{"id":11541,"date":"2013-08-14T00:01:29","date_gmt":"2013-08-14T04:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=11541"},"modified":"2013-08-14T09:18:49","modified_gmt":"2013-08-14T13:18:49","slug":"think-green-practice-organic-this-semester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2013\/08\/think-green-practice-organic-this-semester\/","title":{"rendered":"Think Green, Practice Organic This Semester!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Beyond Pesticides<\/em>, August 14, 2013) With another school year upon us, this can be an exciting and busy time of the year for parents and teachers as children prepare for the first day back. During this hectic time, it\u2019s important to remember that children may face unexpected dangers at school from well-intentioned but misguided attempts to create a germ and pest-free environment through the use of pesticides.\"school<\/a><\/p>\n

Students are better served when schools use environmentally friendly products and practice integrated pest management techniques. \u00a0 Additionally, schools can further their students\u2019 education outside the classroom by providing habitat for wildlife and growing organic food in a school garden. \u00a0 By thinking green and going organic, your child\u2019s school can become a model for the type of change that\u2019s occurring in communities across the nation. Beyond Pesticides has put together this back-to-school guide to help safeguard your kids from dangerous chemicals at school. Use this list to start the new school year right and ensure that you are sending your kids back to a healthier and safer environment.<\/p>\n

Fight Germs Without Triclosan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because of its link to adverse health effects – including asthma, cancer and learning dis \u00adabilities, triclosan has no place in the classroom. The American Medical Association recommends against its use in consumer products, and the FDA states that, \u201cExisting data raise valid concerns about the [health] effects of repetitive daily human exposure to [triclosan]…\u201d \u00a0 The EPA which also regulates this chemical has only now begun to review its registration.<\/p>\n

The take home here is that regular soap and water is just as effective at getting rid of bacteria.<\/i>
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\nSubtract Triclosan from the Equation<\/a>: Tell your principal that you are concerned about the use of antibacterial soap and its impact on the health of the students and staff. Ask that the school order regular soap from its usual janitorial product supplier and that all cleansers and sanitizers used by the school be triclosan-free. Materials on the health impacts of triclosan are available at Beyond Pesticides.<\/p>\n

Recently students at the University of Texas passed a resolution banning triclosan soaps. You too can encourage your school to adopt an official policy that 1) commits to not procuring or using products containing triclosan or triclocarban; 2) supports efforts to educate the community about the action it has taken. Contact us for model policy language and tips on how to get started.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to avoid triclosan. Read the product label, whether it\u2019s a backpack, school supplies, soap or sanitizer for any label statement that says \u201cantibacterial,\u201dor \u201cantimicrobial protection.\u201d Due to public pressure, many companies have reformulated their products without triclosan. Below are some brands that do not use triclosan:\"washinghands\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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