A leading advocate of natural lawn care will spend the week leading up to Earth Day speaking at educational seminars and screening his film "A Chemical Reaction."

Paul Tukey is and author, journalist, lawn care professional and founded the non-profit foundation known as SafeLawns.org. His film centres on the town of Hudson, Quebec, which, in 1991, was the first municipality in North America to ban lawn and garden pesticides.

"The documentary "A Chemical Reaction, is 75 minutes of pure inspiration that a community can come together and overcome great odds to effect change," said Patti Moore, health promotion coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society. "Here in the East Kootenays four communities have adopted cosmetic pesticide bans and more are interested in taking action. Paul Tukey brings extensive knowledge about not only why it's important to eliminate unnecessary pesticides, but also how we can change our practices to have beautiful and healthy lawns and gardens.

Tukey said his trip to Canada holds special significance due to the timing.

"May 6, 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of the town of Hudson's historic ban," he said. "Now 80 per cent of the nation has followed suit. The entire nation of Canada should be proud of the world lead that the country is taking to protect children from toxic lawn products. What better time than Earth Day to celebrate this accomplishment?"

Tukey's tour of the East Kootenay includes the Elk Valley on April 18, Golden and Invermere on April 19, Kimberley on April 20 and Cranbrook on April 21.

For more details on Tukey's presentations and screenings contact Patti Moore at the Canadian Cancer Society at 1-800-656-6426 or at pmoore@bc.cancer.ca. To learn more about "A Chemical Reaction" go to ifightcancer.ca.