Non Toxic New Jersey is a coalition of nonprofits and advocates working to help New Jersey communities adopt organic land care practices.
We have partnered with Non Toxic Communities and Green Lifestyles Network.
We have partnered with Non Toxic Communities and Green Lifestyles Network.
TOXIC PESTICIDES ARE BEING USED IN N.J. PARKS
Documents supplied to our group by Parks and Recreation show multiple toxic pesticides are being used in Morristownship parks and public areas.
Products containing the chemical 2,4-D, one of the main ingredients used in Agent Orange, is being applied to the grass where our children and pets play. It is linked to numerous health harms like endocrine disruption and cancer. These products also contain other toxic herbicides.
Neonicotinoid and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are also being used in our parks.
Products containing the chemical 2,4-D, one of the main ingredients used in Agent Orange, is being applied to the grass where our children and pets play. It is linked to numerous health harms like endocrine disruption and cancer. These products also contain other toxic herbicides.
Neonicotinoid and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are also being used in our parks.
THERE IS HOPE FOR A SOLUTION
Organic land care eliminates the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and sewage sludge. We would like Morristownship to start with an organic pilot program for one or more public areas. In the long term, an organic land care policy would protect residents for decades to come.
While we work to educate our elected officials and staff, you can take action to stop toxic pesticide use in Morristownship, and other communities in New Jersey in the following ways.
While we work to educate our elected officials and staff, you can take action to stop toxic pesticide use in Morristownship, and other communities in New Jersey in the following ways.
New Jersey Pesticide Free Zones and Policies
Local news reported in 2008 that 27 New Jersey communities had begun designated Pesticide Free Zones in parks including Chatham, Clifton, Irvington, Newark, East and West Windsor, Ocean City, Dennis Twp, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Neptune, Raritan, Red Bank, Pine Beach and Wall Townships.
In 2008 Bernards Township, NJ adopted an Integrated Pest Management Resolution covering all township owned property. The policy utilizes organic lawn care practices allowing for the elimination of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizer on all sports fields and key lawn areas, and it designates all parks as Pesticide Free Zones An Organic Lawn Pilot Program was instituted in 2018. The Chatham Township Committee passed an ordinance in June 2021 to eliminate toxic pesticide use on all municipal recreational areas to promote a healthy environment, protect the public from the hazards of pesticides, and for implementation of sustainable land use. Eight organic pilot sites were started in 2020. The City will begin using pesticide-free landscaping for all municipal-owned grounds beginning in 2021.
