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There is a powerful movement of environmental advocacy spanning coast-to-coast with roots in southern California. Nearly a decade ago, a group of parents in Irvine brought organic land care to their school and city leaders with great success. Inspired by the work of “Non Toxic Irvine,” at least 50 other similarly named groups have arisen in the state with a mission to rid their parks, playgrounds, schools, athletic fields, and homeowners associations of commonly used toxic pesticides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, and glufosinate.
These chemicals are being used primarily for cosmetic reasons to achieve pristine looking turfgrass and manage vegetation in urban areas. But the insecticides, herbicides and other pesticides being used in many California communities are harmful to our children, pets and the environment.
According to the Washington, D.C. based nonprofit, Beyond Pesticides, of the most commonly used pesticides, 26 are linked with cancer, 29 with reproductive effects, 21 are linked with birth defects, 32 with liver or kidney damage, 24 with neurotoxicity, and 24 with disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system.
Many pesticides are persistent, meaning they stick around in plants, soil and water for many months or even years after application. Just because the pesticide warning sign is gone – doesn’t mean the exposure risk is.
Some pesticides contain PFAS chemicals either as an active or other ingredient in their formulation. These highly-persistent ‘forever chemicals’ are linked to cancers, immune impairment, reproductive, developmental and hormonal health effects. Our children are amongst the most vulnerable to these toxic exposures.
Thankfully, toxic pesticides are not necessary to have attractive and functional landscapes. Organic land care is a proven, Standards-based, soil focused approach that regenerates natural systems and supports the growth of healthy plants that are resistant to pest pressure. Best cultural practices like proper mowing and irrigation, and fertilization with products that feed the microbes in the soil – that in turn feed the plants – take priority over scheduled, repeated applications of pesticides that target pests only in the short-term.
Organic land care prevents and solves pest problems, using regular monitoring to address them quickly when they do arise. Organic calls for using the least-toxic product, often a biological control rather than a chemical. Organic approved pesticides typically contain natural compounds like cedarwood oil or citric acid. There are three main categories organic compatible products fall into; OMRI listed, FIFRA 25(b) exempt ‘minimum risk’ pesticides, and biopesticides.
Organic practices reduce weed and pest pressure and the need for irrigation by creating the conditions where desired plants and beneficial insects thrive and increasing organic matter which acts like a sponge to more efficiently hold moisture. According to nationally renowned expert, Chip Osborne, we should expect to see up to a 35% reduction in water use within five years of implementing an organic program.
Irvine, Tustin, Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente are a few of the cities that have adopted organic practices through their resident group’s local advocacy. They’ve worked with members of Non Toxic Communities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by an originating member of Non Toxic Irvine. Non Toxic Communities partners with Beyond Pesticides to bring support, education, training and organic pilot programs to schools and cities nationwide. Another nonprofit with roots in California Re: Wild Your Campus works on college grounds, bringing organic land care to the academic setting, driven by student advocacy.
These and other small grassroots citizen’s groups are a shining example of the difference that can be made through local advocacy. Larger nonprofit organizations are there to support community groups just like them to make pesticide-free parks and playgrounds a reality in any neighborhood. Pioneer of the OC movement, the City of Irvine, has been recognized for their innovative organic landscaping program by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. They prove it can be done!
This hard won progress is being threatened by the pesticide industry who are attempting to block state and municipal level pesticide ordinances. This would include about seven places in California with existing restrictions, and prevent any new ordinances. We must not allow corporate interests to dictate how we protect our communities. Now is the time to increase the number of nontoxic cities in California, and defend our rights to local control for a safe environment.
How we care for our landscapes has far-reaching effects. We can choose to go down the same path of degeneration and pollution, or opt for a better future where we create healthy, resilient communities through collaborative action.
Interested in joining our movement? Visit the Non Toxic Communities website for free educational resources on organic land care and more!
Diana Carpinone is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP), and the co-founder of Non Toxic Communities, a national nonprofit organization that supports local efforts to eliminate toxic chemicals to protect public health and the environment.
Opinions expressed in community opinion pieces belong to the authors and not Voice of OC.
Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please email opinions@voiceofoc.org.
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