Cool Cities Campaigns for Pesticide-Free Lawns and Parks

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is partnering with the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) to encourage the Elmhurst community to go pesticide-free with eco-friendly lawns and parks.

According to the EPA, American homeowners, businesses, schools, and park districts apply approximately 89 million pounds of weed and feed products for their lawns each year. While pesticides target the insects, plants, fungi and animals we want to eliminate, they do not eliminate these pests with 100 percent effectiveness and also can harm beneficial insects, wildlife, pets and even ourselves.

Strong scientific evidence links exposure to lawn pesticides and herbicides to a host of health hazards from asthma and ADHD in children, to cancer and reproductive problems. Additionally, stormwater runoff can carry synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into our vital water ecosystems threatening our drinking water and aquatic wildlife.

Cool Cities and MPAC encourage residents to pledge to reduce synthetic lawn pesticide and ‎fertilizer use on lawns, and join the effort to protect children, pets and wildlife at home and throughout the Elmhurst community. By visiting bit.ly/MGGpledge and taking the pledge, MPAC will provide residents with free educational information on caring for your lawn naturally, with maintenance tips and recommendations for natural and organic lawn care products.

With a $5 donation, residents receive a “Keep ON the Grass” sign to identify their lawn as pesticide-free. Cool Cities and MPAC will use the support generated from residents to encourage Elmhurst businesses and community organizations to reduce pesticide use, as well.

For more information on MPAC, visit midwestpesticideaction.org. To learn more about making a difference in Elmhurst, contact Elmhurst Cool Cities at ecoolcities@gmail.com, 630/426-9789.

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Midwest Pesticide Action Center is a not for profit organization working across the Midwest to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and promote safer alternatives.

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition strives to promote sustainable solutions in the Elmhurst community through education, outreach and community action.