Alternatives to Pesticides Month

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Newton Mayor & Board of Aldermen Proclaim March, 1998 as
Alternatives to Pesticides Month

Joint Resolution

HIS HONOR THE MAYOR
HONORABLE BOARD OF ALDERMEN

ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES MONTH

Whereas, pesticides are toxic by design, and

Whereas, in addition to their intended effect on pests, pesticides also harm non-target organisms such as humans, pets, beneficial plants, insects, fish, birds and other wildlife, and

Whereas, many of the ingredients in pesticide products, alone and in combination, are not tested for their long term toxic effects on the brain and nervous system, the endocrine system, or the immune system, and

Whereas, exposure to pesticides can be particularly harmful to children and their development, and

Whereas, "The protection of children against environmental toxins is a major challenge to our society" because of the frequent and widespread use of pesticides for landscaping and weed and insect control, and

Whereas, we believe that it is imperative that we work together to protect our children now and in the future from toxics in their food, in their homes, in their schools and in their communities, and

Whereas, we know there are safer, more cost-effective, and ecologically-sound ways to control pests in our landscapes and buildings,
and

Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City and its residents to adopt a planned coordinated approach to controlling weeds, insects and rodents that protects our quality of life while reducing threats to our health and the contamination of the environment, and

Whereas, the City recognizes that public agencies should be a model of environmentally responsible attitudes and safe practices and that an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy enables the City to accrue the financial benefits of planning, prevention and responsible management.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that HIS HONOR THE MAYOR and members of the HONORABLE BOARD OF ALDERMEN of the City of Newton do hereby endorse March 1998 as "ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES MONTH",

AND FURTHERMORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

• we commit the city to implementing Newton's Citywide Integrated Pest Management Policy to eventually eliminate the use of pesticides on city property wherever possible, and
• we urge citizens to follow the City's leadership, to learn about and adopt strategies for eliminating the use of pesticides in their homes, gardens, lawns, businesses, workplaces, places of worship, and schools throughout our community.

Given and Approved unanimously this second day of March in the year 1998

Brooke K. Lipsitt
President, Board of Alderman

David B. Cohen
Mayor

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Last Updated: 2 March 1998