{"id":23440,"date":"2018-09-25T00:00:17","date_gmt":"2018-09-25T04:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=23440"},"modified":"2018-10-01T11:52:21","modified_gmt":"2018-10-01T15:52:21","slug":"beyond-pesticides-joins-grassroots-groups-organic-experts-for-stonyfield-organics-new-playfree-initiative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2018\/09\/beyond-pesticides-joins-grassroots-groups-organic-experts-for-stonyfield-organics-new-playfree-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Pesticides Joins Grassroots Groups, Organic Experts for Stonyfield Organic’s New #PlayFree Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"(Beyond Pesticides, September 25, 2018) Last week the pioneering yogurt maker Stonyfield Organic<\/a> announced a new initiative to convert public fields and parks to organic land management in collaboration with Beyond Pesticides,\u00a0Nontoxic Neighborhoods<\/a>, and natural land care experts Osborne Organics.<\/a>\u00a0The StonyFIELDS #Playfree initiative will work with 35 communities over the next several years to ensure fields and community spaces are free from the use of toxic synthetic pesticides. The project launches at a critical time, as evidence of the dangers glyphosate<\/a> and other pesticides pose to children<\/a>, pollinators<\/a>, and the wider environment continues to mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunities across the country are more and more interested in managing their public spaces without toxic pesticides because they are not necessary to maintain beautiful landscapes,\u201d said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides. \u201cMoms, dads, and pet owners are asking for these changes to protect their loved ones, municipal landscapers are adopting new methods to manage turf without subjecting themselves or bystanders to toxic exposure, and local elected officials are seeking out ways to improve public health and increase their community\u2019s commitment to environmental protection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver 26 million kids play on parks and fields, most of which are managed using a chemical cocktail of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, glyphosate being one of those commonly employed,\u201d says Stonyfield co-founder and Chief Organic Optimist Gary Hirshberg.\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately, the federal agencies in charge of protecting us from dangers like these are now being dismantled right before our eyes, so we feel the time is right to lend our voice to this critical issue and inspire everyone to become advocates and change agents for the health of their loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

The StonyFIELDS #Playfree initiative will kick off with a Field Day this Friday, September 29\u00a0in South Portland, ME\u2019s Bug Light field. In 2016, South Portland passed an historic organic land care policy<\/a> aimed at protecting residents from unnecessary pesticide exposure.\u2019<\/p>\n

Over the next year, Stonyfield Organics will work with the following communities:<\/p>\n