[Summit] Fwd: Take the Pledge- Refuse to Use ChemLawn

[liberty at toxicsinfo.org]

Dear Friends of TIP,

Here's an appeal from another organization
working, as we are, to protect vs. pesticides.
Please consider supporting this campaign.

After you've taken the pledge - support our
efforts here in RI by finding out what's being 
used on playing fields near you, and getting us 
the information for follow-up.  For more on this,
go to:  http://www.toxicsinfo.org/playingfields.htm

For the ChemLawn campaign of Massachusetts-based
Toxics Action Center, see below.

Blessings,

Liberty G
*************************************


Liberty Goodwin, Director
Toxics Information Project     
P.O. Box 40441,
Providence, RI 02940
Tel. 401-351-9193
Website: www.toxicsinfo.org

----- Original message -----
From: jayrasku at toxicsaction.org
To: jayrasku at toxicsaction.org
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 13:31:48 -0500
Subject: Take the Pledge- Refuse to Use ChemLawn

Hi friends-

With spring around the corner, it’s time to tell TruGreen ChemLawn,
the nation’s largest lawn pesticide applicator, that using dangerous
pesticides on lawns and playing fields is not acceptable.

We want our lawns to be green and healthy.  And the good news is that
we can get there without the use of pesticides.  It’s time to “Be
Truly Green: Refuse to Use ChemLawn.”

We have officially launched the campaign to change the way TruGreen
ChemLawn does business.  Go to www.refusetousechemlawn.org and take
the Pledge!  Urge ChemLawn to better protect public health and the
environment. 

An analysis of TruGreen ChemLawn pesticides by Toxics Action Center
showed that:

?  17 of 32 (53%) of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include
ingredients that are possible  carcinogens, as defined by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health
Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

?  All 32 of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include
ingredients that pose threats to the environment; including, threats
to water supplies, aquatic organisms, and non-targeted insects. 

?  9 of 32 (28%) of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include
ingredients that are suspected or proven reproductive toxins (7/32
known, 22%).

?  11 of 32 (34%) of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include
ingredients that are suspected or known endocrine disruptors (4/32
known, 12.5%).

?  13 of 32 (41%) of TruGreen ChemLawn’s pesticide products include
ingredients that are banned or restricted in other countries

>From Massachusetts, New England and across the country, we will be
collecting thousands of signatures from people “Refusing to Use
Chemlawn” until TruGreen Chemlawn agrees to:

? Phase out the use of pesticides. TruGreen ChemLawn should
immediately stop the use of those pesticides considered possible
carcinogens by the USEPA and the IARC.

? Disclose all ingredients in their pesticide products, including the
so-called inert ingredients. TruGreen ChemLawn should educate
consumers by readily providing information to its customers over the
phone, in writing, and on its website about the health and
environmental effects of their products. 

? Offer a comprehensive organic lawn-care program which does not use
pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. TruGreen ChemLawn should require
their applicators to pass an accredited organic lawn care program.

? Stop using children to market products. TruGreen ChemLawn should
not enter into any promotional campaign similar to its partnership
with United States Youth Soccer Association, which encouraged
families to hire TruGreen ChemLawn with promises of financial support
for the town’s youth soccer league.

Go to www.refusetousechemlawn.org to take the pledge, and to download
the 96 page report “Be Truly Green: Refuse to Use ChemLawn- Why Lawn
Care Pesticides are Dangerous to Your Children, Pets, and the
Environnment.”

Thanks and pass it on! 

-Jay Rasku