Every day, schools across the United States spray pesticides and herbicides without fail. It occurs in parks, schools, playgrounds, and daycares where children commonly reside. These toxic chemicals have been designed to kill, so it’s no wonder they are such a huge risk to human health. These various weedkillers happen to be hormone-disrupting carcinogens and are released into the atmosphere from which we breathe, as well as the water we drink and even the food we eat. Communities we live in are consequently affected by an increase in medical costs, as well as a lower quality of life.

Pesticides are linked to conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson’s disease, infertility, birth defects, cancers, etc. These chemicals are usually applied several times per year and can leave long-lasting effects on the environment for years on end. Glyphosate is one of the most harmful varieties of herbicide, yet people in the United States are commonly exposed to it. The most worrisome thing of all is the lack of concern towards those pursuing an education in my home state as well as many others. An effective and safer alternative to pesticides that provides equal efficiency in deterring pests is the practice of organic landscape management. This method of protection against pests utilizes enriching and strengthening the health of soil in order to naturally deter unwanted pests and weeds. Implementing this method of maintenance especially within schools would spare vulnerable individuals from the negative effects of pesticides and herbicides impeding their educational endeavors. In order to actively combat the enactment of harmful pesticides and herbicides, I plan to join the efforts of many other cities such as Seattle and Austin in their battle against these dangerous operations.