A growing body of evidence in scientific literature shows that pesticide exposure can adversely affect a child's
neurological, respiratory, immune, and endocrine system, even at low
levels. Young children are particularly susceptible because of their rapid growth and
decreased ability to detoxify toxins. Fortunately, there are proven
safe, effective, and affordable ways to maintain attractive lawns and
playable fields without the use of toxic pesticides. Use the resources
below and in our Tools for Change page to help get the pesticides out of your community - whether it's at
the municipal, park, school or backyard level.
In your back yard
Display a Honey Bee or Ladybug yard sign. Show
your neighbors that pesticide-free lawns are important for the health
of your family, the environment and the community. At eight inches
diameter, these painted metal signs will not rust and will retain their
bright colors for years. The sign comes with valuable information on
organic lawn and garden management, pollinators, and how to talk to your
neighbors about pesticides. (download owner's manual here). Signs are available for $13 each ($10 plus shipping for ten or more) at our online store.
Go Organic (with your lawn!). Create
your own pesticide free space in your backyard. In addition to the
owner's manual above, see Beyond Pesticides' factsheet for information
on how to manage your yard without weeds: Read Your "Weeds"- A Simple Guide to Creating a Healthy Lawn. Fall is the best time to manage your yard! Read our fact sheet, Organic Lawn Care 101 for specific information on how to get prime your yard for the next year!
Put it on the map. Pledge your organically managed yard or park as a pollinator-friendly Pesticide Free Zone and mark it on the honey bee map!
In your community
Distribute Doorknob Hangers.
"Want a Green Lawn Safe for Children and Pets?" Our Safe Lawn Door Knob
Hanger is a tool to help spread the word about the dangers of lawn
pesticides and the ever-increasing availability of alternatives. It's an
easy, non-confrontational way to approach neighbors that may be using
pesticides. You can request a free pack of 25 doorknob hangers by
sending an email with your name and address to info@beyondpesticides.org. You can order larger quantities from our online store as well.
Enact a Policy. Many communities
across the country have taken a stand against the use of toxic
pesticides on their lawns and landscapes. In 2010, the state of New York
passed the Child Safe Playing Fields Act that prohibits the use of toxic pesticides on school and daycare
center playgrounds, turf, athletic and playing fields. In New Jersey, over 30 communities have made their parks pesticide-free zones and have passed resolutions adopting a pesticide reduction policy. Connecticut and Illinois have also moved forward to reduce children’s exposures to lawn
pesticides.For a list of examples of cities and communities that have
pesticide free spaces, see see Beyond Pesticides activists tools pages. For assistance in proposing a policy in your community, contact Beyond Pesticides at info@beyondpesticides.org or 202-543-5450.
Federal Legislation. Children need better protection from toxic chemical exposure while at school. Numerous scientific studies find that pesticides used in schools are linked to cancer, asthma and other health problems. A 2010 Harvard University study links everyday pesticide exposure to ADHD. While some states have
taken limited action to protect children from pesticides in schools,
these policies represent a patchwork of laws that are uneven and
inadequate. The School Environment Protection Act (SEPA) establishes a minimum national standard to protect kids in their places of learning. Ask your member of Congress to support SEPA.
Organic Land Management: From lawns to landscapes and beyond
(2011 National Pesticide Forum)
Talks on organic land care from organic turf and parks to grazing goats and medicinal uses for invasive plants to traditional organic gardening for Native American youth. This presentation was given at "Sustainable Community: Practical solutions for health and the environment, Beyond Pesticides' 29th National Pesticide Forum, April 8-9, 2011, Denver, CO.
In your community