by Megan Dunn, Healthy People & Communities Program Director  For back to school, it's great to support environmental efforts and purchase recycled paper and nontoxic markers. You may be able to find recycled pens and pencils. But, you can take even more steps to ensure a clean, healthy and environmentally friendly classroom. By supporting your school’s efforts to reduce pesticides, you are protecting student, employee, and volunteer health. Continue reading

A group of concerned activists outside of Seattle, Washington have been following the progress of a new playfield closely. The group was concerned with conflicting information about using crumb rubber from recycled tires, instead of plant-based alternatives, as the infill for a new playfield. The field is a collaboration between the school district, city and health district. Continue reading

Low snowpack and an early hot summer have led to warmer temperatures for Pacific Northwest rivers. Temperatures have risen into the 70s in the majority of rivers with monitoring stations in Oregon, Washington and California. These high temperatures have been blamed for thousands of recent adult and juvenile salmon deaths of both wild and hatchery fish. Salmon need cold water for optimal health, preferring temperatures in the 50s. Continue reading

  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new label language for pesticides that are toxic to bees. The language would prohibit growers and pesticide applicators from using certain pesticides when contracted bees (usually honeybees) are on-site to perform pollination services.   The measure is a step in the right direction but doesn’t go far enough! Continue reading

Washington Schools Urged to Reduce Pesticide Use with Integrated Pest Management Policy.  Sen. Maralyn Chase (D-32nd District, Shoreline) introduced SB 6002, a bill to protect children from pesticide exposure in Washington schools. The bill would require Washington school districts to implement integrated pest management programs by Sept. 1, 2016.  Continue reading