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TWELVE REASONS TO STOP USING PESTICIDES

1. All pesticides are poison. They are toxic by design.

2. Pesticides can cause cancer and damage the nervous system, the hormone system, and the immune system and cause respiratory illness.

3. Pesticides are especially hazardous to the health and development of children. Other vulnerable groups include pregnant women, the elderly, people taking certain medications, and people with asthma and other chronic health problems.

4. Up to 99% of a product's ingredients are not disclosed on the label.

5. These hidden ingredients are added to make the product easier to apply and to enhance its toxicity and longevity. They may be more toxic than the main ingredient.

6. Pesticides also kill beneficial plants, insects and pets and wildlife.

7. Pesticides don't stay where they are applied.

8. Pesticides vaporize and drift on the wind.

9. Pesticides run off into water sources.

10. From outside, pesticide residues get tracked inside on shoes and pets.

11. Pesticide residues accumulate in carpets and dust.

12. Pesticide vapors condense on inside surfaces such as kitchen counters.

Intelligent Pest Management is

• a pro-active, common sense, problem-solving approach that reduces pest problems by preventing and correcting conditions that allow pests to thrive.

• the most cost-effective use of resources -- good design, good sanitation, and good maintenance for the long-term quality, use, and enjoyment of a building or landscape.

• site-specific information on site history and conditions, user activities and maintenance practices for the effectiveness and efficiency of site-management plans.

• protection from hazardous products and prevents contamination of property, soil, air and water.

• a sense of stewardship and a shared responsibility for enhancing the safety and quality of school buildings and grounds.

• a model of environmental health and pollution prevention and a source of pride to the community.
Green School, Safe School

In May, 2000, Massachusetts Governor Cellucci signed into law "An Act to Protect Children and Families From Harmful Pesticides".  The law allows only "lower" risk pesticides. It requires your school and childcare program to notify parents of pesticides use. All schools and childcare programs must have an Integrated Pest Management Plan. Does your school have an IPM plan? Is it up to date? 

Massachusetts Schools http://massnrc.org/ipm/

Bring the Benefits of IPM to Your School

· Protect children from toxic exposures that damage their health, development, learning and behavior.

· Encourage and support schools going from pesticide-based pest control to an ecologically-sound and child-safe pest prevention system.

· Establish community partnerships that promote child-safe values and practices.

· Create a long-term commitment to reducing pesticides in all areas of community and municipal life.

Roles and Responsiblities

· Teach the use of brain power and team work instead of toxic chemicals to prevent and control pests such as headlice, mice and cockroaches.

· Spot conditions that invite pests and allow them to thrive such as open dumpsters, leaky faucets and wet trash.

· Encourage collaboration among all building users in adopting the good hygiene, sanitation and maintenance practices that protect against pests.

· Use higher level thinking and problem solving skills and encourage learning partnerships among students, staff and parents.

· Help schools reap the health, educational and financial benefits of planning and prevention in the operation of school facilities.

· Achieve school conditions that are a source of pride to friends and neighbors.

· Promote environmental ethics for the citizens of the 21st century.

· Educate the whole community, including children, about the principles of pollution prevention and sustainable practices that benefit everyone.

ELLIE GOLDBERG, M.Ed. is an education and environmental health advocate for healthy children, safe schools and sustainable communities – clean water, clean air, clean energy and safe food. Inspired by the legacy of Rachel Carson, who taught that our health and security is intimately connected to the quality of our environment, Ellie is active in public health, environmental, educational and public policy organizations working to increase citizen engagement, government accountability and corporate responsibility on behalf of children and their healthy development. 

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Ellie.Goldberg@gmail.com 

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