Whereas scientific studies associate exposure to pesticides with health risks to infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly;
Whereas pesticides are harmful to pets, wildlife, beneficial insects (including bees, currently at great risk from colony collapse disorder), and natural ecosystems; and
Whereas, toxic runoff from pesticides and chemical fertilizers pollutes lakes, rivers, and drinking water sources:
We, the undersigned, call upon the City Council and mayor of Minneapolis to enact a policy to eliminate the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers on all city-owned and city-leased properties, including ponds and lakes, in order to protect the public and promote a healthy, sustainable environment; and we call upon the city of Minneapolis to implement a pesticide-free pest management policy on all city-owned and city-leased properties.
Why is this important?
Pesticides have been shown to hurt people, pets and wildlife. The people of Minneapolis demand safe city spaces free from all pesticides and managed with organic practices.
