Healthy Schools, Healthy Towns
NJEF is urging town mayors to take the "Healthy Schools, Healthy Towns" pledge & adopt a Pesticide and Green Cleaning Policy, Diesel Reduction Resolution, & No-Idling Pledge. Over the coming weeks, NJEF canvass staff will inform NJ residents about this effort through our annual door to door education & fundraising drive.
Pesticide Reduction Policy
NJEF believes that it's important to reduce and/or eliminate toxic pesticide use in public parks, playgrounds and schools where our children learn and play. Many studies show a direct correlation between pesticide exposure and the development of cancers in children, such as leukemia, tumors and brain disease. The NJ School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Act (effective date June 2004) requires all public, private and charter schools to provide 72 hour parental & staff notification of a chemical pesticide application, 7 hour reentry delays and a shift to low-impact pest control methods. NJEF can: 1) help evaluate your current pest control practices; and 2) help you pass a Pesticide Reduction Resolution and establish "Pesticide Free Zones" (PFZ) in parks and playgrounds.
Green Cleaning Policy
Green cleaning means using least toxic cleaning products that are safer for people, animals, and the environment in homes, schools, communities, and workplaces. Green cleaning practices can provide improved indoor air quality, reduce health risk from exposure, and protect the environment, while maintaining a healthy level of cleanliness and disinfection. All of NJ's state properties and authorities are now required to purchase and utilize green cleaning products (Executive Order #76, 2006). If you want to go green at home, school and other public facilities, you must take your own initiative. NJEF can: 1) offer trainings and educational materials regarding least toxic, readily available and affordablee green cleaning products for home, school and other facilities; and 2) help you pass a green cleaning policy.
Diesel Reduction Resolution and No-Idling Pledge
NJ has the 2nd highest diesel emission levels in the nation. Up to 25% of NJ's school age children are asthmatic-the leading cause of school absenteeism and increased visits to the emergency room on hot summer days. Essex County ranks as the 6th worse county in NJ for diesel pollution health impacts, resulting in 94 premature deaths, 130 heart attacks, and 1,802 asthma attacks per year. In 2005, NJ voters approved a dedicated fund to retrofit publicly owned diesel vehicles and school buses with emission controls. NJEF can: 1) help you pass municipal and school "no idling" ordinances and 2) help create "kids clean air zones."
Ask your Mayor and Council to take the "Healthy Schools, Healthy Towns" pledge!
- Call and/or write a letter to your Mayor and Council! Ask them to take the Healthy Schools/Healthy Towns pledge.
- Contact NJEF at 732-280-8988. We can help you get local resolutions and policies adopted in your town for any one or all three areas described above! Find Your Mayor
Sample letter, please personalize
Dear Mayor & Council,
I am writing to request that the Mayor & Council help create a healthier, greener, and cleaner environment in our town. Please take the "Healthy Schools, Healthy T7owns" pledge and adopt a Pesticide and Green Cleaning Policy, Diesel Reduction Resolution, and No-Idling Pledge.
Toxic chemicals found in cleaning products and pesticides have been associated with various forms of cancer, nervous system disorders, respiratory problems and learning disabilities. Diesel pollution leads to asthma and other respiratory problems.
Please take the "Healthy Schools, Healthy Towns" pledge today.
I would appreciate a response.Sincerely, Name, Address
