{"id":11318,"date":"2013-07-25T00:01:27","date_gmt":"2013-07-25T04:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=11318"},"modified":"2014-04-01T16:46:54","modified_gmt":"2014-04-01T20:46:54","slug":"cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/","title":{"rendered":"Cosmetic Lawn Pesticide Use Outlawed In Takoma Park, MD, First Local Ban Of Its Type in U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

(Beyond Pesticides<\/em>, July 25, 2013) In a sweeping victory for the protection of human health and the environment, the Takoma Park, Maryland \u00a0City Council on July 22, 2013 \u00a0unanimously passed the Safe Grow Act of 2013<\/i><\/a>, which generally restricts the use of cosmetic lawn pesticides on both private and public property throughout the Maryland city. This is the first time that a local jurisdiction of this size has used its authority to restrict pesticide use broadly on private property, exercising it responsibility to protect the health and welfare of its residents through its local government. This landmark legislation stops involuntary poisoning and non-target contamination from pesticide drift and volatility that occurs as these toxic chemicals move off of treated \u00a0private yards. The new law fits into the city\u2019s strategic plan to lead community efforts in environmental sustainability, protection and restoration, and secures Takoma Park\u2019s role as a leader in sustainability in the state of Maryland and the nation. \u00a0The action in Takoma Park brings to the U.S. an approach to outlawing cosmetic pesticide use on lawns and landscapes that has been in place in Canadian provinces<\/a> for many years.<\/p>\n

\"safegrowzone-markspec--01\"<\/a>The role of local government in imposing pesticide use requirements is important to the protection of public health and the environment. This right was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Wisconsin Public Intervenor, Town of Casey v. Mortier, June 21, 1991<\/em><\/a>. In this case, the Court affirmed the rights of U.S. cities and towns to regulate pesticides that are not explicitly curtailed by state legislatures. The Court found that in conferring on states the authority to “regulate the sale and use of pesticides so long as the state regulation does not permit a sale or use prohibited by the Act [USC 136v(a)],” the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act<\/em> (FIFRA) “leaves the allocation of regulatory authority to the ‘absolute discretion’ of the states themselves, including the option of leaving local regulation of pesticides in the hands of local authorities.” After the Supreme Court ruling, the chemical industry, both manufacturer and service provider trade groups, went to state legislatures across the country and lobbied the states to take away or restrict the authority of local political subdivisions to restrict pesticide use on private property. Maryland is one of seven states <\/a>that does not prohibit the adoption of local pesticide legislation. \u00a0In \u00a0protecting the rights of \u00a0local political subdivisions within Maryland to exercise their authority to impose pesticide use restrictions, the state is enabling the protection of the health and welfare of Maryland residents.<\/p>\n

The ordinance in Takoma Park was drafted by residents Julie Taddeo and Catherine Cummings, who both recognized a need to reduce pesticide use in their community for the long-term health and safety of their children. Ms. Taddeo and her family have lived in Takoma Park for 7 years; when she finally moved into a house with a yard after living in an apartment building for a long time, she was dismayed and baffled to see neighbors spray their yard for dandelions. It clicked for Ms. Cummings when she initially read about the cosmetic pesticide ban in Canadian provinces from Beyond Pesticides\u2019 Daily News<\/a>. When she realized that a \u201cgold standard\u201d had been created not too far from here, she thought there was no reason that Takoma Park couldn\u2019t do it as well. What began as an effort to educate neighbors in their community grew into a full-fledged campaign, and the creation of Safe Grow Zone<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The City Council hopes that this ordinance will serve as a model for other communities. \u201cKeep going with this,\u201d Councilmember Kay Daniels-Cohen (Ward 3) urged Ms. Taddeo and Ms. Cummings. \u201cYou can take this to the next level. You can take it to the county, and keep going all the way through the state of Maryland . . . I think there\u2019s more people out there than you realize who are in your courts.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the Canadian laws which helped inspire the Takoma Park ordinance, two of the city\u2019s neighbors have passed laws that restrict pesticide use on public land. Washington, DC enacted the Pesticide Education and Control Amendment Act of 2012<\/i><\/a> which offers protections from restricted use pesticides on public property near waterways, schools, daycare centers and city-owned property. To the East, the Sustainable Land Care Policy of 2011<\/i><\/a> in Greenbelt, MD strictly prohibits the use of synthetic chemical pesticides on all city-owned land. Using these policies as guidance, Takoma Park took it a step forward by including private property restrictions. Maryland is one of only nine states that allow local governments to enact stronger protections from pesticides on private property because of preemption laws<\/a> which prevent municipalities from passing pesticide policies that limit pesticide use restrictions to land owned by the local jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

The Takoma Park law focuses on providing public educational materials, including brochures, classes, and public forums to the community on environmentally-friendly practices and compliance with the new restrictions on pesticides. Under the law, homeowners in Takoma Park can still use approved pesticides on gardens, invasive and noxious weeds and insecticides on disease-carrying insects. The Act specifically restricts pesticides for use on lawns that are: classified as \u201cCarcinogenic to Humans\u201d or \u201cLikely to be Carcinogenic to Humans\u201d the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Classified by EPA as a \u201cRestricted Use Product\u201d; Classified as a \u201cClass 9\u201d pesticide by the Ontario, Canada, Ministry of the Environment; and any pesticide classified as a \u201cCategory 1 Endocrine Disruptor\u201d by the European Commission.<\/p>\n

Of the 30 most commonly used lawn pesticides<\/a>, 17 are possible and\/or known carcinogens, \u00a0 18 have the potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system, 19 are linked to reproductive effects and sexual dysfunction, 11 have been linked to birth defects, 14 are neurotoxic, 24 can cause kidney or liver damage, and 25 are sensitizers and\/or irritants. Children are especially sensitive to pesticide exposure as they take in more pesticides relative to their body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals. Thinking of her children and future generations in Takoma Park, Ms. Cummings believes this ordinance is \u201cclose to the best thing we can offer for our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the ordinance passed unanimously, and with the support from many people in the community \u2014including the local hospital<\/a>\u2014 Safe Grow Zone<\/i> was met with some \u00a0opposition. Some residents \u00a0expressed concern that while they were not supportive of widespread pesticide use, they \u00a0believed \u00a0the restrictions would be confusing for homeowners trying to decide what they could use, and could result in an abundance of \u201caccidental\u201d fines. They also raised the \u00a0enforcement issue, maintaining that the ordinance would create a culture of \u201ctattling\u201d on neighbors. The Councilmembers responded by pointing to the number of laws that create environmental and neighborhood stewardship, including littering, recycling, noise ordinances, and even picking up after pets. These laws are rarely enforced with fines, but most people follow them because they have become internalized. The laws also hold people accountable when there is a problem. The focus on the law is not to pit neighbors against each other or to impose an egregious amount of fines, according to the City Council; instead, it is to educate the public on hazardous pesticides and alternatives in an effort to promote a healthy community and cleaner environment.<\/p>\n

Neither Ms. Cummings nor Ms. Taddeo look at the ordinance as restrictive, but rather as a freedom from the harmful effects of pesticides. \u201cIt takes the burden off of families and anyone else who cares about the environment, their health and the future. With every year that passes, there\u2019s more information about how pesticides are hazardous,\u201d said Ms. Cummings. \u201cThis law frees us from both the toxic effects of the use of pesticides, as well as the reliance on these chemicals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the ordinance puts Takoma Park on the leading edge of pesticide reform, Ms. Cummings says that it shouldn\u2019t be such a huge deal. \u201cWe should have never become so reliant on these chemicals in the first place. How could we not do this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the testimony of Beyond Pesticides’ executive director Jay Feldman <\/a>to the Takoma Park City Council.<\/p>\n

For more information on the ordinance, see the <\/em>City of Takoma Park Public Notice<\/i><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Start your own local movement<\/b><\/p>\n

Are you interested in getting pesticides out of your community, but not sure where to start? It takes a lot of work and commitment, but it can be done with some perseverance. It\u2019s important to find support \u2014 either in friends, neighbors, or other people who share your interests in your community (See Beyond Pesticides\u2019 state pages<\/a> for local environmental organizations). \u00a0 It\u2019s also essential to reach out to your local politicians and government. We have several fact sheets available to help you organize in your community: \u201cCalling All Activists<\/a>,\u201d \u201cPreparing a Campaign<\/a>\u201d and \u201cGetting the Message Across<\/a>\u201d are some good ones.<\/p>\n

For information on how to manage your lawn without the use of harmful pesticides, see Beyond Pesticides\u2019 Lawns and Landscapes webpage<\/a>. The site also provides an online training, Organic Land Care Basic Training for Municipal Officials and Transitioning Landscapers<\/a>, to assist in going pesticide-free.<\/p>\n

Finally, tell us what you\u2019re doing to help stop or reduce pesticides in your community or ask us if you need assistance. We talk to people every day who, like you, want to change things in their communities. Call us at 202-543-5450, send us an email at info@beyondpesticides.org<\/a>, or post a note to our facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Beyond Pesticides, July 25, 2013) In a sweeping victory for the protection of human health and the environment, the Takoma Park, Maryland \u00a0City Council on July 22, 2013 \u00a0unanimously passed the Safe Grow Act of 2013, which generally restricts the use of cosmetic lawn pesticides on both private and public property throughout the Maryland city. This is the first time that a local jurisdiction of this size has used its authority to restrict pesticide use broadly on private property, exercising it responsibility to protect the health and welfare of its residents through its local government. This landmark legislation stops involuntary poisoning and non-target contamination from pesticide drift and volatility that occurs as these toxic chemicals move off of treated \u00a0private yards. The new law fits into the city\u2019s strategic plan to lead community efforts in environmental sustainability, protection and restoration, and secures Takoma Park\u2019s role as a leader in sustainability in the state of Maryland and the nation. \u00a0The action in Takoma Park brings to the U.S. an approach to outlawing cosmetic pesticide use on lawns and landscapes that has been in place in Canadian provinces for many years. The role of local government in imposing pesticide use requirements is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[124,7,122,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-announcements","category-lawnslandscapes","category-maryland","category-pesticide-regulation"],"yoast_head":"\nCosmetic Lawn Pesticide Use Outlawed In Takoma Park, MD, First Local Ban Of Its Type in U.S. - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cosmetic Lawn Pesticide Use Outlawed In Takoma Park, MD, First Local Ban Of Its Type in U.S. - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(Beyond Pesticides, July 25, 2013) In a sweeping victory for the protection of human health and the environment, the Takoma Park, Maryland \u00a0City Council on July 22, 2013 \u00a0unanimously passed the Safe Grow Act of 2013, which generally restricts the use of cosmetic lawn pesticides on both private and public property throughout the Maryland city. This is the first time that a local jurisdiction of this size has used its authority to restrict pesticide use broadly on private property, exercising it responsibility to protect the health and welfare of its residents through its local government. This landmark legislation stops involuntary poisoning and non-target contamination from pesticide drift and volatility that occurs as these toxic chemicals move off of treated \u00a0private yards. The new law fits into the city\u2019s strategic plan to lead community efforts in environmental sustainability, protection and restoration, and secures Takoma Park\u2019s role as a leader in sustainability in the state of Maryland and the nation. \u00a0The action in Takoma Park brings to the U.S. an approach to outlawing cosmetic pesticide use on lawns and landscapes that has been in place in Canadian provinces for many years. 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This is the first time that a local jurisdiction of this size has used its authority to restrict pesticide use broadly on private property, exercising it responsibility to protect the health and welfare of its residents through its local government. This landmark legislation stops involuntary poisoning and non-target contamination from pesticide drift and volatility that occurs as these toxic chemicals move off of treated \u00a0private yards. The new law fits into the city\u2019s strategic plan to lead community efforts in environmental sustainability, protection and restoration, and secures Takoma Park\u2019s role as a leader in sustainability in the state of Maryland and the nation. \u00a0The action in Takoma Park brings to the U.S. an approach to outlawing cosmetic pesticide use on lawns and landscapes that has been in place in Canadian provinces for many years. The role of local government in imposing pesticide use requirements is […]","og_url":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/","og_site_name":"Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/beyondpesticides","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/beyondpesticides\/","article_published_time":"2013-07-25T04:01:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2014-04-01T20:46:54+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/safegrowzone-markspec-01-252x300.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Beyond Pesticides","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@ByondPesticides","twitter_site":"@ByondPesticides","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Beyond Pesticides","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/"},"author":{"name":"Beyond Pesticides","@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/#\/schema\/person\/1b5c0a0981b549cc5b628770073031f4"},"headline":"Cosmetic Lawn Pesticide Use Outlawed In Takoma Park, MD, First Local Ban Of Its Type in U.S.","datePublished":"2013-07-25T04:01:27+00:00","dateModified":"2014-04-01T20:46:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/"},"wordCount":1606,"commentCount":11,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/safegrowzone-markspec-01-252x300.jpg","articleSection":["Announcements","Lawns\/Landscapes","Maryland","Pesticide Regulation"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/","url":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/07\/cosmetic-lawn-pesticide-use-outlawed-across-takoma-park-maryland\/","name":"Cosmetic Lawn Pesticide Use Outlawed In Takoma Park, MD, First Local Ban Of Its Type in U.S. - 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By forging ties with governments, nonprofits, and people who rely on these natural resources, we reduce the need for unnecessary pesticide use and protect public health and the environment. Beyond Pesticides provides hands-on services to the public and supports local action by: identifying and interpreting hazards; and, designing safe pest management programs. With the information provided by Beyond Pesticides, people may not only be able to make informed choices and adopt practices that protect themselves and their families from unnecessary exposure to pesticides, but they will be able to effect changes on community-wide pest management decisions and policies that govern pesticide use, such as pesticide uses in parks, schools, for community insect control and along roadsides. 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