Sometimes we are faced with difficult questions. One woman who recently contacted us about an issue on her farm also asked, "Aren't there situations when it is absolutely necessary to use a pesticide?" In a sense, she was asking: when is it ok to spray?
She did not pose this question from a public health perspective, but it has obvious applicability given the current spike in West Nile Virus, related deaths, and the intense aerial spraying that's happening in response. Through this lens, her question becomes: is it ok to spray in order to prevent West Nile Virus?
While it may be less gratifying philosophically, I see this as a query that is more important to dissolve than it is to answer. The idea that we must choose, exposure to toxic chemical insecticides or exposure to West Nile Virus, is a false dichotomy.
There are less toxic, more effective ways to manage mosquitos and prevent disease.
Below, you'll find NCAP's resources outlining some of those, as well as updates about many upcoming events.
Read and share!
Kim Leval, Executive Director
Visit our website at www.pesticide.org for information and the latest news!
Mosquitos, West Nile Virus, and Alternatives to Pesticides
Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus
Taking Action: West Nile Virus
Spraying for West Nile Virus
Spraying Opt Out Program
Getting Community Mosquito Control Programs to Adopt the Best Policies
Mosquito Control Guidelines
Mosquito Control Program Guidelines by State
Mosquitos - Commonly Used Insecticides
Plant Based Mosquito Repellents
Organic Urban Land Care Workshop, Sept. 5th
Just as organic farming contributes to a healthier environment, organic land care in urban areas is integral to creating healthier, safer communities. That's why NCAP is offering a free workshop on organic methods for urban land care.
The workshop is from 3 - 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 5th at Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), near downtown Eugene. Our educators are:
Julia Schnabel, Grounds Manager at Lane Community College
Chris Girard, Pesticide-Free Parks Program, Eugene Parks and Open Space
Holde Fink, Accredited Organic Landscaper at Native and Urban Gardens
For more info, or to RSVP for this event, Cick Here or contact Josh Vincent - firstname.lastname@example.org, 541-344-5044 x 22.
Sponsored by Down to Earth, Cafe Mam, and EWEB.
Organic Field Day: Rocky Fence Vineyard, Sept. 27th
Mike and Liz Medes of Rocky Fence Vineyard produce table and wine grapes near Emmett, Idaho. The farm has been producing certified organic grapes since 2004. Join us on Thursday, September 27th as they lead us on a tour that will highlight their techniques and on-farm research. This will include:
- organic grape production
- organic methods for managing powdery mildew
- organic methods for increasing berry size
- composting of grape vine prunings
Register online or contact Jen Miller - email@example.com, 208-850-6504.
Take Action: Pesticide-Free Everett
Megan Dunn has been working in Everett, WA for the last three years to help create pesticide-free areas. Her efforts, and those of the volunteers she organizes, have been chronicled on the blog Pesticide Free Everett.
Megan recently asked the Parks Department to consider an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy that would help reduce pesticide use citywide. Now, she has an opportunity to speak with the Board of Park Commisioners at their next meeting on September 11.
The meeting will be from 6 to 8 pm at Spruce Hall at Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA, 98203. If you are in or around Everett, WA and would like to speak to the board in favor of a new IPM policy, please contact Megan - PesticideFreeEverett@gmail.com.
Healthy Harvest, October 6th
Tickets are now on sale for our fourth annual Evening with NCAP. Get yours in advance and come celebrate 35 years of pesticide reform with us. This year's event, Healthy Harvest, will be our biggest party ever, and all proceeds will help fund NCAP programs!
Healthy Harvest will be held at the Eugene Vets Ballroom on October 6th and will feature:
- Wine ring toss
...and much more!
Tickets are $35 if you purchase in advance or $40 at the door. Buy Online
Supporter Spotlight: Martha Clatterbaugh
Martha first encountered NCAP at the 2002 National Pesticide Forum, which NCAP co-sponsored. There, she had the chance to meet writers and activists like Duff Wilson, whose stories on toxic heavy metals in fertilizer she had been following in the Seattle Times.
For Martha, the forum helped to link global problems she was concerned about, like genetically modified organisms and toxic pesticides, with community action groups like NCAP. Martha has been a supporter ever since.
Many Ways to Give
Strength in Numbers
Refer a Friend Special
Working for the environment and the public interest pits us against a pesticide industry with seemingly endless reserves of cash. That’s why, for NCAP’s 35th anniversary, we asked our most committed donors to join the Leadership Giving Circle and help us raise $10,000. Generously, they did it!
They also issued a challenge to raise another $10,000 by the end of the year. Your donation will help us meet this challenge and create a strong foundation for another 35 years of strategic wins. Whether it’s eliminating pesticide use in schools, parks, homes, and farms; or protecting our rivers and the lives that depend on them; or monitoring policy changes and being a voice for health and sustainability...we must have strength in numbers to be successful.
Please support NCAP with a donation and become a member in the movement for pesticide reform.
Strength in Numbers
If you are a current member, get a friend to join NCAP at $30 or more and you BOTH will receive an NCAP 35th Anniversary grocery bag made of 100% recycled material. Just be sure your friend mentions your name when they join. More voices means more positive change and healthier communities! (while supplies last, United States shipping only).
New Members Get a Pesticide Free Area Sign
When you join as a new member with $30 or more, you receive a new Pesticide-Free Area sign from NCAP and Mountain Rose Herbs. The sign is made from recycled aluminum, so it's a responsible and durable way to state your values!
To donate, click the button or contact Shelly Connor at (541) 344-5044 ext. 17.
Letter from the Director
Organic Urban Land Care
Field Day Sept. 27th
Many Ways to Give
Oregon GMO canola fight progrresses as opponents of new state planting rules secure a legal stay.
Chlorpyrifos found to affect boys more than girls.
Monsanto bankrolling efforts to stop California's GMO labeling ballot measure.
Take The Pledge!
Hundreds of people have taken our pesticide-free pledge! Show your commitment by adding your voice too. It's easy, and it just might win you a pesticide-free zone sign for your yard!
Take the Pledge
NCAP needs your help to protect the environment. Whatever your specific interests are, you can join us as a volunteer or an intern and gain advocacy experience through one of our many projects.
35 Years of
NCAP turns 35 this year! To celebrate, we're honoring the people who have been involved with our organization over the decades. If you're one of them, please let us know by sharing your stories:
NCAP's 35th Anniversary
New and Renewing Business League Members
A big thank you to Business League members who joined or renewed in August!
Magic Valley Compost
Click here to view the full business league roster.
Do you have a business? Join the growing list of businesses that are standing up for a healthy environment! Visit the Business League webpage to learn more about becoming an NCAP Business League member.