Pesticide-free places and Urban IPM

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Pesticides are inherently dangerous compounds. They are designed to interfere with the well-being of living organisms. Even with careful application, they can leave toxic residues in our food, water and ultimately our bodies.

Moreover, pesticides are often used in places where exposure to them is virtually certain. Children, who are especially vulnerable to pesticides, may be easily exposed to pesticides in places like neighborhood parks, school buildings, playgrounds, and athletic fields. The same is also true for pets, and adults. That's why NCAP is dedicated to building a movement for pesticide reform in urban spaces

Parks

NCAP has been involved with partners throughout the northwest to help establish pesticide-free parks programs in roughly 20 cities, creating enjoyable public spaces that are protective of the environment and people's health. Use the links below to find parks near you, or to learn more about cities that have pesticide-free park programs:

California

San Carlos, San Francisco, Mill Valley, Fairfax, Sacramento, Marin County

Montana

Bozeman, Helena, Whitefish

Oregon

Eugene, Portland, Lincoln City, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Springfield

Washington

Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Redmond

Click Here to Find a Pesticide-free Park Near You!

Schools

For most of the year, kids are spending hours at school every day. That's one reason why it's important to design school environments that are healthy and safe. Unfortunately, unsafe pesticide use occurs at many of our nation’s schools.

A 2007 study of more than 29 school districts found that nearly half were in violation of legal requirements or policies relating to pest management. Outrageously, three districts still had illegal pesticides in storage, including DDT. The top five most frequently applied pesticides in schools and child care facilities were respiratory irritants and, therefore, asthma triggers.

We believe the solution to this problem is to work with parents, teachers and school administrators to develop alternative ways for schools to meet their pest management challenges, thus reducing their pesticide use.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes pest prevention and non-chemical pest control techniques. A recent project documented by the IPM Institute demonstrated that schools with quality IPM policies and practices have reduced pesticide use more than 90% while successfully managing pest problems.

In 2009, NCAP worked with other groups in Oregon to pass a law (SB 637) requiring Oregon schools and community colleges to adopt IPM policies by 2012. Currently, we are working to make sure this new law is a success.

NCAP has teamed up with staff at Oregon State University Extension Service and is on the ground working with school districts across the state to give them the tools they need to ensure success. As of summer 2011, NCAP is carrying out pilot projects to reduce pesticide use with school districts in Lane and Multnomah counties.

Talk to your school about pesticide use!

Learn more by visiting our community toolbox.

Housing

It is a fact that apartment buildings come with pest control responsibilities, and that residents don't always have say in the pest control choices of their housing providers. The recent bed-bug surge led to an increase in the use of certain pesticides, and an increase in the number of pesticide exposures in multi-family dwellings. This highlights the need to increase IPM practices in these areas as well, reducing pesticide use and the risks it poses to tenants.

In spring of 2011, NCAP began working with two different housing authorities to improve IPM programs through analysis, training and monitoring.

Sustainable Places Information Network

Over the course of 2008-2009, NCAP began working with partners from across the region to identify ways to share effective IPM techniques for parks across the northwest. What emerged was the web-based, peer-to-peer Sustainable Places Information Network (SPIN). The initial goal of this network was to increase the number of city park employees effectively implementing IPM techniques, thus increasing the number of pesticide free parks.

Since the site was launched in May 2010, it has connected around 100 different IPM leaders from across the country, and has expanded its focus from just parks to schools and housing as well.

SPIN offers videos, interviews, blog articles, presentations and webinars demonstrating IPM approaches and alternatives to pesticides. If you are a professional seeking information on IPM techniques or the principles behind IPM, please join SPIN to connect with others from your field.

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