fertilizers
A synthetic fertilizer is neither genuine nor natural but is made artificially through numerous chemical reactions. In the long-run, synthetics promote a rash of pest problems and cause damage to the soil nutrient cycle. This fertilizer generally gives a sudden overflow of nutrients that ultimately weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to drought, disease and infestation. Organic-based fertilizers generally consist of only 15% organic matter and 85% fillers and synthetic ingredients.

Corn Gluten
This organic fertilizer acts as a weed inhibitor. Corn Gluten produces an enzyme that suppresses the production of root hairs on newly germinating seeds, leading them to wither and die. Beware: this process affects all seeds; therefore do not use this fertilizer while overseeding.

Alfalfa Fertilizer
This fertilizer contains a natural bio-stimulant called Triacontanol. This natural chemical enhances photo-synthesis and stimulates root development by making hard-to-get nutrients locked in the soil readily available for absorption.

Animal By-Product Fertilizers
These fertilizers contain a good supply of nutrients and minerals; however, they are messy, they smell, and they may contain pathogens. Before purchasing this fertilizer, research its source and background.

Compost
Compost acts as a great organic fertilizer due to its high microbe component and plant-ready nutrients.

Seaweed Fertilizers
Seaweed is the rocket fuel of organic fertilizers. Specifically, Norwegian and African kelp contain a whole spectrum of micronutrients, including cytokinin. Cytokinin increases the plants' antioxidant properties, retarding any potential loss of proteins or chlorophyll. As a result your plants will produce a darker, more intense green due to their heightened sugar content. Seaweed also acts as a stress reliever, germination enhancer, and a promoter of root growth.

Topsoil
When choosing topsoil, you get what you pay for. The less expensive bags mainly consist of clay and/or sand. Look for soil that is warm to the touch. The degree of this "heat" signifies the amount of microbes present in that soil.