Public Areas and Schools

The public is often unaware that pesticides are used in public areas like neighborhood parks and schools.

The Healthy Schools Act requires schools to report the type and amount of pesticides being applied at each school.

Some cities and counties have implemented programs to reduce their use of pesticides in public areas like parks. One such program is called an Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, program.

The City of Santa Barbara has recently become the latest municipality in the Central Coast to adopt an IPM program.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PROGRAM

On January 27, 2004, the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously adopted a CCEHP-approved IPM policy that will greatly reduce pesticide use in public areas managed or owned by the City of Santa Barbara. With the help of the Pesticide Awareness and Alternatives Coalition (PAAC), CCEHP worked closely with city staff for nearly three years to develop this program. View the City of Santa Barbara's IPM policy. CCEHP staff currently sit on the City's Public Advisory Committee to help oversee and implement this new program.

Among other leaders, the City of San Francisco has established a strong IPM Program. In addition, the Los Angeles Unified School District, composed of over 600 schools, has adopted one of the strongest IPM policies for schools in the nation. These policies are being duplicated around the state and nation. Is your community pursuing IPM?

Because children are more susceptible, it is critical to work towards removing/reducing pesticide use in schools.

Public parks are also frequently treated with pesticides. Because these are areas commonly frequented by children and their families, it makes sense to eliminate pesticides here as well. Contact your local city council to find out when and what they spray, and whether or not they have adopted a least toxic IPM policy.