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THE movement against harmful pesticides:
THE movement against harmful pesticides:
protecting people, animals, and the environment
protecting people, animals, and the environment
Regulation on a federal level, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), does not appear hopeful for the many in the fight against pesticides. The EPA claims that is has researched the impacts of glyphosates on a 15 year cycle. As of 2020, the EPA that the use of glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen and does not pose a threat to human safety and health. Details on the the EPA's research can be found of the link below.
As of June 2022, the EPA released final assessments of neonicotionoid variants: Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam. These three pesticides are used in both commercial and residential settings. The assessments conducted by the EPA found that each of these chemicals was "likely to adversely effect" around 70% of species reviewed. Upon review, the EPA has decided to enter into conversation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service in order to determine how to best proceed with these findings. The EPA plans to release mitigation measures in regards to species exposure to these chemicals in 2024. These mitigation plans proposed by the EPA are unlikely to ban use of neonicotinoids.
Ideally, regulation of glyphosates and neonicotionoids would occur on a federal level to have the most impact and encourage uniformity in action. Unfortunately the United States EPA is not progressive in it's action against pesticides, and remains virtually indifferent to the effects that have on the ecosystem. In the next section, this site will detail what pesticides have done harm, and measure that can be taken to reduce and eventually eliminate the damages caused by pesticides and herbicides.
Defining Pesticides vs Herbicides
Defining Pesticides vs Herbicides
Glyphosates
Glyphosates
Glyphosate is the world’s most commonly used herbicide, and is commonly used on US markets under the brand “Round Up”. The chemical works by blocking certain proteins needed by the plant for growth. Not only does Glyphosate affect plants, but a growing body of research suggests that it affects the microbial community in a bee’s digestive system. Researchers have suggested that the presence of Glyphosate is a bee’s digestive system, on a wide scale, could explain the phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Not only are bees negatively effected by Glyphosates, but the dangers posed to humans have also come into question. The substance has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and many countries have enacted legislation to restrict the chemical.
Shown above are common household products containing neonictinoids or neocintinoid variants. These products are typically sold in large home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. Image thanks to Pollinator Project Rouge Valley.
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) are a class of chemicals that are commonly used on farms and urban settings. The chemical is absorbed by the plant and presents in the plants pollen and nectar, and is also water soluble. It can be applied directly to seeds or sprayed onto a large crop. Not only do bees and other pollinators take up the chemical while feeding, but the chemical can also run off into water systems, affecting non-target species. The long lasting nature of neonicotinoid products can cause harm even months are they are initially applied. Although not harmful to many mammals, neonicotinoids are deadly to bees and other insects, birds, and other animals, even in small amounts.
Neonicotinoids & Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
Neonicotinoids & Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
Colony Collapse Disorder occurs when the majority of bees within a hive disappear, leaving the queen and larva prone to failure. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Colony Collapse Disorder can be attributed to a variety of causes such as climate change, disease, loss of habitat, and often pesticides. The organization states CCD is mostly often found in relation to neonic pesticides. The EPA has also stated that a cause of collapse within a bee colony can be attributed to pesticides, but do not clearly name neonics or plan to regulate their use.
Image courtesy of Ohio State University
The image above details the various factors that contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder including mono-cropping, pesticides, fungal infections, and genetic disorders, all of which contribute to CCD.
State Wide Initiatives:
State Wide Initiatives:
Assembly member Rebecca BAur-Kahan
Assembly member Rebecca BAur-Kahan
Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of Orinda has taken up pesticide regulation at the state-wide level, after speaking with her constituents.
She introduced AB567 during the 2019-20 legislative session, calling for a total ban on neonics, modeled after policies enacted by the European Union. This legislation died quickly, since this class of pesticide is heavily used by industrial agriculture. AB2126 was introduced in the 2020-21 legislative cycle, and addressed the use of pesticides in non-agricultural settings, specifically in home/commercial settings, and focused on preventing neonicotinoids from leaching into urban water supplies. This bill reached Governor Newson’s desk, but was vetoed on the basis that the matter was already being reviewed by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
In the 2023-24 legislative session, Assembly Member Kahn plans to introduce Assembly Bill 363, which would require the Department of Pesticide Regulation to conduct research on the use of neonicotinoids by a certain date (which is yet to be determined). The bill does not require the research to come to any definite conclusion. She also introduced AB 1042, with would give the Department of Pesticide Regulation the ability to regulate seeds treated with neonics.
No US state has been able to fully ban neonicotinoids similar to the EU’s regulations. New York and New Jersey have passed legislation identical to AB 2126. Lobbyists for large agricultural interests have opposed AB 2126, arguing that pests from non-agricultural settings will migrate to agricultural settings. However, opposition from industrial agriculture is predictable, given the growing momentum towards banning neonics in any setting. And because the Department of Pesticide Regulation is funded through fees placed on the use of pesticides, cessation of pesticide use could potentially adversely affect the department’s resources.
In this political landscape, communities are vital advocates and can work with their local and state representatives on pesticide regulation, and vote for pesticide and herbicide-free legislation.
commercial / retail pesticide measures
commercial / retail pesticide measures
Home Depot:
In 2016, Home Depot addressed the traces of neonics found within flowering plants sold at stores. Even plants sold as 'pollinator friendly' had traces of this harmful chemical. A statement released by the company promised that all neonic treated plants should be phased out by 2018. Additionally, Home Depot has promised to tag plants that are potentially exposed to neonics. Ultimately, the changes Home Depot has made was by consumer pressure as well as a growing body of research to support the harm of neonics on pollinators.
Bayer:
As of 2022, Bayer, which produces RoundUp, will be settling $11 billion in lawsuits on the premise that the company knew their product was associated with cancer and failed to warn customers. The company will begin to phase out the sale of the product to residential customers during 2023. Again, Bayer is only pulling products off of shelves after lawsuits have begun to be paid out, NOT by regualtion by the EPA
PROGRESS ON PESTICIDES IN BERKELEY
Herbicide Free Cal
The movement to enact a ban on the use of Glyphosate herbicides was first put into motion by UC Berkeley volleyball players after they observing the use of chemicals near their outdoor volleyball courts. The “Herbicide Free Cal" movement began - and now all 10 UC system campuses have banned the use of glyphosates on campus grounds. An informational video regarding the movement linked to the left thanks to the LEAD center.
If they can do it... so can we!
If they can do it... so can we!
Irvine , Ca
Irvine , Ca
In Irvine California, anti-pesticide advocates banded together under the organization "Toxic Free Irvine" after being outraged that pesticides were being sprayed on children's playing fields. As a result, the Irvine City Council passed an ordinance declaring it a "Toxic Free City"
New York State
New York State
In New York state, legislation identical to AB 2126 of California was passes in the 21-22 legislative session. This can prove to be a model for political feasibility in California.
European Union
European Union
In 2018, the European Union banned neonicotinoids EVEN in agricultural settings. This can provide a model for the United States regarding alternative agriculural practices on an industrial level.
TOWARD A TOXIC FREE BERKELEY!
The City of Berkeley Senior Landscape Gardener, Melissa Marizette-Green, maintains that the use of Glyphosate and other pesticides are not permitted in city parks or public landscapes. However, this fact not widely known, nor celebrated for the accomplishment that it is.
Designating Berkeley as a Toxic Free City can support the growing movement to eliminate the harms caused by pesticide/herbicide use. If you live in Berkeley, contact your city council member to create an ordinance designating the city as toxic free! Spreading awareness around pesticide and herbicide use in the form of an ordinane can create momentum and apply pressure to corporations and regulatory agencies.
Image courtesy of Ivy Lei
Sample outreach flier for Berkeley residents
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