 | | | From left: Shirley Shelangoski of Pleasant Hill, Ashley Jang of Campolindo High School, and Elyse Kedzie, Head Royce High graduate from San Ramon, at the Parents for a Safer Environment educational booth at the John Muir Earth Day Festival. Photo provided
| | | | | | It's not the first thing on our minds when we go to work, school or eat out, but have you ever wondered what kinds of chemicals we may be exposed to during our daily activities? Most of us don't because they are usually applied in our absence but research is showing that pesticide exposure is linked to many health problems.
Decades of studies have shown that pesticide exposure is linked to chronic asthma, several types of cancers, birth defects, learning disorders and dementia, according to the California Department of Public Health. More recent human tissue culture and animal studies are also linking very low levels of commonly used pesticides to hormone disruption, which can lead to obesity and other metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
The good news is that there are safer alternatives to pesticides which are more effective and can cost less.
On Oct. 1, Parents for a Safer Environment (PfSE) will be offering a workshop to the larger community to celebrate its 10-year anniversary of protecting people, wildlife and the environment locally, regionally, and state-wide, and to discuss least toxic alternatives for controlling six of the most common pest problems: burrowing and structural rodents, small animals, weeds, insects, rats and termites. The workshop, held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hacienda de las Flores, is co-sponsored by the Town of Moraga, which has the only organically maintained public parks system in Contra Costa County and was given the American Public Works Association's Sustainability Award in 2013.
Under the guidance of PfSE, the Moraga School District and the Town of Moraga passed protective, pest control "IPM" policies in 2005 and 2006.
Eight continuing education units (CEUs) are available for pesticide applicators, a change from the pesticide industry sponsored events. At check-in, carpoolers will receive free pest control products of their choice at the door. A complimentary breakfast will be provided from Whole Foods, and registrants will also enjoy an organic lunch and fruit tasting all day courtesy of Ken's Organic Produce, a favorite vendor at the Moraga Farmer's Market. The workshop's registration deadline is Sept. 26 (online at www.pfse.net). Cost for the full-day event is $50.
If you would like to get involved, PfSE welcomes volunteers to participate in exciting projects. Visit www.pfse.net or contact Lysle@pfse.net for more information.
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA