(2748,2,'2015-10-06 21:47:17','2015-10-06 21:47:17','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Preserving Water Quality</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects water resources by promoting healthy lawn and landscape practices. Maintaining healthy rivers, streams, brooks, and lakes is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of the areas we inhabit, protecting wildlife, and securing safe, clean drinking water.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"L2L\"></a> for: <a href=\"#L2L\">Lawn to Lake</a>, <a href=\"#LS\">Lawn to Lake Successes</a>, <a href=\"#Training\">Training</a>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake</h3>\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital natural resource. They represent approximately 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water and provide habitat for more than 100 species of rare plants and animals. Additionally, 42 million people depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with Lawn to Lake, a regional collaboration, to protect water resources in the Lake Michigan basin.\r\n\r\nOur outreach and training program promotes healthier landscape practices to reduce pollution. With funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center and its partners in the Lawn to Lake Program help professional landscapers, municipalities, and homeowners make better decisions in how they maintain their outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nThe Lawn to Lake Program, lead by the <a href=\"http://www.iiseagrant.org/\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a> and supported by the <a title=\"Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\" href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restorations Initiative</a>, is comprised of the following organizations:\r\n\r\n<a name=\"LS\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/\">Lake Champlain Sea Grant</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/\">University of Illinois Extension</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.nirpc.org/\">Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission</a>, and</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/\">Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake Successes</h3>\r\nSince its inception, the Lawn to Lake Program has made significant progress toward making the Great Lakes waters less polluted and safer. To date, we have:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helped 318,066 residents move to natural lawn care through outreach and education;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced weed and feed use by an estimated 1,021,453 pounds; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced pesticide use by an estimated 7,864<a name=\"Training\"></a> pounds</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Training</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center holds collaborative workshops in the Midwest so that landscape professionals, municipal leaders, grounds keepers, master gardeners, and residents can learn about the connection between lawn care and water quality and how to create naturally beautiful lawns and landscapes.\r\n\r\nOur most recent event, held in April of 2013,  targeted landscapers. The Lawn to Lake Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care Workshop successfully trained over 50 professionals in sustainable lawn and landscape care practices and how to communicate the benefits to their clients. The workshop impacted an estimated 13,780 homeowners.\r\n\r\nFor future events, visit our <a title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Training and Events</a> page. If you would like to host training with Midwest Pesticide Action Center, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Chicago Grows Green: </strong>For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Chicago Grows Green\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Guide.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your impact on water quality by making smart decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View All Resources</a>','Preserving Water Quality','','inherit','closed','open','','250-revision-v1','','','2015-10-06 21:47:17','2015-10-06 21:47:17','',250,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/250-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2749,2,'2015-10-07 14:01:16','2015-10-07 14:01:16','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#GG\">Grows Green</a>\r\n<h2>Grows Green</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of the state of Illinois.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-932 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Grows Green Guide Cover\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSpring of 2013 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\">Grows Green initiative</a> in Chicago and surrounding communities with 35 participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make climate friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=z_vBNNFWN0xg.kB4sq_i1Znzw\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-1999\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/map-300x281.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"181\" /></a>The map to the right highlights these stores, all of which carry climate- friendly products and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Chicago Grows Green- a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden</em></a>, a brochure, developed with support from <a title=\"Boeing Corporate Citizenship\" href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/companyoffices/aboutus/community/index.page?\" target=\"_blank\">Boeing</a>,  for the Chicago region but applicable to communities across the Midwest with similar climates. Click on the image on the right to view the entire map.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Chicago Grows Green - a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 14:01:16','2015-10-07 14:01:16','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2750,2,'2017-07-27 17:20:45','2017-07-27 17:20:45','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h1>\r\nIt is a statistical fact that most people who live, work, and play in America’s most polluted environments reside in marginalized communities with few resources. These groups inherit deteriorating schools and substandard housing (containing lead paint, asbestos, and mold).  Industrial facilities and polluting infrastructures such as highways located near their neighborhoods lead to higher rates of exposure to toxic pollutants such as lead, arsenic, pesticides, and other poisons in schoolyards, parks and playgrounds.\r\n\r\nAs a result, low-income communities and individuals experience increased exposure to environmental hazards and suffer disproportionately from environmentally related diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that African-American children are three times more likely than white children to be hospitalized for asthma and asthma-related conditions and are four to six times more likely to die from asthma.\r\n\r\nFrom its inception in 1994, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been addressed environmental justice issues as they relate to pesticide exposure and the negative impacts on children.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Success\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Success\">A History of Success</a>, <a href=\"#CC\">Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</a>\r\n<h2>A History of Success</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Environmental Justice Achievement Award for our groundbreaking work with childcare facilities. Our work leading up to this award included:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Coalition building with organizations and agencies charged with licensing and inspecting childcare facilities for compliance as well as licensed childcare providers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Free training to caregivers on how to provide safer, more effective pest control while providing a more healthful learning environment.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Additional awareness training and policy development for inspectors, licensing agents, and continuing education providers in order to ensure the enforcement of applicable Integrated Pest Management laws.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOur efforts have resulted in great success. As of June 2013, 82% of childcare facilities have indicated they comply with state law requiring licensed childcare centers and public schools to implement Integrated Pest Management for least-toxic pest control and to notify parents and staff prior to sprayed or dusted pesticide applications in facilities or on their<a name=\"CC\"></a> grounds.\r\n<h2>Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</h2>\r\nHowever,  a large number of licensed childcare centers in Illinois violate the law. Additionally, many childcare centers and public schools may be compliant on paper, but remain in clear violation of the law in practice.\r\n\r\nFor example, four students were sent to the hospital last year after their “compliant” school sprayed herbicides in an interior courtyard during school hours.\r\n\r\nTo address these problems, Midwest Pesticide Action Center, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, established the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition that will work to:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Help childcare facilities understand the health risks of pesticide exposure and to find solutions to increase compliance with Illinois Integrated Pest Management law.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Target childcare centers in at-risk communities, which serve approximately 7,500 infants and children, to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.<span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in School and Childcares:</strong> For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management program at your school or childcare facility. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ActivistToolkitUpdated.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Children’s Health</b>: For understanding the risks pesticides pose to children’s health. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Children’s Health\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/childrens-health/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> For tips on how to make positive change in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Paul Dailing</em>','Working Toward Environmental Justice','','inherit','closed','open','','225-autosave-v1','','','2017-07-27 17:20:45','2017-07-27 17:20:45','',225,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/225-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2751,2,'2015-10-07 14:11:02','2015-10-07 14:11:02','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h1>\r\nIt is a statistical fact that most people who live, work, and play in America’s most polluted environments reside in marginalized communities with few resources. These groups inherit deteriorating schools and substandard housing (containing lead paint, asbestos, and mold).  Industrial facilities and polluting infrastructures such as highways located near their neighborhoods lead to higher rates of exposure to toxic pollutants such as lead, arsenic, pesticides, and other poisons in schoolyards, parks and playgrounds.\r\n\r\nAs a result, low-income communities and individuals experience increased exposure to environmental hazards and suffer disproportionately from environmentally related diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that African-American children are three times more likely than white children to be hospitalized for asthma and asthma-related conditions and are four to six times more likely to die from asthma.\r\n\r\nFrom its inception in 1994, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been addressed environmental justice issues as they relate to pesticide exposure and the negative impacts on children.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Success\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Success\">A History of Success</a>, <a href=\"#CC\">Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</a>\r\n<h2>A History of Success</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Environmental Justice Achievement Award for our groundbreaking work with childcare facilities. Our work leading up to this award included:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Coalition building with organizations and agencies charged with licensing and inspecting childcare facilities for compliance as well as licensed childcare providers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Free training to caregivers on how to provide safer, more effective pest control while providing a more healthful learning environment.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Additional awareness training and policy development for inspectors, licensing agents, and continuing education providers in order to ensure the enforcement of applicable Integrated Pest Management laws.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOur efforts have resulted in great success. As of June 2013, 82% of childcare facilities have indicated they comply with state law requiring licensed childcare centers and public schools to implement Integrated Pest Management for least-toxic pest control and to notify parents and staff prior to sprayed or dusted pesticide applications in facilities or on their<a name=\"CC\"></a> grounds.\r\n<h2>Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</h2>\r\nHowever,  a large number of licensed childcare centers in Illinois violate the law. Additionally, many childcare centers and public schools may be compliant on paper, but remain in clear violation of the law in practice.\r\n\r\nFor example, four students were sent to the hospital last year after their “compliant” school sprayed herbicides in an interior courtyard during school hours.\r\n\r\nTo address these problems, Midwest Pesticide Action Center, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, established the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition that will work to:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Help childcare facilities understand the health risks of pesticide exposure and to find solutions to increase compliance with Illinois Integrated Pest Management law.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Target childcare centers in at-risk communities, which serve approximately 7,500 infants and children, to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.<span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in School and Childcares:</strong> For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management program at your school or childcare facility. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Children’s Health</b>: For understanding the risks pesticides pose to children’s health. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Children’s Health\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/childrens-health/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> For tips on how to make positive change in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Paul Dailing</em>','Working Toward Environmental Justice','','inherit','closed','open','','225-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 14:11:02','2015-10-07 14:11:02','',225,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/225-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2752,2,'2015-10-07 14:37:23','2015-10-07 14:37:23','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Keeping Kids Healthy</h1>\r\nChildren are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with building managers, schools, childcares, and parks to protect children from exposure to pesticides where they live, learn, and play.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Live\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Live\">Where They Live</a>, <a href=\"#Learn\">Where They Learn</a>, <a href=\"#Play\">Where They Play</a>\r\n<h2>Where They Live</h2>\r\nCultivating a healthy home is essential to protecting children’s health. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides thousands of families with easy to use<a title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\"> information</a> and guidance on how to manage pest problems in the home in the safest and most effective ways.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We translated many of our documents into Spanish, Polish, French, and Mandarin—the most commonly spoken languages other than English in the Midwest.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The information and resources provided help protect children from being unnecessarily exposed to the toxins in pesticides linked to health problems like asthma, leukemia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In collaboration with the Respiratory Health Association, we trained hundreds of asthma education professionals on the risks pests and pesticides pose to children in order to improve the health outcomes of those with asthma.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nVisit<a name=\"Learn\"></a> our <a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Managing Healthy Homes</a> page to see what we do to educate families on safe, effective pest control.\r\n<h2>Where They Learn</h2>\r\n<h3>Affecting Policy and Policymakers</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center made it a priority to work with policy makers and school administrators to make the indoor and outdoor environments of these facilities as safe as possible by eliminating the use of toxic chemicals. Our successes include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the training video “Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method” to inform the school and childcare community about the new laws, which is now free and available to everyone on YouTube.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<iframe src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/_Fal0PepQOQ\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Working to amend the Structural Pest Control Act in Illinois to require schools and childcare facilities to adopt an Integrated Pest Management program for pest control.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act that requires schools and childcare facilities to notify parents before applying pesticides and other lawn care treatments.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Educating parents on their right to know when pesticides are applied to their children’s school and childcare facilities.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLearn more about these laws that relate to schools and childcare facilities on our <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Policy page</a>.\r\n<h3>Assisting Schools and Childcare Facilities</h3>\r\nOur children spend a considerable amount of their days at schools and childcare facilities; some spend more than 60 hours a week in these facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to protect our children in these environments.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized our school programs in 2008 with the Environmental Justice Achievement Award. Our success includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping the third-largest school district in the nation, Chicago Public Schools, to adopt Integrated Pest Management as a district-wide policy by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the criteria for contracting with pest control providers qualified to conduct Integrated Pest Management activities;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Training more than 1,000 building engineers, custodial, and food service staff in Integrated Pest Management;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reducing the reliance on pesticide applications for pest control in 681 schools, servicing 401,000 students.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Engaging and educating the childcares community in activities designed to reduce pesticide exposure for our children by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers to reflect new state Integrated Pest Management laws, including the notification requirement;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Providing workshops for day care inspectors on an Integrated Pest Management requirements for licensure;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing continuing education resources for childcare staff and management reaching more than 2,500 individuals and 650 childcare centers and homes resulting  in reduced pesticide exposure for more than 45,000 young children in Illinois.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Establishing the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition to work in low-income and minority communities to help childcare facilities comply with Illinois state laws. Learn more on our <a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Justice Page</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Assisting other schools and childcare facilities in adopting an Integrated Pest Management program with the use of our Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools and Childcares.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>More than 1,000 school and childcare personnel representing 200+ school districts and 388 childcare facilities across Illinois received technical assistance and training on use of the guide.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping to develop the Chicago Asthma Consortium, School Task Force’s “Asthma Friendly School Award.”</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>This award recognizes schools that promote a healthful environment for all students. The award requires schools to maintain an integrated pest-management plan to receive recognition. Since 2010, 30 schools received the award.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf your facility would like to adopt a program with specialized training from Midwest Pesticide Action Center, email Executive Director Ruth<a name=\"Play\"></a> Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h2>Where They Play</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center cultivates public parks, school grounds, and backyards that provide healthy spaces for children. Our multiple sustainable landscape and water quality campaigns and toolkits encourage limited use of lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that compromise water quality, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and our overall exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Chicago Grown Green\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Grows Green</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\">Maintaining Healthy Parks</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\" target=\"_blank\">Preserving Water Quality</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Activist’s Toolkit</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Schools and Childcares</strong>: For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program in your school or childcare. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Resource Guide\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Video</strong>: Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method. <a class=\"more\" title=\"IPM in Illinois Schools: A Better Method\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fal0PepQOQ\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Keeping Kids Healthy','','inherit','closed','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 14:37:23','2015-10-07 14:37:23','',24,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/24-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2753,2,'2015-10-07 14:46:13','2015-10-07 14:46:13','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h1>\r\nAs green refuges in urban landscapes, parks provide necessary places for children to play, athletic facilities for sports teams, spaces for bicyclists and runners, and gathering places for families. Parks should provide safe, healthy places; however, many parks use pesticides on playgrounds and sports fields, along fence lines, and even to create grass-free zones around trees.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to ensure safe and healthy parks for everyone. We engage with communities and park districts across the Midwest to reduce pesticide use and models in demonstrating how to manage green spaces in a healthy way for both people and the environment.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Healthy\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Healthy\">A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</a>\r\n<h2>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park<span class=\"mceMediaCredit\"><span id=\"4\" class=\"media-credit-mce alignnone\" style=\"width: 255px;\"><span class=\"media-credit-dd\">\r\n</span></span></span></h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-725 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>Midwest Pesticide Action Center created the <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign, an outreach initiative designed to help communities adopt sustainable landscape maintenance practices that do not rely on the use of toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nThe campaign helps address aesthetic concerns by emphasizing that the presence of dandelions in a park does not mean neglect, but a healthier park and safer place to play.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The first <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign launched in Chicago during the spring of 2009 through a partnership with the largest municipal park manager in the country, the Chicago Park District.</li>\r\n	<li>The Chicago Park District refined their landscape-maintenance practices to prevent the use of chemicals in 90 percent of Chicago’s 570 parks, raise awareness about the dangers of pesticide use in public spaces, increase the demand from residents for sustainably maintained parks, and save money.</li>\r\n	<li>Over the last four years, the campaign prevented the use of 66,125 pounds of pesticide-active ingredients.</li>\r\n	<li>By not spraying weed killer, the City saves $1.4 million per application.</li>\r\n	<li>The campaign helped reduce community complaints about dandelions by 90 percent.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“The Park District strives to keep our Chicago parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy. We are encouraging all Chicago residents to follow the Park District’s example and use more natural lawn care techniques that keeps your lawn safe and healthy.\"\r\n\r\n- Mike Kelly, Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District</blockquote>\r\nIn spring of 2012, the campaign expanded when Boulder, Colorado, adopted it to eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals on park property. In the last two years, the ongoing campaign, renamed as <i>Healthy Parks = Healthy People</i> continues to grow. View a video released in 2013 by the City of Boulder for details on the program, and <a title=\"Boulder\" href=\"https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/HealthyParks-1-201307051347.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">download Boulder\'s Healthy Park Flier</a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/7vCjbthgZsk?rel=0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<blockquote>“We all really love this idea for addressing complaints about dandelions. You can take your child to the park and let your baby crawl around on the grass and let your dog roll around on the grass and know that they are not going to be exposed to synthetic pesticides which studies have now shown are linked to cancer in children and dogs.”\r\n\r\n- Rella Abernathy, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Community Planning &amp; Sustainability, City of Boulder</blockquote>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<b>Contact:</b> If interested in introducing the <em>A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</em> campaign to your community, contact us at <a class=\"more\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Activist\'s Toolkit</b>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Chicago Grows Green</b>: For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://spcpweb.org/attachments/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What You Can Do:</strong> For tips on what you can do to promote healthy spaces in your community and home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"What You Can Do\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Maintaining Healthy Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','26-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 14:46:13','2015-10-07 14:46:13','',26,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/26-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2755,2,'2015-10-07 15:05:27','2015-10-07 15:05:27','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\" alt=\"Row of Buildings PC\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a>\r\n<h1>Managing Healthy Homes</h1>\r\nWe spend about 90 percent of our time indoors and much of that time in our homes. Most of us do not realize that pollution occurs more often in indoor environments than outdoor. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars every year in housing-related healthcare costs such as asthma, lead-based paint poisoning, and allergies.\r\n\r\nA healthy home is dry, clean, ventilated, free from pests and contaminants, well maintained, and safe. Integrated Pest Management yields an effective, safe way to control pests.\r\n\r\nIntegrated Pest Management acts as an effective, common-sense approach to pest control that provides information on the habits and traits of pests and how they interact with our environment. This approach encourages a well-maintained home, free of water damage and other structural issues, and the use of the least toxic methods for control of pests to limit the impacts of pesticides on health issues like asthma and cancer.\r\n\r\nSince 2009, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Held 65 housing related training events in IPM</li>\r\n	<li>Trained over 3,000 individuals</li>\r\n	<li>Impacted over 200,000 households</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Empower\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Empower\">Empowering Residents</a>, <a href=\"#Educate\">Educating Housing Managers</a>, <a href=\"#Green\">Green and Healthy Homes</a>\r\n<h2>Empowering Residents</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center educates residents on reducing the misuse and overuse of pesticides while still effectively controlling pests by advocating for Integrated Pest Management.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center develops many helpful resources that explain Integrated Pest Management to both renters and homeowners in an understandable way. We deliver this information by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Talking to residents on a one-on-one basis at housing fairs;</li>\r\n	<li>Organizing informative workshops that are targeted to residents;</li>\r\n	<li>Collaborating with other organizations to inform renters and other residents on their right to healthy living conditions; and</li>\r\n	<li>Providing technical assistance over the phone to hundreds of<a name=\"Educate\"></a> residents</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Educating Housing Managers</h2>\r\nWe have trained thousands of landlords and housing managers on safe, cost-effective, pest-control methods.  Low-income residents and public housing are often particularly affected by unhealthy homes.\r\n\r\nIn 1996, Midwest Pesticide Action Center worked with Chicago’s Henry Horner Public Housing Development to launch a landmark IPM program. Highlights of the program include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Targeted improvements in building maintenance, resident involvement and education on pest-management practices;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Regular pest inspection with minimal treatment by an operator with Integrated Pest Management expertise;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In the first year, 90 percent of the development’s 500 residents reported satisfaction with the program; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>An 83 percent drop in the amount of insecticidal gel bait used on the property.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“You folks are unique in so many ways and so very important to landlords, tenants, the City of Chicago and, last but not least, the American way of life.\"\r\n\r\n- Paul Bernstein, Attorney at<a name=\"Green\"></a> Law</blockquote>\r\n<h2>Green and Healthy Homes</h2>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/\">Green and Healthy Homes Initiative</a> is a national partnership of public, private, and philanthropic efforts that delivers a cost-effective and integrated approach to housing interventions through weatherization, energy efficiency, health, and safety. In Chicago, over 20 organizations work together to deliver services and provide education on healthy homes to residents, service providers, building owners, and the community.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Chicago Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and with the support of the National Center for Healthy Housing and the City of Chicago, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to support the initiative by offering information and training on Integrated Pest Management to promote best practices for maintaining a healthy home.\r\n\r\nOur Healthy Homes program is supported by the <a title=\"Illinois Department of Public Health\" href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>, <a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>, and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Housing and Economic Development\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>.\r\n<h3>For Further Reading</h3>\r\n<b>What You Can Do</b>: For tips on making healthy decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ten Steps to Pest Control:</strong> For information on Integrated Pest Management factsheets provides easy tips for a pest-free home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Ten Steps to Pest Control\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Training</b>: Sign up for upcoming training events happening in the Midwest. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of John Booz</em>','Managing Healthy Homes','','inherit','closed','open','','76-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 15:05:27','2015-10-07 15:05:27','',76,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/76-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2756,2,'2015-10-07 15:08:25','2015-10-07 15:08:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-781\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Watering-Flowers-e1384204457770.jpg\" alt=\"Watering Can\" width=\"720\" height=\"319\" />\r\n<h1>What You Can Do</h1>\r\nPesticides are applied where we work, live, and play. Although the problem may seem too large for one person to tackle, you can take action to reduce your exposure to and use of these toxic chemicals. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the resources you need to create healthier spaces in your home, garden, and community. To view a full list of all of our free resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1087\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Neighborhood-Street-small.jpg\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street small\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a><strong>In Your Home:</strong> Reduce pesticide use at home and grow healthy, resilient yards by choosing safer products for pest control and lawn care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\"><img src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1384204811248.jpg\" alt=\"Hands Raised\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> Advocate for change in the way pesticides are used in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Support</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s work to create healthier communities. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Support Us\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/support-us/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<strong>View All Resources</strong> Find all of our materials to help you reduce your pesticide exposure in your home and community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','What You Can Do','','inherit','closed','open','','8-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 15:08:25','2015-10-07 15:08:25','',8,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/8-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2757,2,'2015-10-07 15:16:55','2015-10-07 15:16:55','<h1><img class=\"wp-image-247 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Neighborhood-Street.bmp\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street\" width=\"500\" height=\"608\" /></h1>\r\n<h1>Making Healthy Decisions in Your Home</h1>\r\nYou can limit the pesticide exposure of you, your family, and the environment by making healthy decisions in your yard and home. Pesticides can enter our homes on our shoes and clothes when we walk through chemically treated lawns, when we use chemicals to control pests like ants and cockroaches, and when we purchase certain foods. Reducing exposure to these toxic chemicals begins at home and you can start by following these simple tips. To view a full list of all of our resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Stewardship\">Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</a>, <a href=\"#IndoorPests\">Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</a>, <a href=\"#HirePestControl\">Hiring a Pest Control Provider</a>, <a href=\"#BedBugs\">Beat Back Bed Bugs</a>,<a name=\"Stewardship\"></a> <a href=\"#SmartFood\">Make Smart Food Choices</a>\r\n<h3>Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</h3>\r\nLawns comprise nearly one-quarter of urban and suburban landscapes. Caring for them responsibly by limiting the amount of water, fertilizers, and pesticides we apply can have a huge impact on our health and environment. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Start with a soil test. </strong>Test your soil every three to five years to help determine exactly what you need to keep it healthy.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Fertilize organically.</strong> Switch to an organic fertilizer made from plant or animal materials. These fertilizers allow the grass to absorb nutrients gradually because excess nutrients bind to soil rather than running off into our sewers, lakes, and rivers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Diversify your lawn.</strong> Turf grass requires lots of maintenance because it is not native to our region. Plant other ground cover, bushes, and trees  more suitable for our climate and light conditions.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Water properly.</strong> Water deeply and infrequently early in the morning to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus. Ideally, you want one inch of water delivered once a week.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Mow correctly.</strong> Mow your lawn to at least three inches high. Correct mowing will increase the strength of the root system and naturally shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Banish weeds naturally.</strong> All of these proper lawn care tips will help banish weeds naturally. Other products such as corn meal gluten applied in early spring can also help.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a natural lawn care provider.</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with landscape contractors across the Midwest to provide training and<a name=\"IndoorPests\"></a> resources.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</h3>\r\nOver the years, many Americans have relied on synthetic pesticides to control pests. Integrated Pest Management is a smarter, safer way to deal with pests. By blocking a pest’s access to food, water, and shelter, you will have fewer pests in your home and need fewer pesticides. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Keep pests out.</strong> Caulk, cement, or otherwise seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home, install door sweeps and avoid propping doors open. Make sure window screens are free of tears.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Remove access </strong>to food and water. Practice good sanitation, especially in areas where food is cooked, stored, or eaten. Clean behind appliances often, and seal food in pest-proof containers. Make sure all garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Repair leaky pipes and remove standing water. Keep drains clean and unclogged.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Reduce shelter.</strong> Get rid of clutter. A messy room provides many hiding places for pests. Seal holes in the walls including intentional ones for plumbing or electrical cords.  Seal gaps along baseboards or backsplashes around sinks. Use open shelving that is easy to clean under.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Routinely monitor</strong> for pests so you can you spot a problem early. Place sticky traps in the pest prone areas of kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, closets, or problem areas and check them often.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Treat </strong>existing problems. Stop routine pesticide spraying. Only use pesticides after completing the above items. Choose least-toxic approaches first, like traps and bait stations, over sprayed or dusted pesticides.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire</strong> a qualified pest control operator. You may need more than these recommendations. A qualified pest control operator can be a great asset in controlling pests safely and <a name=\"HirePestControl\"></a> effectively.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Hiring a Pest Control Provider</h3>\r\nIf you have consistent pest problems, or manage a multi-unit building, we recommend you contract with a licensed pest control provider. They can help identify problem areas in your home and coordinate a monitoring and treatment plan that utilizes the practices of Integrated Pest Management. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the following factsheet to help you make an informed decision when selecting a pest control operator. <a name=\"BedBugs\"></a> <em><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\"> How Do I Know I\'m Receiving Integrated Pest Management?</a></em>\r\n<h3>Beat Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nBed bugs are one of the most persistent problems to plague our homes. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on us as food. Spotting bed bugs early is the key to preventing their spread. Below are some practices to help catch a bed bug problem early. The smaller the infestation, the easier to control. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Be on the lookout</strong> for signs of infestations especially around sleeping areas. Signs include: live bugs, dark brown or black spots on bedding, carpets, walls and furniture.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Launder</strong> bedding often. A hot clothes dryer will kill bed bugs in all stages of development. Use it for pillows, stuffed animals, and even “dry clean only” items.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Paint and caulk</strong> around sleeping areas such as baseboards, windows, and bed frames to seal hiding spots.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspect used furniture</strong> or other items closely before bringing them into your home. Look for signs of infestations in cushions, zippers, seams, and underneath including springs and frames.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Take extra care when traveling</strong> or staying in a new place. Bed bugs can hitch a ride home on your clothing or luggage.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a professional</strong> if you think you have an infestation. These pests are tenacious and are best left to<a name=\"SmartFood\"></a> the professionals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Make Smart Food Choices</h3>\r\nMuch of our pesticide exposure comes from the food we eat. Conventionally grown produce is treated with insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides. These pesticides can accumulate up the food chain into foods we eat like milk, butter and meat. They also negatively affect the honeybee and other pollinator populations.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Buy organic</strong> produce when possible.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Thoroughly wash and peel</strong> conventionally grown produce before cooking or eating it to remove any pesticides that may be on its surface.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Trim</strong> fat and skin off conventionally fed meat and poultry to reduce your consumption of pesticides that accumulate in animal fat.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Be especially mindful</strong> of what you feed children. Pound for pound, they eat more food and drink more water than adults. Their bodies are still developing and are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Consult</strong> the Environmental Working Group’s “<a title=\"Shopper\'s Guide to Pesticides in Produce\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/\" target=\"_blank\">Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>” to help you make the best food choices for limiting the ingestion of pesticides.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Resources</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of resources to help you make smart decisions about controlling pests at home, including resources just for renters, building managers, and homeowners on our resources page. <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Biodiversity Project</em>','In Your Home','','inherit','closed','open','','135-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 15:16:55','2015-10-07 15:16:55','',135,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2758,2,'2015-10-07 20:41:00','2015-10-07 20:41:00','<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices. On October 6th, Toxic Taters supporters took action at more than 40 McDonald\'s stores in locations that spanned Minnesota, Ontario, Southern California, and Hawaii. Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">MPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/10/06/mcdonalds-potatoes-pesticides\" target=\"_blank\">www.takepart.com</a></p>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','publish','closed','open','','hot-potato-pesticide-drift-and-toxic-taters','','','2015-12-14 17:10:15','2015-12-14 17:10:15','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=2758',0,'post','',0),(2759,2,'2015-10-07 20:07:51','2015-10-07 20:07:51','You may have seen the MPAC posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes..\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://youtu.be/ZF0z4YHuBxY\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org\">Toxic Taters Coalition</a> grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\">Twitter </a>and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> (MPAC) is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:07:51','2015-10-07 20:07:51','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2760,2,'2015-10-07 20:09:30','2015-10-07 20:09:30','You may have seen the MPAC posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes..\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\">Twitter </a>and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> (MPAC) is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:09:30','2015-10-07 20:09:30','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2761,2,'2015-10-07 20:12:16','2015-10-07 20:12:16','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes..\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:12:16','2015-10-07 20:12:16','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2764,2,'2015-10-07 20:31:34','2015-10-07 20:31:34','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular bran<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2763\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />d names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes..\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:31:34','2015-10-07 20:31:34','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2765,2,'2015-10-07 20:32:16','2015-10-07 20:32:16','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes..\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:32:16','2015-10-07 20:32:16','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2766,2,'2015-10-07 20:32:45','2015-10-07 20:32:45','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:32:45','2015-10-07 20:32:45','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2768,2,'2015-10-07 20:35:05','2015-10-07 20:35:05','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer o<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />f Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:35:05','2015-10-07 20:35:05','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2771,2,'2015-10-07 20:54:19','2015-10-07 20:54:19','You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer o<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />f Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.\r\n\r\nMany of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.\r\n\r\nThe residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.\r\n\r\nThe Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.\r\n\r\nFor more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 20:54:19','2015-10-07 20:54:19','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2772,2,'2015-10-07 21:12:30','2015-10-07 21:12:30','<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices.  Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">MPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a></p>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-07 21:12:30','2015-10-07 21:12:30','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2775,2,'2015-10-08 14:11:18','2015-10-08 14:11:18','<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices. On October 6th, Toxic Taters supporters took action at more than 40 McDonald\'s stores in locations that spanned Minnesota, Ontario, Southern California, and Hawaii. Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">MPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.toxictaters.org</a></p>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-08 14:11:18','2015-10-08 14:11:18','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2776,2,'2015-10-08 14:13:33','2015-10-08 14:13:33','<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2763\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toxic-tater-potato-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"toxic-tater-potato (1)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">You may have seen the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) posts regarding Toxic Taters on October 6th.  We helped the <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toxic Tater Coalition</a> in Minnesota bring attention to the issue of toxic pesticide drift in potato farming  and pressure McDonald’s - a major customer of Minnesota’s potatoes - to source their potatoes from farms that use less toxins.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Many of the potato farms in question apply the pesticide <b>chlorothalonil </b>that can drift onto adjacent properties exposing local residents, children, pets, and wildlife to its toxic effects. In 1987, the EPA classified chlorothalonil as unsafe for home lawn use and <i>likely carcinogenic</i>.  Yet, chlorothalonil  remains the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United States and popular brand names of Bravo® , Echo® , and Daconil® use the chemical as an active ingredient.  U.S. farmers and landscapers use the chemical for many different crops including potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and turf-grass for golf courses. In Minnesota, many residents express concern with the potato farm corporation R.D. Offutt Company (RDO), which uses chlorothalonil to grow more than 50,000 acres of potatoes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The residents of the rural farming community of Melrose, Minnesota face chlorothalonil pesticide drift issues from RDO’s farming practices each summer.  Many other rural communities in Minnesota share Melrose’s concerns with their exposure to pesticide drift from RDO potato fields. You can hear their concerns directly by viewing <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF0z4YHuBxY&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\">this video</a>.  And those are just our friends in Minnesota. Similar scenarios play out across the U.S.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Toxic Taters Coalition grew in response to community health concerns about chronic pesticide drift from nearby RDO potato fields and the lack of responsiveness of both McDonald’s and RDO about their health concerns.  According to Toxic Taters, “McDonald\'s claims that their potatoes are produced sustainably, but rural residents in central Minnesota know differently.”  Toxic Taters, would like McDonald’s and RDO to take responsibility for causing pesticide drift by eliminating the use of all pesticides on potatoes grown in Minnesota, in favor of using safer, sustainable farming practices. On October 6th, Toxic Taters supporters took action at more than 40 McDonald\'s stores in locations that spanned Minnesota, Ontario, Southern California, and Hawaii. Although  “National Day of Action on McDonald\'s” is over, MPAC encourages folks to continue the fight by:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n	<li>Spreading the word through social media by connecting with Toxic Taters on <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a><a href=\"https://twitter.com/ToxicTaters\"> </a>and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/toxictaters\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a> to share updates; and</li>\r\n	<li>Signing the Petition by going <a href=\"http://www.toxictaters.org/petition\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">MPAC is proud to support these efforts and other efforts to promote sustainable and innovative methods of disease and pest control.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">For more information on chlorothalonil and Toxic Taters go to:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC34550\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pesticideinfo.org</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/10/06/mcdonalds-potatoes-pesticides\" target=\"_blank\">www.takepart.com</a></p>','Hot Potato – Pesticide Drift and Toxic Taters','','inherit','closed','open','','2758-revision-v1','','','2015-10-08 14:13:33','2015-10-08 14:13:33','',2758,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2758-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2777,2,'2015-10-09 21:31:08','2015-10-09 21:31:08','<h1>About Us<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-1097\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Midwest_stacked-e1386625125966-300x186.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" width=\"240\" height=\"149\" /></h1>\r\n<h2>Our Mission</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. Continue reading for <a name=\"History\"></a> for: <a href=\"#History\">History</a>, <a href=\"#Staff\">Staff</a>, <a href=\"#Board\">Board of Directors</a>, <a href=\"#Advisory\">Advisory Council</a>, <a href=\"#Partners\">Partners and Supporters</a>\r\n<h2>History</h2>\r\nThe Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest founded the organization in 1994 to address widespread concerns over pesticide use. We work at the local, state, and regional levels to implement long-term policy changes and develop replicable programs for pesticide-use reduction. We are the only organization in the Midwest dedicated to protecting people and the environment from the serious impacts of pesticides. Recognition for our successful programs includes an Environmental Protection Agency Children’s Environmental Health Award, an Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Award, and a Governor\'s Pollution Prevention Award. In 2013, after a thoughtful evaluation that included input from our staff, board, and stakeholders, we changed our name from Safer Pest Control Project to Midwest Pesticide Action Center. This new incarnation reinforces our core commitment and mission: to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. As Midwest Pesticide Action Center, we will continue to address issues related to pesticide use, while expanding our reach throughout the<a name=\"Staff\"></a> Midwest.\r\n<h2>Staff</h2>\r\n<h3>Ruth Kerzee, Executive Director</h3>\r\nRuth Kerzee, Executive Director, has been on Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s staff since 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Kerzee has been responsible for Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s work related to promoting Integrated Pest Management in schools and childcare facilities, and primary responsibility for developing the Integrated Pest Management in housing program. Ms. Kerzee is also responsible for all executive duties such as generating evaluative programs and strategizing on the growth and development of the organization. She has a Master’s of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, more than 15 years of experience working on occupational and environmental health issues, and is a licensed pest control technician. <strong>(773) 878-7378 ext.201 </strong><b><a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a></b>\r\n<h3>Ryan Anderson, Program and Communications Manager</h3>\r\nRyan Anderson leads and implements Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s integrated marketing campaign and outdoors program. Before joining MPAC in 2015, Ryan led carbon mitigation strategic planning in Indianapolis, provided communication support to the Delta Institute, and served as editor in chief for the online, video-format journal <em>the Sustainability Review</em>. Ryan has a Masters of Sustainable Solutions from Arizona State University and holds a dual bachelor\'s degree in Biology and Electronic Journalism from Butler University.  <strong>(773) 878-7378 ext.202 <a href=\"dspencer@pesticideaction.org\">dspencer@pesticideaction.org</a></strong>\r\n<h3 style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart, Development Director</h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart is a seasoned development professional and nonprofit manager. Before coming to Midwest Pesticide Action Center she spent nine years as a development officer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company where she was is the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Prior to that she was Development Director for Chicago Dramatists from 2001 – 2005. She was Managing Director for Illinois’ oldest professional outdoor theater, Festival Theatre in Oak Park from 1997 – 2001; and free lanced as a grant writer specializing in fundraising for the arts and arts education for some years before </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">that.</span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">  </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">She served as a board member for the 16<span style=\"font-size: 10.8333px;\">th</span></span><span style=\"color: #222222;\"> Street Theater NFP in Berwyn from 2009 - 2014. She holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago and B.A. from the University of California-Santa Cruz. </span><strong style=\"color: #222222;\">(773) 878-7378 ext.208 </strong><strong style=\"color: #222222;\"><a style=\"color: #1155cc;\" href=\"mailto:dstewart@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\"><b>dstewart@pesticideaction.org</b></a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Board of Directors</h3>\r\n<strong>Meleah A. Geertsma, President</strong> Staff Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council\r\n<strong>Pamela Brookstein, Vice Presiden</strong>t Market Transformation Specialist, Elevate Energy\r\n<strong>Kevin Dick, Treasurer</strong> LEED AP + O&amp;M Project Manager, Delta Institute\r\n<strong>Jonathan Higgins, Secretary</strong> Director of Conservation, Great Rivers Partnership, The Nature Conservancy\r\n<strong>Susan Besson, Chair</strong>, Evanston Environment Board\r\n<strong>Peggy McGrath</strong>, Community Activist, Oak Park &amp; River Forest, IL\r\n<strong>Pallavi Phartiyal</strong>, Senior Analyst &amp; Program Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists\r\n<strong>Julie Samuels</strong>, Community Organizer, Chicago Community Gardeners Association and Oak Park Edible Gardeners Cooperative.\r\n<strong>Jonathan Wise</strong>, Founder and Owner, Greewise Organic Lawn Care, LLC\r\n<h2>Advisory Council</h2>\r\n<strong>Julie Brown</strong>, Senior Staff Counsel, Business &amp; Professional People for the Public Interest\r\n<strong>Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D</strong>. Professor, Kansas State University, Department of Entomology\r\n<strong>Jay Feldman</strong>, Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides\r\n<strong>Kevin Greene</strong>, Associate Director, IL EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention\r\n<strong>Keith Harley</strong>, J.D. Environmental Law Program Director, Chicago Legal Clinic\r\n<strong>Marc Lame</strong>, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs\r\n<strong>Philip Landrigan, M.D., M.Sc</strong>. Dean for Global Health, Ethel M. Wise, Professor and Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Professor Pediatrics, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Director, Children\'s Environmental Health Center\r\n<strong>Peter Orris</strong>, Professor of Internal and Preventative Medicine, Rush University College of Medicine; Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois School of Public Health; and Adjunct Professor of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School\r\n<strong>Rachel Rosenberg</strong>, Manager, Corporate Relations, Chicago Botanic Garden; Former Executive Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Kim Stone</strong>, Councilwoman, City of Highland Park; Former Associate Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Jill Viehweg</strong>, Director of Foundation and Government Relations, Denver Museum of Nature and Science; Founding Executive Director, Safer<a name=\"Partners\"></a> Pest Control Project\r\n<h2>Partners and Supporters</h2>\r\nPeter and Lucy Ascoli Family Fund\r\n<a href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/\" target=\"_blank\">The Boeing Company</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tbf.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Foundation Philancon Fund\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.chicagowilderness.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Wilderness</a>\r\n<a href=\"https://bouldercolorado.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Boulder</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://cityofevanston.org/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Evanston</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Clif Bar Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.cornelldouglas.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Cornell Douglas Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/\" target=\"_blank\">EarthShare Illinois</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restoration Initiative</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.iisgcp.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nchh.org/\" target=\"_blank\">National Center for Healthy Housing</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.panna.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Action Network of North America</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.patagonia.com/us/home\" target=\"_blank\">Patagonia</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.piercefamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pierce Family Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>\r\nPublic Places Healthy Spaces\r\n<a href=\"http://www.therobertsfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Roberts Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.swwtwater.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc.</a>\r\nThomas and Donna Stone Foundation\r\n<a href=\"http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Village of Franklin Park</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wallacegenetic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Wallace Genetic Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Whole Foods Market</a>','About Us','','inherit','closed','open','','12-revision-v1','','','2015-10-09 21:31:08','2015-10-09 21:31:08','',12,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/12-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2779,2,'2015-10-12 19:58:30','2015-10-12 19:58:30','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2464\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Web page cover photo\" width=\"934\" height=\"301\" /></a>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green</h1>\r\n<em>Three programs, one brand, one goal.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green (MWGG) represents all of MPAC’s community-based lawn and landscape care initiatives, which are identified by our distinctive orange MWGG stamp and unified by a single message – protect people, pets and the environment by practicing natural lawn care. Three distinct programs (point-of-purchase, pesticide-free parks, and community engagement) comprise MWGG, which communities can adopt individually or in any combination. We designed MWGG to educate the community on natural lawn care in order to reduce the amount of synthetic herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers used. Lawn and gardening chemicals can harm people, pets, wildlife, and waterways. By presenting safer alternative practices and products, Midwest Grows Green aims to reduce the use and harmful effects of outdoor pesticides.\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Point-of-Purchase Program</h3>\r\nThis partnership with local retailers connects homeowners to eco-friendly products at the point-of-purchase to empower them to reduce their use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2444\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/evanston-park-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"evanston park\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Pesticide-Free Parks</h3>\r\nBring a pesticide-free park to your community to protect the environment and create safer places for people and pets to play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2449\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Keep-on-the-Grass-Sign-in-Use-Cropped-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Keep on the Grass Sign in Use Cropped\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Community Engagement</h3>\r\nMPAC can help you engage your community on natural lawn care practices to keep your yards beautiful without the use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n<h2>Why are pesticides and artificial fertilizers harmful?</h2>\r\n<em>Many commonly-used pesticides are harmful to people and the environment. Here are some facts about the harmful effects of commonly-sold products:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2183 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped-300x134.jpg\" alt=\"Boy w Dog and Sprinkler [resized,cropped]\" width=\"331\" height=\"148\" /></a>1. <strong>Human Health: </strong> Research has linked insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides to cancer, as well as asthma, birth defects, and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies roughly 40 chemicals serving as active ingredients in household pesticides as \"known, probable, or possible human carcinogens.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. <strong>Water: </strong>A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 96% of all fish, 100% of all surface waters, and 33% of major aquifers studied. We know that lawns and gardens contribute to this widespread pollution as urban watersheds have higher rates of pesticide contamination than any other type of watershed, including agricultural. Keeping pesticides out of our waterways is important as they degrade water quality. A more recent USGS <a href=\"http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/2015-08-18-national_neonics.html\">study</a> found evidence of the insecticide neonicotinoid, commonly associated with the reduction in honey bee populations, in over 50% of streams tested.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1124\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509-300x255.jpg\" alt=\"Drains to Lake grate\" width=\"231\" height=\"196\" /></a>3. <strong>Aquatic life: </strong>Conventional synthetic and fast-release fertilizers quickly wash into waterways, degrading water quality and creating “dead zones” by promoting excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, which steals the oxygen in the water from other organisms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">4. <strong>Wildlife:  </strong>Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill. The killing power of most of these toxins is not specific and will often kill or injure non-target species. Birds, amphibians, and beneficial pollinators such as honey bees are affected. Dozens of studies have linked the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids to declining bee populations, which pollinate many essential food crops.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">5. <strong>Children: </strong>A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics raised concerns about the link between pesticide exposure and childhood cancer, impaired neurological development, asthma, and endocrine disruption. The Academy stated that “the most comprehensive reviews of the existing literature implicate an association of pesticides with leukemia and brain tumors.” Studies also suggest that ADHD and other neurological disorders may be related to a disruption in biological <a id=\"subheader2\"></a>systems caused by some pesticides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What are eco-friendly alternatives?</h2>\r\nNatural lawn care is a method of maintenance designed to build up the health of your lawn—making it naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases—without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. It is an alternative to conventional practices which depend on the application of synthetic chemicals, often in much larger quantities than needed. The excess is often washed away as runoff into water sources or tracked indoors by people or pets.\r\n\r\nThe basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2143 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"1620 x 1080 testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1\" width=\"318\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourages pests.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC defines \"eco-friendly products\" as organic, non-synthetic, or least-toxic alternatives to conventional lawn care products. These products are healthier for people, pets, and the environment. Unlike many conventional lawn care products, they are free of harmful substances such as known carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors which compromise human health. They are also free of ingredients found in conventional products that degrade water quality and are highly toxic to birds, fish, wildlife, and bees. Eco-friendly alternative products, along with sustainable lawn and landscape management practices, can be incorporated as integral parts of natural lawn care.  Our <a href=\"%20http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/eco-friendly-c…mers-finalized/\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Catalog for Consumers</a> lists eco-friendly lawn products.\r\n\r\nFor more information on each Midwest Grows Green program, see: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Community Engagement</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Pesticide-Free Parks</a>, and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Point-of-Purchase Retailer Program</a>\r\n<h2>Additional Resources</h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide_Final.pdf\">Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn and Garden</a>: Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to incorporate natural lawn care practices in your own lawn and garden. Find out how natural lawn care can reduce your contribution to climate change and water pollution, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nMore: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\">Pets and Pesticides</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\">Read Your Weeds</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a>','Midwest Grows Green','','inherit','closed','open','','2275-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 19:58:30','2015-10-12 19:58:30','',2275,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2275-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2781,2,'2015-10-12 20:02:19','2015-10-12 20:02:19','','Eco-Friendly Catalog for Consumers','','inherit','closed','open','','eco-friendly-catalog-for-consumers','','','2015-10-12 20:02:19','2015-10-12 20:02:19','',2275,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2782,2,'2015-10-12 20:03:43','2015-10-12 20:03:43','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2464\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Web page cover photo\" width=\"934\" height=\"301\" /></a>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green</h1>\r\n<em>Three programs, one brand, one goal.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green (MWGG) represents all of MPAC’s community-based lawn and landscape care initiatives, which are identified by our distinctive orange MWGG stamp and unified by a single message – protect people, pets and the environment by practicing natural lawn care. Three distinct programs (point-of-purchase, pesticide-free parks, and community engagement) comprise MWGG, which communities can adopt individually or in any combination. We designed MWGG to educate the community on natural lawn care in order to reduce the amount of synthetic herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers used. Lawn and gardening chemicals can harm people, pets, wildlife, and waterways. By presenting safer alternative practices and products, Midwest Grows Green aims to reduce the use and harmful effects of outdoor pesticides.\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Point-of-Purchase Program</h3>\r\nThis partnership with local retailers connects homeowners to eco-friendly products at the point-of-purchase to empower them to reduce their use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2444\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/evanston-park-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"evanston park\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Pesticide-Free Parks</h3>\r\nBring a pesticide-free park to your community to protect the environment and create safer places for people and pets to play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2449\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Keep-on-the-Grass-Sign-in-Use-Cropped-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Keep on the Grass Sign in Use Cropped\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Community Engagement</h3>\r\nMPAC can help you engage your community on natural lawn care practices to keep your yards beautiful without the use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n<h2>Why are pesticides and artificial fertilizers harmful?</h2>\r\n<em>Many commonly-used pesticides are harmful to people and the environment. Here are some facts about the harmful effects of commonly-sold products:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2183 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped-300x134.jpg\" alt=\"Boy w Dog and Sprinkler [resized,cropped]\" width=\"331\" height=\"148\" /></a>1. <strong>Human Health: </strong> Research has linked insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides to cancer, as well as asthma, birth defects, and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies roughly 40 chemicals serving as active ingredients in household pesticides as \"known, probable, or possible human carcinogens.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. <strong>Water: </strong>A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 96% of all fish, 100% of all surface waters, and 33% of major aquifers studied. We know that lawns and gardens contribute to this widespread pollution as urban watersheds have higher rates of pesticide contamination than any other type of watershed, including agricultural. Keeping pesticides out of our waterways is important as they degrade water quality. A more recent USGS <a href=\"http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/2015-08-18-national_neonics.html\">study</a> found evidence of the insecticide neonicotinoid, commonly associated with the reduction in honey bee populations, in over 50% of streams tested.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1124\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509-300x255.jpg\" alt=\"Drains to Lake grate\" width=\"231\" height=\"196\" /></a>3. <strong>Aquatic life: </strong>Conventional synthetic and fast-release fertilizers quickly wash into waterways, degrading water quality and creating “dead zones” by promoting excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, which steals the oxygen in the water from other organisms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">4. <strong>Wildlife:  </strong>Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill. The killing power of most of these toxins is not specific and will often kill or injure non-target species. Birds, amphibians, and beneficial pollinators such as honey bees are affected. Dozens of studies have linked the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids to declining bee populations, which pollinate many essential food crops.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">5. <strong>Children: </strong>A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics raised concerns about the link between pesticide exposure and childhood cancer, impaired neurological development, asthma, and endocrine disruption. The Academy stated that “the most comprehensive reviews of the existing literature implicate an association of pesticides with leukemia and brain tumors.” Studies also suggest that ADHD and other neurological disorders may be related to a disruption in biological <a id=\"subheader2\"></a>systems caused by some pesticides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What are eco-friendly alternatives?</h2>\r\nNatural lawn care is a method of maintenance designed to build up the health of your lawn—making it naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases—without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. It is an alternative to conventional practices which depend on the application of synthetic chemicals, often in much larger quantities than needed. The excess is often washed away as runoff into water sources or tracked indoors by people or pets.\r\n\r\nThe basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2143 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"1620 x 1080 testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1\" width=\"318\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourages pests.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC defines \"eco-friendly products\" as organic, non-synthetic, or least-toxic alternatives to conventional lawn care products. These products are healthier for people, pets, and the environment. Unlike many conventional lawn care products, they are free of harmful substances such as known carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors which compromise human health. They are also free of ingredients found in conventional products that degrade water quality and are highly toxic to birds, fish, wildlife, and bees. Eco-friendly alternative products, along with sustainable lawn and landscape management practices, can be incorporated as integral parts of natural lawn care.  Our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Catalog for Consumers</a> lists eco-friendly lawn products.\r\n\r\nFor more information on each Midwest Grows Green program, see: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Community Engagement</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Pesticide-Free Parks</a>, and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Point-of-Purchase Retailer Program</a>\r\n<h2>Additional Resources</h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide_Final.pdf\">Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn and Garden</a>: Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to incorporate natural lawn care practices in your own lawn and garden. Find out how natural lawn care can reduce your contribution to climate change and water pollution, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nMore: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\">Pets and Pesticides</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\">Read Your Weeds</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a>','Midwest Grows Green','','inherit','closed','open','','2275-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:03:43','2015-10-12 20:03:43','',2275,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2275-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2783,2,'2015-10-12 20:05:14','2015-10-12 20:05:14','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2464\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Web page cover photo\" width=\"934\" height=\"301\" /></a>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green</h1>\r\n<em>Three programs, one brand, one goal.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green (MWGG) represents all of MPAC’s community-based lawn and landscape care initiatives, which are identified by our distinctive orange MWGG stamp and unified by a single message – protect people, pets and the environment by practicing natural lawn care. Three distinct programs (point-of-purchase, pesticide-free parks, and community engagement) comprise MWGG, which communities can adopt individually or in any combination. We designed MWGG to educate the community on natural lawn care in order to reduce the amount of synthetic herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers used. Lawn and gardening chemicals can harm people, pets, wildlife, and waterways. By presenting safer alternative practices and products, Midwest Grows Green aims to reduce the use and harmful effects of outdoor pesticides.\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Point-of-Purchase Program</h3>\r\nThis partnership with local retailers connects homeowners to eco-friendly products at the point-of-purchase to empower them to reduce their use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2444\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/evanston-park-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"evanston park\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Pesticide-Free Parks</h3>\r\nBring a pesticide-free park to your community to protect the environment and create safer places for people and pets to play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2449\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Keep-on-the-Grass-Sign-in-Use-Cropped-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Keep on the Grass Sign in Use Cropped\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Community Engagement</h3>\r\nMPAC can help you engage your community on natural lawn care practices to keep your yards beautiful without the use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n<h2>Why are pesticides and artificial fertilizers harmful?</h2>\r\n<em>Many commonly-used pesticides are harmful to people and the environment. Here are some facts about the harmful effects of commonly-sold products:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2183 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped-300x134.jpg\" alt=\"Boy w Dog and Sprinkler [resized,cropped]\" width=\"331\" height=\"148\" /></a>1. <strong>Human Health: </strong> Research has linked insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides to cancer, as well as asthma, birth defects, and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies roughly 40 chemicals serving as active ingredients in household pesticides as \"known, probable, or possible human carcinogens.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. <strong>Water: </strong>A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 96% of all fish, 100% of all surface waters, and 33% of major aquifers studied. We know that lawns and gardens contribute to this widespread pollution as urban watersheds have higher rates of pesticide contamination than any other type of watershed, including agricultural. Keeping pesticides out of our waterways is important as they degrade water quality. A more recent USGS <a href=\"http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/2015-08-18-national_neonics.html\">study</a> found evidence of the insecticide neonicotinoid, commonly associated with the reduction in honey bee populations, in over 50% of streams tested.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1124\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509-300x255.jpg\" alt=\"Drains to Lake grate\" width=\"231\" height=\"196\" /></a>3. <strong>Aquatic life: </strong>Conventional synthetic and fast-release fertilizers quickly wash into waterways, degrading water quality and creating “dead zones” by promoting excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, which steals the oxygen in the water from other organisms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">4. <strong>Wildlife:  </strong>Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill. The killing power of most of these toxins is not specific and will often kill or injure non-target species. Birds, amphibians, and beneficial pollinators such as honey bees are affected. Dozens of studies have linked the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids to declining bee populations, which pollinate many essential food crops.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">5. <strong>Children: </strong>A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics raised concerns about the link between pesticide exposure and childhood cancer, impaired neurological development, asthma, and endocrine disruption. The Academy stated that “the most comprehensive reviews of the existing literature implicate an association of pesticides with leukemia and brain tumors.” Studies also suggest that ADHD and other neurological disorders may be related to a disruption in biological <a id=\"subheader2\"></a>systems caused by some pesticides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What are eco-friendly alternatives?</h2>\r\nNatural lawn care is a method of maintenance designed to build up the health of your lawn—making it naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases—without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. It is an alternative to conventional practices which depend on the application of synthetic chemicals, often in much larger quantities than needed. The excess is often washed away as runoff into water sources or tracked indoors by people or pets.\r\n\r\nThe basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2143 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"1620 x 1080 testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1\" width=\"318\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourages pests.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC defines \"eco-friendly products\" as organic, non-synthetic, or least-toxic alternatives to conventional lawn care products. These products are healthier for people, pets, and the environment. Unlike many conventional lawn care products, they are free of harmful substances such as known carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors which compromise human health. They are also free of ingredients found in conventional products that degrade water quality and are highly toxic to birds, fish, wildlife, and bees. Eco-friendly alternative products, along with sustainable lawn and landscape management practices, can be incorporated as integral parts of natural lawn care.  Our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Catalog</a> lists eco-friendly lawn products.\r\n\r\nFor more information on each Midwest Grows Green program, see: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Community Engagement</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Pesticide-Free Parks</a>, and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Point-of-Purchase Retailer Program</a>\r\n<h2>Additional Resources</h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide_Final.pdf\">Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn and Garden</a>: Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to incorporate natural lawn care practices in your own lawn and garden. Find out how natural lawn care can reduce your contribution to climate change and water pollution, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nMore: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\">Pets and Pesticides</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\">Read Your Weeds</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a>','Midwest Grows Green','','inherit','closed','open','','2275-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:05:14','2015-10-12 20:05:14','',2275,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2275-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2784,2,'2015-10-12 20:10:46','2015-10-12 20:10:46','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a> <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?,</a> <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2304\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"198\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Customers.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2304\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Customers-image-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Customers  image\" width=\"198\" height=\"257\" /></a> Click to view the Catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Catalog for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"Guide for Participating Retailers Cover\" width=\"239\" height=\"307\" /></a> Click to view the Catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2567\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"194\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Retailers.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2567\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Product-Guide-for-Retailers-Cover-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Product Guide for Retailers Cover\" width=\"194\" height=\"251\" /></a> A link will be provided to participating retailers.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:10:46','2015-10-12 20:10:46','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2785,2,'2015-10-12 20:21:14','2015-10-12 20:21:14','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a> <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?,</a> <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2304\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"198\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2304\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Customers-image-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Eco-Friendly-Product-Guide-for-Customers  image\" width=\"198\" height=\"257\" /></a> Click to view the Catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"Guide for Participating Retailers Cover\" width=\"239\" height=\"307\" /></a> Click to view the Catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2567\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"194\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2567\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Product-Guide-for-Retailers-Cover-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Product Guide for Retailers Cover\" width=\"194\" height=\"251\" /></a> A link will be provided to participating retailers.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:21:14','2015-10-12 20:21:14','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2788,2,'2015-10-12 20:33:31','2015-10-12 20:33:31','','Eco-Friendly Catalog for Consumers_cover_page','','inherit','closed','open','','eco-friendly-catalog-for-consumers_page_01','','','2015-10-12 20:33:31','2015-10-12 20:33:31','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2790,2,'2015-10-12 20:41:44','2015-10-12 20:41:44','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a> <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?,</a> <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"Guide for Participating Retailers Cover\" width=\"239\" height=\"307\" /></a> Click to view the Guide.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> A link will be provided to participating retailers[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:41:44','2015-10-12 20:41:44','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2791,2,'2015-10-12 20:56:06','2015-10-12 20:56:06','Updated Pest Control Companies that provide IPM','WI_MPAC Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM','','inherit','closed','open','','wi_mpac-pest-control-companies-that-provide-ipm','','','2015-10-12 20:56:06','2015-10-12 20:56:06','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2793,2,'2015-10-12 20:58:37','2015-10-12 20:58:37','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 1-4</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.5-8.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 5-8</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/B.I.T.E.-BACK-NEWSLETTERS-VOL.9-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 9-11</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Volume 12\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/BiteBack_Fall13.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 12</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2015-10-12 20:58:37','2015-10-12 20:58:37','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2794,2,'2015-10-14 17:22:13','2015-10-14 17:22:13','','Eco-Friendly Catalog for Retailers','','inherit','closed','open','','eco-friendly-catalog-for-retailers','','','2015-10-14 17:22:13','2015-10-14 17:22:13','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2795,2,'2015-10-14 17:28:58','2015-10-14 17:28:58','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</a>, <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a>  <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"Catalog for Participating Retailers Cover\" width=\"239\" height=\"307\" /></a> Click to view the Catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> A link will be provided to participating retailers[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 17:28:58','2015-10-14 17:28:58','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2796,2,'2015-10-14 17:33:16','2015-10-14 17:33:16','','Eco-Friendly Catalog for Retailers cover photo_Page_01','Click to view the catalog.','inherit','closed','open','','eco-friendly-catalog-for-retailers-cover-photo_page_01','','','2015-10-14 17:33:16','2015-10-14 17:33:16','',2929,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2797,2,'2015-10-14 17:35:05','2015-10-14 17:35:05','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</a>, <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a>  <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2796\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2796 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> A link will be provided to participating retailers[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 17:35:05','2015-10-14 17:35:05','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2799,2,'2015-10-14 18:10:43','2015-10-14 18:10:43','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</a>, <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a>  <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"233\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the guide[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2796\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2796 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Contact randerson@pesticideaction.org for catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 18:10:43','2015-10-14 18:10:43','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2800,2,'2015-10-14 19:57:37','2015-10-14 19:57:37','<img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000015557555Large-Pillars.jpg\" alt=\"Pillars of Law and Information at the United States Supreme Court\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Advancing Toxic-Free Policies</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects communities’ air, water, and wildlife from the dangerous health and environmental impacts of pesticides. To achieve this goal, we work with local and regional governments to limit pesticide use and empower the public to protect themselves through education about these toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nTogether, we work to make pesticide reduction an essential element on legislative agendas. Midwest Pesticide Action Center played an instrumental role in the success of the following policies:\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Schools\">State of Illinois Integrated Pest Management in Schools Law</a>, <a href=\"#Lawn\">State of Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act</a>, <a href=\"#Parents\">State of Illinois Parents Right-to-Know Law</a>, <a href=\"#Ordinance\">City of Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, <a href=\"#Evanston\">The City of Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide-Reduction Resolution</a>,<a name=\"Schools\"></a> <a href=\"#FP\">The Village of Franklin Park Sustainable Pest-Control Resolution</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Integrated Pest Management in Schools Law</h2>\r\nIllinois requires schools and licensed childcare facilities to adopt an Integrated Pest Management program. Illinois law, also, requires public schools and licensed childcare centers to stop routine pesticide spraying and to notify parents and staff before applying indoor pesticides.<a name=\"Lawn\"></a>\r\n<a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/pubact91/acts/91-0525.html\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act</h2>\r\nThe Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act requires pesticide companies to place markers on lawns at the time of application and provide the customer with information on the product used. In addition, any adjacent neighbor has a legal right to be notified in advance of neighbors’ pesticide applications. If you request a notification, the company hired by your neighbor must contact you one day ahead in person or by telephone to let you know what they will apply, and the date and approximate time of application.<a name=\"Parents\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/pubact91/acts/91-0099.html\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Parents Right-to-Know Law</h2>\r\nThe Parents Right-to-Know Law amends the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act, administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, by requiring schools and childcare facilities to provide notification prior to the application of pesticides on school grounds. Parents must receive a written notification via a newsletter, bulletin, calendar, or other correspondence published by the school district.<a name=\"Ordinance\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0424\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>City of Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h2>\r\nOn June 5th, 2013, Chicago became one of the first U.S. cities to pass a comprehensive bed bug ordinance.  Midwest Pesticide Action Center has long advocated for the ordinance, which began with our report,  <em><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a></em><i>,</i> submitted to the mayor\'s office in 2011. Sponsored by Ray Suarez of the 31st Ward, Harry Osterman of the 48th Ward, and Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward, this ordinance requires property owners to provide pest-control management utilizing proven best practices.\r\n\r\nThe ordinance also outlines responsibilities for tenants and business owners and directs the Department of Public Health to develop an educational campaign with the most current information on bed bug control on its website. Non-compliance will result in fines for property owners of up to $2,000 a day for failing to take steps to eradicate bed bug infestations.<a name=\"Evanston\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1255501&amp;GUID=CED19AF3-ADD2-4771-BDDB-04923461D3AC&amp;Options=Advanced&amp;Search=\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a><i><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></i>\r\n<h2>The City of Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide-Reduction Resolution</h2>\r\nThe City of Evanston serves as a model on the use of sustainable pest control and natural lawn care practices and illustrates how to increase awareness. In 2010, the city created the Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Resolution. This resolution reduces the use of pesticides through the use of sustainable pest-control practices on city-owned or leased property and educates the public and private sectors. Midwest Pesticide Action Center played an instrumental role in authoring the policy, working with city staff and the environment board for nearly two years on this initiative.<a name=\"FP\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.cityofevanston.org/pdf/20-R-10IntegratedPestManagement3-16-2010.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a> <a title=\"Learn More\" href=\"http://www.cityofevanston.org/pdf/20-R-10IntegratedPestManagement3-16-2010.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></span></a>\r\n<h2>The Village of Franklin Park Sustainable Pest-Control Resolution</h2>\r\nThe Village of Franklin Park’s resolution put in place a sustainable pest control and pesticide policy, which requires the reduction of pesticide applications on village-owned or leased property to the maximum extent feasible with the least toxic Integrated Pest Management techniques. The village used the Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Resolution as inspiration. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.spcpweb.org/attachments/FranklinParkFullResolutionText.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a> <a title=\"Learn More\" href=\"http://www.spcpweb.org/attachments/FranklinParkFullResolutionText.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></span></a>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Laws to Protect you from Outdoor Pesticides:</strong> For information about the laws in place to protect you from outdoor pesticides in Illinois. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Laws to Protect You\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Laws-to-Protect-you-from-Outdoor-Pesticides.pdf\">\r\nLearn More </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Notification Guidelines – Parents Rights to Know:</strong> For information on your rights to protect your children where they learn and play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Advancing Toxic-Free Policies','','inherit','closed','open','','221-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:57:37','2015-10-14 19:57:37','',221,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/221-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2801,2,'2015-10-14 19:58:05','2015-10-14 19:58:05','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-359\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Headband\" width=\"719\" height=\"320\" />\r\n<h2>What We Do</h2>\r\nFor the past 20 years, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been working at the local, state, and regional levels to protect people and the environment from the dangers of pesticides through advocacy, education, and outreach. Learn more about our programs below:\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature-e1380813731780.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy small\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Keeping Kids Healthy</h3>\r\nWe work with school administration and parents to reduce pesticide use where our children live, learn, and play.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature-e1384186332571.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h3>\r\nWe engage communities and park districts to cultivate sustainable, healthy spaces.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a style=\"font-size: 13px;\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380920002738.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Reducing Climate Impact</h3>\r\nGrows Green educates retailers in order to help customers make climate-friendly lawn and garden choices.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third_last]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380920131967.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Preserving Water Quality</h3>\r\nWe promote healthy lawn and landscape practices to protect water resources throughout the Midwest.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814093111.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_7272_00201767\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Managing Healthy Homes</h3>\r\nWe advocate for safe and healthy living spaces by educating residents and building managers on integrated pest management.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380814154698.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nWe inform individuals and institutions on safe, effective ways to control bed bugs that minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third_last]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000015557555Large-Pillars-e1380814216162.jpg\" alt=\"Pillars of Law and Information at the United States Supreme Cour\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Advancing Toxic-Free Policies</h3>\r\nWe partner with governments on the local and state levels and empower the public to guard against pesticide exposure.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380814261197.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h3>\r\nWe help protect low-income and minority communities from the effects associated with disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third_last]','What We Do','','inherit','closed','open','','6-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:58:05','2015-10-14 19:58:05','',6,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/6-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2802,2,'2015-10-14 19:58:30','2015-10-14 19:58:30','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"500\" height=\"289\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h1>\r\nOne out of every five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has. Bed bugs can live everywhere—from single-family homes, apartment buildings, and shelters, to office buildings and hotels. Residents, building managers, and businesses take desperate measures to control these tenacious pests, often leading to dangerous use and misuse of pesticides that aggravate asthma and cause unnecessary exposure to high levels of chemicals. Minimal use of pesticides can safely and effectively control Bed bugs. Midwest Pesticide Action Center holds training events, workshops, and has developed outreach materials to educate residents and institutions on how to spot early signs of bed bug infestations, response strategies, and effective treatment options. Continue reading<a name=\"Events\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Events\">Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</a>, <a href=\"#Outreach\">Outreach that Informs and Empowers</a>, <a href=\"#Policy\">Policy Making</a>, <a href=\"#Change\">Making Institutional Change</a>\r\n<h2>Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</h2>\r\nBeing informed and aware is the best way of controlling bed bugs. We hold training events throughout Chicago and provide a basic knowledge of bed bug behavior and control.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We offer sessions to residents, landlords, and business owners.</li>\r\n	<li>Designed in a “Train the Trainer” format, we provide attendees with materials and tools to share what they learn with their own organizations and residents.</li>\r\n	<li>Bed Bugs in Chicago has trained over 3,100 individuals and impacted an estimated 144,000 households.</li>\r\n	<li>Visit the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Upcoming Events Page</a> to sign up for the next training.</li>\r\n	<li>Subscribe to our e-newsletter to be alerted when new events are<a name=\"Outreach\"></a> scheduled.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-911 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2-1024x411.jpg\" alt=\"2013 Regional Bedbug Flyer Banner 2\" width=\"410\" height=\"164\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Outreach That Informs and Empowers</h2>\r\nWe provide a number of resources that inform landlords and residents on their rights and responsibilities when it comes to bed bug treatment.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-913 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BITE Back Volume 12 Page 1\" width=\"230\" height=\"298\" /></a>The <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter</a> explores new options on controlling bed bugs and how to make informed decisions when paying for services and products.</li>\r\n	<li>We have many materials in Spanish, and some in Polish, French, and Mandarin.</li>\r\n	<li>Participating in and hosting information sessions on the Chicago Bed Bug<a name=\"Policy\"></a> Ordinance.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Policy Making</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to impact the greatest number of people for the greatest good.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>As part of our appointment duties to the Structural Pest Control Task Force,<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1094 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\" alt=\"MPAC Battling Bed Bugs-page-0\" width=\"245\" height=\"317\" /></a> we worked with the state on the <a href=\"http://spcpweb.org/attachments/SOBBREPORT_10_14_11Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">State of Bed Bugs in Illinois report</a>, which makes recommendations regarding next steps for the state’s response to the bed bug problem.</li>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center helped the City of Chicago’s City Council to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">pass the public health-protection ordinance</a> on bed bugs, which classifies bed bugs as a public nuisance.</li>\r\n	<li>The ordinance passed in 2013 and was based on the 2011 Midwest Pesticide Action Center Report: Bed Bugs: Making the Case for a Comprehensive<a name=\"Change\"></a> Approach.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Making Institutional Change</h2>\r\nThrough customized training, workshops, and one-on-one education, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with institutions and building managers to develop strategies for structural and mechanical methods, monitoring, sanitation, and non-chemical and least-toxic treatments for the control of bed bugs and helps ensures the health of thousands of people. A short list of institutions we have worked with includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Chicago Housing Authority</li>\r\n	<li>Heartland Alliance</li>\r\n	<li>Chicago Department of Family Support Services</li>\r\n	<li>Mercy Housing</li>\r\n	<li>LUCHA</li>\r\n	<li>The University of Arizona</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“We provide homes for the most vulnerable populations of society and have been greatly affected by the resurgence of bedbugs in the area. Our experience with this ‘new normal’ has really affected us and [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has been an excellent ally in advising us on early detection and providing training resources for both our staff and participants. The training and informative resources [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has provided to our organization are priceless.” - Director of Property Management, Heartland Housing</blockquote>\r\nContact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org if your organization is interested in working with Midwest Pesticide Action Center. The<a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\"> Polk Bros. Foundation</a> and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Bed Bug Information\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/bed_bug_information.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a> funds most of our Beating Back Bed Bugs program.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey: </strong>Learn more about the study and take the survey to help researchers understand the factors behind bed bug infestations. <a title=\"University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/university-of-arizona-bed-bug-survey/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago- Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan: </strong>Policy paper produced by Midwest Pesticide Action Center. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance:</strong> The City of Chicago passes a comprehensive public health-protection ordinance on bed bug control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>B.I.T.E. Back!</strong> We have 11 previous issues of the BITE Back! newsletter, which provides timely information on bed bug treatment and control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\">Download All Issues </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on controlling the spread of bed bugs by making smart decisions. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>View Resources</strong> in multiple languages for efficient and safe ways to control bed bugs.  <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>','Beating Back Bed Bugs','','inherit','closed','open','','216-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:58:30','2015-10-14 19:58:30','',216,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/216-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2803,2,'2015-10-14 19:59:07','2015-10-14 19:59:07','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Preserving Water Quality</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects water resources by promoting healthy lawn and landscape practices. Maintaining healthy rivers, streams, brooks, and lakes is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of the areas we inhabit, protecting wildlife, and securing safe, clean drinking water.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"L2L\"></a> for: <a href=\"#L2L\">Lawn to Lake</a>, <a href=\"#LS\">Lawn to Lake Successes</a>, <a href=\"#Training\">Training</a>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake</h3>\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital natural resource. They represent approximately 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water and provide habitat for more than 100 species of rare plants and animals. Additionally, 42 million people depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with Lawn to Lake, a regional collaboration, to protect water resources in the Lake Michigan basin.\r\n\r\nOur outreach and training program promotes healthier landscape practices to reduce pollution. With funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center and its partners in the Lawn to Lake Program help professional landscapers, municipalities, and homeowners make better decisions in how they maintain their outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nThe Lawn to Lake Program, lead by the <a href=\"http://www.iiseagrant.org/\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a> and supported by the <a title=\"Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\" href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restorations Initiative</a>, is comprised of the following organizations:\r\n\r\n<a name=\"LS\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/\">Lake Champlain Sea Grant</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/\">University of Illinois Extension</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.nirpc.org/\">Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission</a>, and</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/\">Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake Successes</h3>\r\nSince its inception, the Lawn to Lake Program has made significant progress toward making the Great Lakes waters less polluted and safer. To date, we have:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helped 318,066 residents move to natural lawn care through outreach and education;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced weed and feed use by an estimated 1,021,453 pounds; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced pesticide use by an estimated 7,864<a name=\"Training\"></a> pounds</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Training</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center holds collaborative workshops in the Midwest so that landscape professionals, municipal leaders, grounds keepers, master gardeners, and residents can learn about the connection between lawn care and water quality and how to create naturally beautiful lawns and landscapes.\r\n\r\nOur most recent event, held in April of 2013,  targeted landscapers. The Lawn to Lake Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care Workshop successfully trained over 50 professionals in sustainable lawn and landscape care practices and how to communicate the benefits to their clients. The workshop impacted an estimated 13,780 homeowners.\r\n\r\nFor future events, visit our <a title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Training and Events</a> page. If you would like to host training with Midwest Pesticide Action Center, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Chicago Grows Green: </strong>For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Chicago Grows Green\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Guide.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your impact on water quality by making smart decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View All Resources</a>','Preserving Water Quality','','inherit','closed','open','','250-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:59:07','2015-10-14 19:59:07','',250,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/250-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2804,2,'2015-10-14 19:59:35','2015-10-14 19:59:35','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#GG\">Grows Green</a>\r\n<h2>Grows Green</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of the state of Illinois.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-932 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Grows Green Guide Cover\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSpring of 2013 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\">Grows Green initiative</a> in Chicago and surrounding communities with 35 participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make climate friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=z_vBNNFWN0xg.kB4sq_i1Znzw\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-1999\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/map-300x281.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"181\" /></a>The map to the right highlights these stores, all of which carry climate- friendly products and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Chicago Grows Green- a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden</em></a>, a brochure, developed with support from <a title=\"Boeing Corporate Citizenship\" href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/companyoffices/aboutus/community/index.page?\" target=\"_blank\">Boeing</a>,  for the Chicago region but applicable to communities across the Midwest with similar climates. Click on the image on the right to view the entire map.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Chicago Grows Green - a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:59:35','2015-10-14 19:59:35','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2805,2,'2015-10-14 19:59:55','2015-10-14 19:59:55','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Keeping Kids Healthy</h1>\r\nChildren are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with building managers, schools, childcares, and parks to protect children from exposure to pesticides where they live, learn, and play.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Live\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Live\">Where They Live</a>, <a href=\"#Learn\">Where They Learn</a>, <a href=\"#Play\">Where They Play</a>\r\n<h2>Where They Live</h2>\r\nCultivating a healthy home is essential to protecting children’s health. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides thousands of families with easy to use<a title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\"> information</a> and guidance on how to manage pest problems in the home in the safest and most effective ways.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We translated many of our documents into Spanish, Polish, French, and Mandarin—the most commonly spoken languages other than English in the Midwest.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The information and resources provided help protect children from being unnecessarily exposed to the toxins in pesticides linked to health problems like asthma, leukemia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In collaboration with the Respiratory Health Association, we trained hundreds of asthma education professionals on the risks pests and pesticides pose to children in order to improve the health outcomes of those with asthma.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nVisit<a name=\"Learn\"></a> our <a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Managing Healthy Homes</a> page to see what we do to educate families on safe, effective pest control.\r\n<h2>Where They Learn</h2>\r\n<h3>Affecting Policy and Policymakers</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center made it a priority to work with policy makers and school administrators to make the indoor and outdoor environments of these facilities as safe as possible by eliminating the use of toxic chemicals. Our successes include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the training video “Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method” to inform the school and childcare community about the new laws, which is now free and available to everyone on YouTube.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<iframe src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/_Fal0PepQOQ\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Working to amend the Structural Pest Control Act in Illinois to require schools and childcare facilities to adopt an Integrated Pest Management program for pest control.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act that requires schools and childcare facilities to notify parents before applying pesticides and other lawn care treatments.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Educating parents on their right to know when pesticides are applied to their children’s school and childcare facilities.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLearn more about these laws that relate to schools and childcare facilities on our <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Policy page</a>.\r\n<h3>Assisting Schools and Childcare Facilities</h3>\r\nOur children spend a considerable amount of their days at schools and childcare facilities; some spend more than 60 hours a week in these facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to protect our children in these environments.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized our school programs in 2008 with the Environmental Justice Achievement Award. Our success includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping the third-largest school district in the nation, Chicago Public Schools, to adopt Integrated Pest Management as a district-wide policy by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the criteria for contracting with pest control providers qualified to conduct Integrated Pest Management activities;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Training more than 1,000 building engineers, custodial, and food service staff in Integrated Pest Management;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reducing the reliance on pesticide applications for pest control in 681 schools, servicing 401,000 students.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Engaging and educating the childcares community in activities designed to reduce pesticide exposure for our children by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers to reflect new state Integrated Pest Management laws, including the notification requirement;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Providing workshops for day care inspectors on an Integrated Pest Management requirements for licensure;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing continuing education resources for childcare staff and management reaching more than 2,500 individuals and 650 childcare centers and homes resulting  in reduced pesticide exposure for more than 45,000 young children in Illinois.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Establishing the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition to work in low-income and minority communities to help childcare facilities comply with Illinois state laws. Learn more on our <a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Justice Page</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Assisting other schools and childcare facilities in adopting an Integrated Pest Management program with the use of our Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools and Childcares.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>More than 1,000 school and childcare personnel representing 200+ school districts and 388 childcare facilities across Illinois received technical assistance and training on use of the guide.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping to develop the Chicago Asthma Consortium, School Task Force’s “Asthma Friendly School Award.”</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>This award recognizes schools that promote a healthful environment for all students. The award requires schools to maintain an integrated pest-management plan to receive recognition. Since 2010, 30 schools received the award.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf your facility would like to adopt a program with specialized training from Midwest Pesticide Action Center, email Executive Director Ruth<a name=\"Play\"></a> Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h2>Where They Play</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center cultivates public parks, school grounds, and backyards that provide healthy spaces for children. Our multiple sustainable landscape and water quality campaigns and toolkits encourage limited use of lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that compromise water quality, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and our overall exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Chicago Grown Green\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Grows Green</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\">Maintaining Healthy Parks</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\" target=\"_blank\">Preserving Water Quality</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Activist’s Toolkit</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Schools and Childcares</strong>: For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program in your school or childcare. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Resource Guide\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Video</strong>: Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method. <a class=\"more\" title=\"IPM in Illinois Schools: A Better Method\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fal0PepQOQ\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Keeping Kids Healthy','','inherit','closed','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 19:59:55','2015-10-14 19:59:55','',24,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/24-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2806,2,'2015-10-14 20:00:28','2015-10-14 20:00:28','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h1>\r\nAs green refuges in urban landscapes, parks provide necessary places for children to play, athletic facilities for sports teams, spaces for bicyclists and runners, and gathering places for families. Parks should provide safe, healthy places; however, many parks use pesticides on playgrounds and sports fields, along fence lines, and even to create grass-free zones around trees.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to ensure safe and healthy parks for everyone. We engage with communities and park districts across the Midwest to reduce pesticide use and models in demonstrating how to manage green spaces in a healthy way for both people and the environment.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Healthy\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Healthy\">A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</a>\r\n<h2>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park<span class=\"mceMediaCredit\"><span id=\"4\" class=\"media-credit-mce alignnone\" style=\"width: 255px;\"><span class=\"media-credit-dd\">\r\n</span></span></span></h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-725 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>Midwest Pesticide Action Center created the <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign, an outreach initiative designed to help communities adopt sustainable landscape maintenance practices that do not rely on the use of toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nThe campaign helps address aesthetic concerns by emphasizing that the presence of dandelions in a park does not mean neglect, but a healthier park and safer place to play.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The first <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign launched in Chicago during the spring of 2009 through a partnership with the largest municipal park manager in the country, the Chicago Park District.</li>\r\n	<li>The Chicago Park District refined their landscape-maintenance practices to prevent the use of chemicals in 90 percent of Chicago’s 570 parks, raise awareness about the dangers of pesticide use in public spaces, increase the demand from residents for sustainably maintained parks, and save money.</li>\r\n	<li>Over the last four years, the campaign prevented the use of 66,125 pounds of pesticide-active ingredients.</li>\r\n	<li>By not spraying weed killer, the City saves $1.4 million per application.</li>\r\n	<li>The campaign helped reduce community complaints about dandelions by 90 percent.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“The Park District strives to keep our Chicago parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy. We are encouraging all Chicago residents to follow the Park District’s example and use more natural lawn care techniques that keeps your lawn safe and healthy.\"\r\n\r\n- Mike Kelly, Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District</blockquote>\r\nIn spring of 2012, the campaign expanded when Boulder, Colorado, adopted it to eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals on park property. In the last two years, the ongoing campaign, renamed as <i>Healthy Parks = Healthy People</i> continues to grow. View a video released in 2013 by the City of Boulder for details on the program, and <a title=\"Boulder\" href=\"https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/HealthyParks-1-201307051347.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">download Boulder\'s Healthy Park Flier</a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/7vCjbthgZsk?rel=0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<blockquote>“We all really love this idea for addressing complaints about dandelions. You can take your child to the park and let your baby crawl around on the grass and let your dog roll around on the grass and know that they are not going to be exposed to synthetic pesticides which studies have now shown are linked to cancer in children and dogs.”\r\n\r\n- Rella Abernathy, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Community Planning &amp; Sustainability, City of Boulder</blockquote>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<b>Contact:</b> If interested in introducing the <em>A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</em> campaign to your community, contact us at <a class=\"more\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Activist\'s Toolkit</b>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Chicago Grows Green</b>: For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://spcpweb.org/attachments/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What You Can Do:</strong> For tips on what you can do to promote healthy spaces in your community and home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"What You Can Do\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Maintaining Healthy Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','26-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:00:28','2015-10-14 20:00:28','',26,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/26-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2807,2,'2015-10-14 20:00:47','2015-10-14 20:00:47','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\" alt=\"Row of Buildings PC\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a>\r\n<h1>Managing Healthy Homes</h1>\r\nWe spend about 90 percent of our time indoors and much of that time in our homes. Most of us do not realize that pollution occurs more often in indoor environments than outdoor. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars every year in housing-related healthcare costs such as asthma, lead-based paint poisoning, and allergies.\r\n\r\nA healthy home is dry, clean, ventilated, free from pests and contaminants, well maintained, and safe. Integrated Pest Management yields an effective, safe way to control pests.\r\n\r\nIntegrated Pest Management acts as an effective, common-sense approach to pest control that provides information on the habits and traits of pests and how they interact with our environment. This approach encourages a well-maintained home, free of water damage and other structural issues, and the use of the least toxic methods for control of pests to limit the impacts of pesticides on health issues like asthma and cancer.\r\n\r\nSince 2009, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Held 65 housing related training events in IPM</li>\r\n	<li>Trained over 3,000 individuals</li>\r\n	<li>Impacted over 200,000 households</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Empower\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Empower\">Empowering Residents</a>, <a href=\"#Educate\">Educating Housing Managers</a>, <a href=\"#Green\">Green and Healthy Homes</a>\r\n<h2>Empowering Residents</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center educates residents on reducing the misuse and overuse of pesticides while still effectively controlling pests by advocating for Integrated Pest Management.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center develops many helpful resources that explain Integrated Pest Management to both renters and homeowners in an understandable way. We deliver this information by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Talking to residents on a one-on-one basis at housing fairs;</li>\r\n	<li>Organizing informative workshops that are targeted to residents;</li>\r\n	<li>Collaborating with other organizations to inform renters and other residents on their right to healthy living conditions; and</li>\r\n	<li>Providing technical assistance over the phone to hundreds of<a name=\"Educate\"></a> residents</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Educating Housing Managers</h2>\r\nWe have trained thousands of landlords and housing managers on safe, cost-effective, pest-control methods.  Low-income residents and public housing are often particularly affected by unhealthy homes.\r\n\r\nIn 1996, Midwest Pesticide Action Center worked with Chicago’s Henry Horner Public Housing Development to launch a landmark IPM program. Highlights of the program include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Targeted improvements in building maintenance, resident involvement and education on pest-management practices;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Regular pest inspection with minimal treatment by an operator with Integrated Pest Management expertise;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In the first year, 90 percent of the development’s 500 residents reported satisfaction with the program; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>An 83 percent drop in the amount of insecticidal gel bait used on the property.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“You folks are unique in so many ways and so very important to landlords, tenants, the City of Chicago and, last but not least, the American way of life.\"\r\n\r\n- Paul Bernstein, Attorney at<a name=\"Green\"></a> Law</blockquote>\r\n<h2>Green and Healthy Homes</h2>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/\">Green and Healthy Homes Initiative</a> is a national partnership of public, private, and philanthropic efforts that delivers a cost-effective and integrated approach to housing interventions through weatherization, energy efficiency, health, and safety. In Chicago, over 20 organizations work together to deliver services and provide education on healthy homes to residents, service providers, building owners, and the community.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Chicago Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and with the support of the National Center for Healthy Housing and the City of Chicago, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to support the initiative by offering information and training on Integrated Pest Management to promote best practices for maintaining a healthy home.\r\n\r\nOur Healthy Homes program is supported by the <a title=\"Illinois Department of Public Health\" href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>, <a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>, and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Housing and Economic Development\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>.\r\n<h3>For Further Reading</h3>\r\n<b>What You Can Do</b>: For tips on making healthy decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ten Steps to Pest Control:</strong> For information on Integrated Pest Management factsheets provides easy tips for a pest-free home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Ten Steps to Pest Control\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Training</b>: Sign up for upcoming training events happening in the Midwest. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of John Booz</em>','Managing Healthy Homes','','inherit','closed','open','','76-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:00:47','2015-10-14 20:00:47','',76,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/76-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2808,2,'2015-10-14 20:01:19','2015-10-14 20:01:19','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-781\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Watering-Flowers-e1384204457770.jpg\" alt=\"Watering Can\" width=\"720\" height=\"319\" />\r\n<h1>What You Can Do</h1>\r\nPesticides are applied where we work, live, and play. Although the problem may seem too large for one person to tackle, you can take action to reduce your exposure to and use of these toxic chemicals. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the resources you need to create healthier spaces in your home, garden, and community. To view a full list of all of our free resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1087\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Neighborhood-Street-small.jpg\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street small\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a><strong>In Your Home:</strong> Reduce pesticide use at home and grow healthy, resilient yards by choosing safer products for pest control and lawn care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\"><img src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1384204811248.jpg\" alt=\"Hands Raised\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> Advocate for change in the way pesticides are used in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Support</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s work to create healthier communities. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Support Us\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/support-us/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<strong>View All Resources</strong> Find all of our materials to help you reduce your pesticide exposure in your home and community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','What You Can Do','','inherit','closed','open','','8-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:01:19','2015-10-14 20:01:19','',8,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/8-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2809,2,'2015-10-14 20:01:39','2015-10-14 20:01:39','<h1><img class=\"wp-image-247 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Neighborhood-Street.bmp\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street\" width=\"500\" height=\"608\" /></h1>\r\n<h1>Making Healthy Decisions in Your Home</h1>\r\nYou can limit the pesticide exposure of you, your family, and the environment by making healthy decisions in your yard and home. Pesticides can enter our homes on our shoes and clothes when we walk through chemically treated lawns, when we use chemicals to control pests like ants and cockroaches, and when we purchase certain foods. Reducing exposure to these toxic chemicals begins at home and you can start by following these simple tips. To view a full list of all of our resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Stewardship\">Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</a>, <a href=\"#IndoorPests\">Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</a>, <a href=\"#HirePestControl\">Hiring a Pest Control Provider</a>, <a href=\"#BedBugs\">Beat Back Bed Bugs</a>,<a name=\"Stewardship\"></a> <a href=\"#SmartFood\">Make Smart Food Choices</a>\r\n<h3>Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</h3>\r\nLawns comprise nearly one-quarter of urban and suburban landscapes. Caring for them responsibly by limiting the amount of water, fertilizers, and pesticides we apply can have a huge impact on our health and environment. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Start with a soil test. </strong>Test your soil every three to five years to help determine exactly what you need to keep it healthy.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Fertilize organically.</strong> Switch to an organic fertilizer made from plant or animal materials. These fertilizers allow the grass to absorb nutrients gradually because excess nutrients bind to soil rather than running off into our sewers, lakes, and rivers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Diversify your lawn.</strong> Turf grass requires lots of maintenance because it is not native to our region. Plant other ground cover, bushes, and trees  more suitable for our climate and light conditions.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Water properly.</strong> Water deeply and infrequently early in the morning to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus. Ideally, you want one inch of water delivered once a week.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Mow correctly.</strong> Mow your lawn to at least three inches high. Correct mowing will increase the strength of the root system and naturally shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Banish weeds naturally.</strong> All of these proper lawn care tips will help banish weeds naturally. Other products such as corn meal gluten applied in early spring can also help.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a natural lawn care provider.</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with landscape contractors across the Midwest to provide training and<a name=\"IndoorPests\"></a> resources.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</h3>\r\nOver the years, many Americans have relied on synthetic pesticides to control pests. Integrated Pest Management is a smarter, safer way to deal with pests. By blocking a pest’s access to food, water, and shelter, you will have fewer pests in your home and need fewer pesticides. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Keep pests out.</strong> Caulk, cement, or otherwise seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home, install door sweeps and avoid propping doors open. Make sure window screens are free of tears.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Remove access </strong>to food and water. Practice good sanitation, especially in areas where food is cooked, stored, or eaten. Clean behind appliances often, and seal food in pest-proof containers. Make sure all garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Repair leaky pipes and remove standing water. Keep drains clean and unclogged.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Reduce shelter.</strong> Get rid of clutter. A messy room provides many hiding places for pests. Seal holes in the walls including intentional ones for plumbing or electrical cords.  Seal gaps along baseboards or backsplashes around sinks. Use open shelving that is easy to clean under.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Routinely monitor</strong> for pests so you can you spot a problem early. Place sticky traps in the pest prone areas of kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, closets, or problem areas and check them often.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Treat </strong>existing problems. Stop routine pesticide spraying. Only use pesticides after completing the above items. Choose least-toxic approaches first, like traps and bait stations, over sprayed or dusted pesticides.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire</strong> a qualified pest control operator. You may need more than these recommendations. A qualified pest control operator can be a great asset in controlling pests safely and <a name=\"HirePestControl\"></a> effectively.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Hiring a Pest Control Provider</h3>\r\nIf you have consistent pest problems, or manage a multi-unit building, we recommend you contract with a licensed pest control provider. They can help identify problem areas in your home and coordinate a monitoring and treatment plan that utilizes the practices of Integrated Pest Management. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the following factsheet to help you make an informed decision when selecting a pest control operator. <a name=\"BedBugs\"></a> <em><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\"> How Do I Know I\'m Receiving Integrated Pest Management?</a></em>\r\n<h3>Beat Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nBed bugs are one of the most persistent problems to plague our homes. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on us as food. Spotting bed bugs early is the key to preventing their spread. Below are some practices to help catch a bed bug problem early. The smaller the infestation, the easier to control. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Be on the lookout</strong> for signs of infestations especially around sleeping areas. Signs include: live bugs, dark brown or black spots on bedding, carpets, walls and furniture.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Launder</strong> bedding often. A hot clothes dryer will kill bed bugs in all stages of development. Use it for pillows, stuffed animals, and even “dry clean only” items.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Paint and caulk</strong> around sleeping areas such as baseboards, windows, and bed frames to seal hiding spots.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspect used furniture</strong> or other items closely before bringing them into your home. Look for signs of infestations in cushions, zippers, seams, and underneath including springs and frames.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Take extra care when traveling</strong> or staying in a new place. Bed bugs can hitch a ride home on your clothing or luggage.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a professional</strong> if you think you have an infestation. These pests are tenacious and are best left to<a name=\"SmartFood\"></a> the professionals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Make Smart Food Choices</h3>\r\nMuch of our pesticide exposure comes from the food we eat. Conventionally grown produce is treated with insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides. These pesticides can accumulate up the food chain into foods we eat like milk, butter and meat. They also negatively affect the honeybee and other pollinator populations.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Buy organic</strong> produce when possible.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Thoroughly wash and peel</strong> conventionally grown produce before cooking or eating it to remove any pesticides that may be on its surface.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Trim</strong> fat and skin off conventionally fed meat and poultry to reduce your consumption of pesticides that accumulate in animal fat.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Be especially mindful</strong> of what you feed children. Pound for pound, they eat more food and drink more water than adults. Their bodies are still developing and are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Consult</strong> the Environmental Working Group’s “<a title=\"Shopper\'s Guide to Pesticides in Produce\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/\" target=\"_blank\">Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>” to help you make the best food choices for limiting the ingestion of pesticides.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Resources</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of resources to help you make smart decisions about controlling pests at home, including resources just for renters, building managers, and homeowners on our resources page. <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Biodiversity Project</em>','In Your Home','','inherit','closed','open','','135-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:01:39','2015-10-14 20:01:39','',135,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2810,2,'2015-10-14 20:02:17','2015-10-14 20:02:17','<h1><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-904\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Feet_Legs_Grass-e1384289475330.jpg\" alt=\"Kids Legs in Grass\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></h1>\r\n<h1>Support Us</h1>\r\n<a title=\"Donate to Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\"><b>Donate now</b></a> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center! Your contribution helps us to:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Minimize pesticide use in schools, childcares, yards, and parks;</li>\r\n	<li>Decrease runoff of/exposure to toxic lawn and garden chemicals;</li>\r\n	<li>Reduce pesticide exposure and pest problems in low-income communities;</li>\r\n	<li>Inform people about pesticide risks and the availability of safer alternatives;</li>\r\n	<li>Advance policies that provide greater protections against pesticide exposure.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button\" title=\"Donate to Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\">Donate now</a></p>\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Sponsor\">Sponsor an Event or Workshop</a>, <a href=\"#Host\">Host a Fundraising Event</a>, <a href=\"#Sign\">Buy a Pesticide-Free Zone Sign</a>, <a href=\"#Mannual\">Buy a Copy of \"The Organic Lawn Care Mannual: A Natural, Low-Maintenace System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn\"</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Earn money for Midwest Pesticide Action Center </strong><strong>by simply shopping online.</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-894 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/igive120x60.gif\" alt=\"iGive\" width=\"120\" height=\"60\" />\r\n\r\nTry the<a title=\"iGive\" href=\"http://www.iGive.com/SPCP\" target=\"_blank\"> iGive Button</a> – a tiny addition to your browser that automatically tells stores you want your shopping to support us. Giving is easy, free, and automatic with over 1,300 retailers.\r\n\r\nYou can also support us through your workplace giving and while you buy your favorite products. We are a member of <a title=\"Earthshare Illinois\" href=\"http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Earthshare Illinois</a> and <a name=\"Sponsor\"></a> <a title=\"One Percent for the Planet\" href=\"http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/\" target=\"_blank\">1% for the Planet</a>.\r\n\r\n<b>Sponsor an Event or Workshop</b>. For more information about recognition opportunities, email <a href=\"destewart@pesticideaction.org\">dstewart@pesticideaction.org</a> or call (773) 878-7378<a name=\"Host\"></a> ext.208.\r\n\r\n<b>Host a Fundraising Event. </b>Hosting a fundraiser for Midwest Pesticide Action Center is a great excuse to get your friends and colleagues together! Whether it’s a house party, happy hour, documentary film screening, yard sale, or yoga class, Midwest Pesticide Action Center can help you host a successful event. Contact  <a href=\"destewart@pesticideaction.org\">dstewart@pesticideaction.org</a> to learn<a name=\"Sign\"></a> more!\r\n\r\n<b>Buy a Pesticide-Free Zone sign</b> for $12 and display it in your yard.\r\n<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PFZ-sign.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PFZ-sign-291x300.jpg\" alt=\"PFZ sign\" width=\"175\" height=\"180\" /></a></h1>\r\nBe a model for your community and show your neighbors that pesticide-free lawns and gardens are important for the health of children, families, pets, the environment and the community. At eight inches (8\") in diameter, these aluminum enameled signs will not rust and will retain their bright colors for years!\r\n\r\nEach sign you purchase comes with our own Natural Lawn Care fact sheets on how to maintain your pesticide-free landscape and spread the word about the benefits of pesticide-free<a name=\"Mannual\"></a> spaces.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buy a copy of \"The Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn\"</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-896 alignright\" title=\"The Organic Lawn Care Manual\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Tukey-Book-237x300.jpg\" alt=\"The Organic Lawn Care Manual\" width=\"190\" height=\"240\" />\r\n\r\nby Paul Tukey for $15. In this easy-to-read and visually appealing manual, Tukey explains how to evaluate lawn-care needs, how grass grows, how to create healthy soil, and how  to select grass that is drought tolerant and disease resistant.\r\n\r\nThere are chapters on starting a lawn from scratch or refurbishing an existing lawn, making the transition from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, watering, weeding, dealing with pests and diseases, and mowing and maintenance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Purchase a sign or book (or both for $25!) by calling (773) 878-7378 ext.208.</strong>','Support Us','','inherit','closed','open','','148-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:02:17','2015-10-14 20:02:17','',148,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/148-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2811,2,'2015-10-14 20:02:38','2015-10-14 20:02:38','<h3><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1380815404656.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1380815404656.jpg\" alt=\"Hands Raised\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h3>\r\n<h2>Catalyze Change in Your Community</h2>\r\nYou can catalyze change that will make your community a safer place.  Affecting community-wide policies in schools and parks can have a huge impact on limiting the use of toxic pesticides. Take a look at the steps below to learn how you can help reduce pesticide use in your neighborhoods and public spaces.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Blog\">Connect to Our Blog</a>, <a href=\"#Campaign\">Start a Campaign to Promote Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care in Your Community</a>, <a href=\"#Engage\">Engage Politically</a>, <a href=\"#SC\">Promote Healthy Schools and Childcares</a>, <a href=\"#Park\">Bring \"A Natural Park is a Healthy Park\" to Your Community</a>, <a name=\"Blog\"></a> <a href=\"#Public\">Ensure Public Buildings and Properties are Healthy Places for the Community</a>\r\n<h3>Connect to Our Blog</h3>\r\nCommunity activists are working across the nation to reduce the health and environmental effects of pesticide use and making a real impact. Stay informed by connecting <a name=\"Campaign\"></a> to <span style=\"font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><a title=\"Blog\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/blog/\">our blog</a>.</span>\r\n<h3>Start a Campaign to Promote Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care in Your Community</h3>\r\nWe’ve created the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Activist’s Toolkit</a>, with support from <a title=\"Patagonia Becoming a Responsible Company\" href=\"http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2329\" target=\"_blank\">Patagonia</a>, an easy-to-use resource to help inspire you, the local activist, to catalyze change in your own community. The guide covers many of the basic tools for building a campaign that can influence decision makers, generate media coverage, and reach out to community members through social media. Help your community minimize the harmful environmental effects of conventional lawncare:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nationwide, turf grass is estimated to cover over 40 million acres, an area three times larger than the amount dedicated to corn.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Conventionally maintained lawns and landscapes use many of our precious resources, as large amounts of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and water are necessary for maintenance.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>These practices degrade local waterways, pollute the air, harm pets and wildlife, contribute to climate change, and threaten human health.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a name=\"Engage\"></a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Activists_Toolkit_Webheader.jpg\" alt=\"Activists_Toolkit_Webheader\" width=\"860\" height=\"215\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Engage Politically</h3>\r\nOrganizations and coalitions across the country are working to pass laws and policies to protect us from exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals. To learn more about these campaigns and how you can contribute, click the links below.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">advance toxic-free policies</a> in Chicago and the Midwest.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Sign up to receive action alerts from <a href=\"http://action.beyondpesticides.org/signup_page/actionalerts\" target=\"_blank\">Beyond Pesticides</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Take action with <a href=\"http://www.panna.org/get-involved/action-center\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Action Network of North America</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a name=\"SC\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Take action with the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/take-action\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Promote Healthy Schools and Childcares</h3>\r\nChildren face higher risks from exposure to pesticides than adults exposed at the same level. It is important to ensure your child’s school or childcare is following best practices and state laws which limit the use of pesticides.\r\n\r\nFor in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a comprehensive guide to help administration in to implement <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Integrated Pest Management</a>. Contact us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org </a>for information on how to use this resource.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In Illinois, Integrated Pest Management is required by law in public schools and licensed childcare facilities. Schools must either report an Integrated Pest Management  plan to the Illinois Department of Public Health or send a representative to receive Integrated Pest Management training.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>As a parent or guardian, you can be notified when pesticides are to be applied on school grounds. School districts can either notify you by adding you to a registry of parents who have signed up for notifications, or provide written notification through correspondence regularly published by the school district.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We encourage you to ask your school if they maintain a registry and if they are in compliance with the state law requiring Integrated Pest Management. Visit our<a name=\"Park\"></a> <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\" target=\"_blank\">policy page</a> to learn more.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Bring \"A Natural Park is a Healthy Park\" to Your Community</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center launched the “<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\">A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</a>” campaign to alter park management practices and to promote sustainably managed parks as a healthy place for children and pets without exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you would like to learn how to incorporate sustainable practices into your parks, feel free to contact us via <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If your park district already sustainably manages its parks and you would like community members to know about these healthy practices, consider working with Midwest Pesticide Action Center to bring this campaign to your community</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nVisit our<a name=\"Public\"></a> “<a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\">A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</a>” page for more information.\r\n<h3>Ensure Public Buildings and Properties are Healthy Places for the Community.</h3>\r\nMunicipalities play a large role in our lives and the spaces in which we interact, managing large facilities and parks that the public uses every day. As a municipal official, you can use our “<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>” to make your buildings and property healthy places for the community.\r\n\r\nThe guide provides sample Integrated Pest Management contracts, monitoring plans, and tips for reducing pesticide use in a cost-effective way.\r\n\r\nContact us for a copy today: <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n<h3>Resources</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of resources to help you make real change in your community, including promoting natural landscape care, talking to decision-makers about policy decisions, and encouraging school administration to adopt responsible procedures to protect the health of our children. <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>','In Your Community','','inherit','closed','open','','97-revision-v1','','','2015-10-14 20:02:38','2015-10-14 20:02:38','',97,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/97-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2813,2,'2015-10-21 18:20:15','2015-10-21 18:20:15','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Preserving Water Quality</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects water resources by promoting healthy lawn and landscape practices. Maintaining healthy rivers, streams, brooks, and lakes is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of the areas we inhabit, protecting wildlife, and securing safe, clean drinking water.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"L2L\"></a> for: <a href=\"#L2L\">Lawn to Lake</a>, <a href=\"#LS\">Lawn to Lake Successes</a>, <a href=\"#Training\">Training</a>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake</h3>\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital natural resource. They represent approximately 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water and provide habitat for more than 100 species of rare plants and animals. Additionally, 42 million people depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with Lawn to Lake, a regional collaboration, to protect water resources in the Lake Michigan basin.\r\n\r\nOur outreach and training program promotes healthier landscape practices to reduce pollution. With funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center and its partners in the Lawn to Lake Program help professional landscapers, municipalities, and homeowners make better decisions in how they maintain their outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nThe Lawn to Lake Program, lead by the <a href=\"http://www.iiseagrant.org/\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a> and supported by the <a title=\"Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\" href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restorations Initiative</a>, is comprised of the following organizations:\r\n\r\n<a name=\"LS\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/\">Lake Champlain Sea Grant</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/\">University of Illinois Extension</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.nirpc.org/\">Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission</a>, and</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/\">Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake Successes</h3>\r\nSince its inception, the Lawn to Lake Program has made significant progress toward making the Great Lakes waters less polluted and safer. To date, we have:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helped 318,066 residents move to natural lawn care through outreach and education;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced weed and feed use by an estimated 1,021,453 pounds; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced pesticide use by an estimated 7,864<a name=\"Training\"></a> pounds</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Training</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center holds collaborative workshops in the Midwest so that landscape professionals, municipal leaders, grounds keepers, master gardeners, and residents can learn about the connection between lawn care and water quality and how to create naturally beautiful lawns and landscapes.\r\n\r\nOur most recent event, held in April of 2013,  targeted landscapers. The Lawn to Lake Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care Workshop successfully trained over 50 professionals in sustainable lawn and landscape care practices and how to communicate the benefits to their clients. The workshop impacted an estimated 13,780 homeowners.\r\n\r\nFor future events, visit our <a title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Training and Events</a> page. If you would like to host training with Midwest Pesticide Action Center, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: </strong>For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your impact on water quality by making smart decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View All Resources</a>','Preserving Water Quality','','inherit','closed','open','','250-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 18:20:15','2015-10-21 18:20:15','',250,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/250-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2814,2,'2015-10-21 18:24:07','2015-10-21 18:24:07','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#GG\">Grows Green</a>\r\n<h2>Grows Green</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of the state of Illinois.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-932 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Grows Green Guide Cover\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSpring of 2013 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\">Grows Green initiative</a> in Chicago and surrounding communities with 35 participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make climate friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=z_vBNNFWN0xg.kB4sq_i1Znzw\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-1999\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/map-300x281.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"181\" /></a>The map to the right highlights these stores, all of which carry climate- friendly products and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Brochure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Chicago Grows Green- a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden</em></a>, a brochure, developed with support from <a title=\"Boeing Corporate Citizenship\" href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/companyoffices/aboutus/community/index.page?\" target=\"_blank\">Boeing</a>,  for the Chicago region but applicable to communities across the Midwest with similar climates. Click on the image on the right to view the entire map.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green - a Guide to Growing a Climate-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 18:24:07','2015-10-21 18:24:07','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2815,2,'2015-10-21 18:25:21','2015-10-21 18:25:21','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h1>\r\nAs green refuges in urban landscapes, parks provide necessary places for children to play, athletic facilities for sports teams, spaces for bicyclists and runners, and gathering places for families. Parks should provide safe, healthy places; however, many parks use pesticides on playgrounds and sports fields, along fence lines, and even to create grass-free zones around trees.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to ensure safe and healthy parks for everyone. We engage with communities and park districts across the Midwest to reduce pesticide use and models in demonstrating how to manage green spaces in a healthy way for both people and the environment.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Healthy\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Healthy\">A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</a>\r\n<h2>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park<span class=\"mceMediaCredit\"><span id=\"4\" class=\"media-credit-mce alignnone\" style=\"width: 255px;\"><span class=\"media-credit-dd\">\r\n</span></span></span></h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-725 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>Midwest Pesticide Action Center created the <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign, an outreach initiative designed to help communities adopt sustainable landscape maintenance practices that do not rely on the use of toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nThe campaign helps address aesthetic concerns by emphasizing that the presence of dandelions in a park does not mean neglect, but a healthier park and safer place to play.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The first <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign launched in Chicago during the spring of 2009 through a partnership with the largest municipal park manager in the country, the Chicago Park District.</li>\r\n	<li>The Chicago Park District refined their landscape-maintenance practices to prevent the use of chemicals in 90 percent of Chicago’s 570 parks, raise awareness about the dangers of pesticide use in public spaces, increase the demand from residents for sustainably maintained parks, and save money.</li>\r\n	<li>Over the last four years, the campaign prevented the use of 66,125 pounds of pesticide-active ingredients.</li>\r\n	<li>By not spraying weed killer, the City saves $1.4 million per application.</li>\r\n	<li>The campaign helped reduce community complaints about dandelions by 90 percent.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“The Park District strives to keep our Chicago parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy. We are encouraging all Chicago residents to follow the Park District’s example and use more natural lawn care techniques that keeps your lawn safe and healthy.\"\r\n\r\n- Mike Kelly, Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District</blockquote>\r\nIn spring of 2012, the campaign expanded when Boulder, Colorado, adopted it to eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals on park property. In the last two years, the ongoing campaign, renamed as <i>Healthy Parks = Healthy People</i> continues to grow. View a video released in 2013 by the City of Boulder for details on the program, and <a title=\"Boulder\" href=\"https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/HealthyParks-1-201307051347.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">download Boulder\'s Healthy Park Flier</a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/7vCjbthgZsk?rel=0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<blockquote>“We all really love this idea for addressing complaints about dandelions. You can take your child to the park and let your baby crawl around on the grass and let your dog roll around on the grass and know that they are not going to be exposed to synthetic pesticides which studies have now shown are linked to cancer in children and dogs.”\r\n\r\n- Rella Abernathy, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Community Planning &amp; Sustainability, City of Boulder</blockquote>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<b>Contact:</b> If interested in introducing the <em>A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</em> campaign to your community, contact us at <a class=\"more\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Activist\'s Toolkit</b>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Midwest Grows Green</b>: For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What You Can Do:</strong> For tips on what you can do to promote healthy spaces in your community and home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"What You Can Do\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Maintaining Healthy Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','26-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 18:25:21','2015-10-21 18:25:21','',26,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/26-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2816,2,'2015-10-21 18:39:06','2015-10-21 18:39:06','','MWGG Web page cover photo','','inherit','closed','open','','mwgg-web-page-cover-photo','','','2015-10-21 18:39:06','2015-10-21 18:39:06','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2817,2,'2015-10-21 18:41:01','2015-10-21 18:41:01','','Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide, final 1','','inherit','closed','open','','midwest_grows_green_guide-final-1','','','2015-10-21 18:41:01','2015-10-21 18:41:01','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2818,2,'2015-10-21 18:45:06','2015-10-21 18:45:06','','Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204','','inherit','closed','open','','map-of-participating-retailers-pilot-300x204','','','2015-10-21 18:45:06','2015-10-21 18:45:06','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2821,2,'2015-10-21 18:52:26','2015-10-21 18:52:26','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of the state of Illinois.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chicago_Grows_Green_Guide_Cover.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2817 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final-1-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide, final 1\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\">Midwest Grows Green initiative</a> in Chicago and surrounding communities with 4 participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide_Final.pdf\">Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide</a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe map to the right highlights these stores, all of which carry climate- friendly products and a brochure, developed with support from <a title=\"Boeing Corporate Citizenship\" href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/companyoffices/aboutus/community/index.page?\" target=\"_blank\">Boeing</a>,  for the Chicago region but applicable to communities across the Midwest with similar climates. Click on the image on the right to view the entire map.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green - a Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 18:52:26','2015-10-21 18:52:26','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2822,2,'2015-10-21 18:53:02','2015-10-21 18:53:02','','Home','','inherit','closed','open','','36-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 18:53:02','2015-10-21 18:53:02','',36,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/36-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2824,2,'2015-10-21 19:16:52','2015-10-21 19:16:52','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green - a Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 19:16:52','2015-10-21 19:16:52','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2825,2,'2015-10-21 19:18:42','2015-10-21 19:18:42','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green - a Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 19:18:42','2015-10-21 19:18:42','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2826,2,'2015-10-21 19:19:24','2015-10-21 19:19:24','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green - a Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden:</strong> For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 19:19:24','2015-10-21 19:19:24','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2827,2,'2015-10-21 19:21:25','2015-10-21 19:21:25','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 19:21:25','2015-10-21 19:21:25','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2830,2,'2015-10-21 19:28:36','2015-10-21 19:28:36','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2015-10-21 19:28:36','2015-10-21 19:28:36','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2831,2,'2015-10-21 19:35:15','2015-10-21 19:35:15',' ','','','publish','closed','closed','','2831','','','2018-07-26 21:11:37','2018-07-26 21:11:37','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=2831',20,'nav_menu_item','',0),(2832,2,'2015-10-21 19:59:40','2015-10-21 19:59:40','','MWGG Web page cover photo home page','','inherit','closed','open','','mwgg-web-page-cover-photo-home-page','','','2015-10-21 19:59:40','2015-10-21 19:59:40','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo-home-page.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2833,2,'2015-10-23 13:39:26','2015-10-23 13:39:26','','MWGG_feet_web','','inherit','closed','open','','mwgg_feet_web','','','2015-10-23 13:39:26','2015-10-23 13:39:26','',2929,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/MWGG_feet_web.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2835,2,'2015-10-23 13:41:31','2015-10-23 13:41:31','','Home','','inherit','closed','open','','36-revision-v1','','','2015-10-23 13:41:31','2015-10-23 13:41:31','',36,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/36-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2836,2,'2015-10-23 16:22:33','2015-10-23 16:22:33','<h2></h2>\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-2549\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG-Shelf-Talker-in-use-image-2-300x259.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Shelf Talker in use image 2\" width=\"308\" height=\"266\" /></a></h1>\r\n<em>This Midwest Grows Green program informs and connects homeowners to eco-friendly lawn and garden products to reduce the use of harmful pesticides.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green’s Point-of-Purchase retailer program partners with local hardware, home, and garden supply stores to promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional lawn care products.  The program provides clear labeling of products at the point-of-purchase to encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products.  This empowers consumers to make purchasing decisions that decrease the negative health and environmental  impacts of the overuse of fertilizers and dangerous pesticides.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"245\" height=\"153\" /></a>Many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer to use eco-friendly products but are not well-informed about their options. To help customers make informed decisions, participating retailers use MPAC-designed “Eco-Friendly” shelf tags and shelf talkers so that shoppers can easily identify their organic, natural, and least-toxic products. MPAC also distributes a <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean.jpg\">pamphlet</a> of tips on using natural lawn care in-stores. Homeowners can also consult our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog</a> online to inform their future purchasing decisions or learn more about the products they already use.<a name=\"Homeowners\"></a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Benefits\">What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</a>, <a href=\"#Homeowners\">Resources for Homeowners,</a>  <a href=\"#Retailers\">Resources for Partner Retailers</a>\r\n<h2>Resources for Homeowners</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Consumers</strong></h4>\r\nThis catalog is intended to help consumers identify products that minimize the risk of harm to family, pets, and the environment from pesticides. Consult this catalog to find eco-friendly products to control common lawn and garden pests such as weeds, disease, and insects. Also listed are natural and organic fertilizers that promote healthy, naturally pest-resistant lawns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2788\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2788 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Map of Participating Retailers</strong></h4>\r\nSee which Chicago-area stores are participating in our Midwest Grows Green Retailer Pilot Program. These stores carry eco-friendly lawn and garden products identified in our Product catalog and label them with the MPAC-certified Eco-Friendly shelf tags.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"425\"]<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2312\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Participating Retailers- Pilot\" width=\"425\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the map.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a name=\"Benefits\"></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>What are the benefits of MWGG Retailer Participation?</h2>\r\nMPAC works closely with recruited retailers to make them comfortable with the program and provides all instruction and materials free of charge. Retailers in turn agree to use the MWGG tags and talkers as described in the MWGG catalog provided and give feedback on the program\'s effectiveness.  The benefits include:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><strong>Boosting your store’s image as an environmentally-friendly business.</strong> Consumers are showing a growing preference for sustainable products through their purchasing choices.Your store’s participation in the Midwest Grows Green Program will increase your appeal to environmentally conscious customers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Increasing your sales of less-toxic, environmentally-friendly products.</strong> Visual resources, including the shelf channel tags and shelf talkers, will help customers identify eco-friendly products. This may bring you increased business from the many individuals who would prefer to use less toxic lawn care products but are not well-informed about their options.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inclusion in List of Participating Retailers.</strong> MPAC will publish a list of retailers participating in the Midwest Grows Green on both our website and customer catalog/info pieces. We<a name=\"Retailers\"></a> will create a Google Map of participating retailers with contact information, providing publicity for you and connecting customers to your store.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Retailers interested in participating in the program can contact MPAC at (773) 878-7378 or by emailing us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> with a subject line of “MWGG Retailer Program.\"</strong>\r\n<h2>Resources for Partner Retailers</h2>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Midwest Grows Green: Guide for Participating Retailers</h4>\r\nThis guide contains instructions and guidelines for retailers participating in the MWGG Point-of-Purchase pilot program. If you are a retailer interested in the program, follow this link to learn more.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2568\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"233\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-no-margin-space.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the guide[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4>Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Product Catalog for Retailers</h4>\r\nThis catalog lists products that meet MPAC\'s standards to qualify for use with the Eco-Friendly shelf tags. Retailers may also consult this guide to find ideas for new products to stock that may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2796\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"231\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2796 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Retailers-cover-photo_Page_01-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a> Contact randerson@pesticideaction.org for catalog[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Point-of-Purchase Program','','inherit','closed','open','','2482-revision-v1','','','2015-10-23 16:22:33','2015-10-23 16:22:33','',2482,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2482-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2838,2,'2015-10-23 16:24:28','2015-10-23 16:24:28','<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks</h1>\r\n<span style=\"color: #222222;\">The Pesticide-Free Parks program helps</span> park managers<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-359\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621-300x133.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Headband\" width=\"318\" height=\"140\" /></a> implement sustainable turf management practices, thereby reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to lessen their impact on the health of people, pets, and the environment. The Pesticide-Free Parks program works as an educational tool to inform the community about natural lawn care and highlight the park management\'s commitment to healthful and environmentally responsible gathering spaces for the community.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2660 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1-300x141.jpg\" alt=\"SoccerKids1\" width=\"327\" height=\"154\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThrough a public/private partnership, MPAC launched the first pesticide-free park program with the City of Evanston in 2015 with the designation of five parks as pesticide-free. MPAC created posters and other information materials distributed throughout Evanston’s parks to promote the program.  In addition, MPAC drafted a press release that was picked up by over 18 media outlets, providing the program with exposure and positive feedback. Our hope is to grow the Pesticide-Free Parks (PFP) program in other communities across the Midwest.\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">What is a pesticide-free park?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">We define a pesticide-free park as one that is maintained under the principals of natural lawn care. Natural lawn care uses a combination of sustainable practices and natural products to promote an optimal relationship between plants and soil, making lawns naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girl-Crawling-Outside-resized.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2179\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girl-Crawling-Outside-resized-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"African girl play crawling through tube in park\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourage pests.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">What are the components of a MWGG Pesticide-Free Park?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/vacker_sign_image1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2676 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/vacker_sign_image1-203x300.jpg\" alt=\"vacker_sign_image\" width=\"178\" height=\"263\" /></a>1. A park maintained without the use of synthetic pesticides for at least one year through collaboration with a local landscaping company, or by training park management personnel and purchasing products for natural lawn care maintenance.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. A press release covered by local media outlets to draw community attention to the initiative. Spreading the word about your pesticide-free park can raise awareness in your community and inspire homeowners to go pesticide-free on their own lawns, multiplying the positive effects on health and the environment.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">3. Long-term signage to let the community know that the park is being managed without the use of harmful chemicals.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.</p>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2>Resources</h2>\r\n<h4>Guide to a Pesticide-Free Park</h4>\r\nThis guide provides information on how to participate in the Midwest Grows Green Pesticide-Free Parks program.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2684\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"286\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-to-a-Pesticide-Free-Park.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2684\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-to-a-Pesticide-Free-Park-cover-image-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Guide to a Pesticide-Free Park  cover image\" width=\"286\" height=\"371\" /></a> Click to view the Guide.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information about this and other Midwest Grows Green programs, contact Midwest Pesticide Action Center at general@pesticideaction.org and “Midwest Grows Green” as the subject.  Or, call us at (773) 878-7378.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','2492-revision-v1','','','2015-10-23 16:24:28','2015-10-23 16:24:28','',2492,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2492-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2839,2,'2015-10-23 16:25:27','2015-10-23 16:25:27','<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Community Engagement<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/KeepOnGrass_sign_generic1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2389 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/KeepOnGrass_sign_generic1-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"KeepOnGrass_sign_generic\" width=\"176\" height=\"265\" /></a></h1>\r\nMPAC created the Midwest Grows Green Community Engagement program to help homeowners and other land managers understand the impacts of their practices and learn how to make them more sustainable.  We developed several resources to help concerned residents educate and engage their communities on natural lawn care. We work with community activists and organizers to create a campaign that encourages the adoption of natural lawn care practices to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.  With community input, MPAC develops customized resources and events promoting natural lawn care that reflect specific community concerns.\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Why is it important to engage your community on natural lawn care?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">As communities expand, land-use turns into lawns. Unfortunately, the use of synthetic lawn care products leads to the pollution of our waterways through runoff and negative impacts on the health of people, pets, and wildlife. Many people do not realize that homeowners apply up to 10 times more chemical pesticides to lawn turf per acre than farmers use on crops. In fact, lawn care pesticides are the pesticides most often detected in urban watersheds. This is because polluted runoff from lawns flow into storm water drains which bypass water treatment facilities and empty out directly into rivers, lakes, and streams. In addition, climate change will likely magnify these negative impacts in the Midwest, with longer growing seasons prompting the use of more lawn care products and increasing storm frequency and intensity resulting in more flooding and water runoff.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pesticide_lawn_cropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2649 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pesticide_lawn_cropped-300x262.jpg\" alt=\"pesticide_lawn_cropped\" width=\"276\" height=\"241\" /></a>In addition to water quality issues, conventional lawn care creates many environmental stressors and health impacts. For example:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Fifty percent of water used for lawns is wasted, and demand for water is expected to increase with growing population and greater drought occurrences.</li>\r\n	<li>Of the 30 pesticides most commonly used on lawns and landscapes, 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, 11 are toxic to bees, and 11 are endocrine disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>Research has linked pesticides to cancer, asthma, birth defects and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders in humans. Infants and children are most vulnerable to the health risks associated with pesticide use.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nHere are some examples of resources which MPAC has created for community engagement:\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Keep On the Grass Pledge</strong></h4>\r\nThis piece is designed to encourage homeowners and other land managers to take the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG_Pledge.pdf\">Pledge</a>  to commit to a healthier community by eliminating synthetic chemical use on their lawn.  It can be distributed at community events such as block parties and farmers markets.  Those who sign the pledge can receive a free “Keep ON the Grass” sign to place on their sustainably managed lawn indicating it’s safe for all activities at all times.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2666\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG_Pledge.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2666 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Pledge_Generic_cropped_image-239x300.jpg\" alt=\"Pledge_Generic_cropped_image\" width=\"239\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the Pledge.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Tips on Keeping our Yards Green &amp; Waters Clean</strong></h4>\r\nThis natural lawn care pamphlet can be customized for community needs. It gives tips on how to reduce water pollution while maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces that are safe for people and pets to enjoy.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2309\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"376\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2309\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean-300x231.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean\" width=\"376\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the pamphlet.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information about this and other Midwest Grows Green programs, contact Midwest Pesticide Action Center at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> and “Midwest Grows Green” as the subject.  Or, call us at (773) 878-7378.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Community Engagement','','inherit','closed','open','','2495-revision-v1','','','2015-10-23 16:25:27','2015-10-23 16:25:27','',2495,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2495-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2841,2,'2015-11-02 17:24:54','2015-11-02 17:24:54','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"500\" height=\"289\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h1>\r\nOne out of every five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has. Bed bugs can live everywhere—from single-family homes, apartment buildings, and shelters, to office buildings and hotels. Residents, building managers, and businesses take desperate measures to control these tenacious pests, often leading to dangerous use and misuse of pesticides that aggravate asthma and cause unnecessary exposure to high levels of chemicals. Minimal use of pesticides can safely and effectively control Bed bugs. Midwest Pesticide Action Center holds training events, workshops, and has developed outreach materials to educate residents and institutions on how to spot early signs of bed bug infestations, response strategies, and effective treatment options. Continue reading<a name=\"Events\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Events\">Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</a>, <a href=\"#Outreach\">Outreach that Informs and Empowers</a>, <a href=\"#Policy\">Policy Making</a>, <a href=\"#Change\">Making Institutional Change</a>\r\n<h2>Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</h2>\r\nBeing informed and aware is the best way of controlling bed bugs. We hold training events throughout Chicago and provide a basic knowledge of bed bug behavior and control.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We offer sessions to residents, landlords, and business owners.</li>\r\n	<li>Designed in a “Train the Trainer” format, we provide attendees with materials and tools to share what they learn with their own organizations and residents.</li>\r\n	<li>Bed Bugs in Chicago has trained over 3,100 individuals and impacted an estimated 144,000 households.</li>\r\n	<li>Visit the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Upcoming Events Page</a> to sign up for the next training.</li>\r\n	<li>Subscribe to our e-newsletter to be alerted when new events are<a name=\"Outreach\"></a> scheduled.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-911 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2-1024x411.jpg\" alt=\"2013 Regional Bedbug Flyer Banner 2\" width=\"410\" height=\"164\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Outreach That Informs and Empowers</h2>\r\nWe provide a number of resources that inform landlords and residents on their rights and responsibilities when it comes to bed bug treatment.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-913 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BITE Back Volume 12 Page 1\" width=\"230\" height=\"298\" /></a>The <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter</a> explores new options on controlling bed bugs and how to make informed decisions when paying for services and products.</li>\r\n	<li>We have many materials in Spanish, and some in Polish, French, and Mandarin.</li>\r\n	<li>Participating in and hosting information sessions on the Chicago Bed Bug<a name=\"Policy\"></a> Ordinance.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Policy Making</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to impact the greatest number of people for the greatest good.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>As part of our appointment duties to the Structural Pest Control Task Force,<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1094 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\" alt=\"MPAC Battling Bed Bugs-page-0\" width=\"245\" height=\"317\" /></a> we worked with the state on the <a href=\"http://spcpweb.org/attachments/SOBBREPORT_10_14_11Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">State of Bed Bugs in Illinois report</a>, which makes recommendations regarding next steps for the state’s response to the bed bug problem.</li>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center helped the City of Chicago’s City Council to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">pass the public health-protection ordinance</a> on bed bugs, which classifies bed bugs as a public nuisance.</li>\r\n	<li>The ordinance passed in 2013 and was based on the 2011 Midwest Pesticide Action Center Report: Bed Bugs: Making the Case for a Comprehensive<a name=\"Change\"></a> Approach.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Making Institutional Change</h2>\r\nThrough customized training, workshops, and one-on-one education, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with institutions and building managers to develop strategies for structural and mechanical methods, monitoring, sanitation, and non-chemical and least-toxic treatments for the control of bed bugs and helps ensures the health of thousands of people. A short list of institutions we have worked with includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Chicago Housing Authority</li>\r\n	<li>Heartland Alliance</li>\r\n	<li>Chicago Department of Family Support Services</li>\r\n	<li>Mercy Housing</li>\r\n	<li>LUCHA</li>\r\n	<li>The University of Arizona</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“We provide homes for the most vulnerable populations of society and have been greatly affected by the resurgence of bedbugs in the area. Our experience with this ‘new normal’ has really affected us and [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has been an excellent ally in advising us on early detection and providing training resources for both our staff and participants. The training and informative resources [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has provided to our organization are priceless.” - Director of Property Management, Heartland Housing</blockquote>\r\nContact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org if your organization is interested in working with Midwest Pesticide Action Center. The<a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\"> Polk Bros. Foundation</a> and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Bed Bug Information\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/bed_bug_information.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a> funds most of our Beating Back Bed Bugs program.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey: </strong>Learn more about the study and take the survey to help researchers understand the factors behind bed bug infestations. <a title=\"University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/university-of-arizona-bed-bug-survey/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago- Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan: </strong>Policy paper produced by Midwest Pesticide Action Center. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance:</strong> The City of Chicago passes a comprehensive public health-protection ordinance on bed bug control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>B.I.T.E. Back!</strong> We have 11 previous issues of the BITE Back! newsletter, which provides timely information on bed bug treatment and control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\">Download All Issues </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on controlling the spread of bed bugs by making smart decisions. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>View Resources</strong> in multiple languages for efficient and safe ways to control bed bugs.  <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>','Beating Back Bed Bugs','','inherit','closed','open','','216-revision-v1','','','2015-11-02 17:24:54','2015-11-02 17:24:54','',216,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/216-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2843,2,'2015-11-06 22:08:16','2015-11-06 22:08:16','','BITE Back! newsletters Vol. 15','','inherit','closed','open','','wih_mpac-bite-back-newsletters-vol-15','','','2015-11-06 22:08:16','2015-11-06 22:08:16','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2845,2,'2015-11-09 18:44:03','2015-11-09 18:44:03','','MWGG Internship description','','inherit','closed','open','','mwgg-internship-description','','','2015-11-09 18:44:03','2015-11-09 18:44:03','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MWGG-Internship-description.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2846,2,'2015-11-09 18:51:01','2015-11-09 18:51:01','<h1>Jobs and Internships at Midwest Pesticide Action Center</h1>\r\n<h2>Jobs</h2>\r\nCurrently no jobs available.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h2>Internships</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) is seeking an intern for the Spring of 2016 to assist the Program and Communications Manager with rolling-out our Midwest Grows Green marketing campaign. Please send a cover letter and resume to Ryan Anderson, at randerson@pesticideaction.org.\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information on the opportunity, <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MWGG-Internship-description.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">click here.</a> </strong>\r\n\r\nMPAC, also, welcomes interns from all fields of study and backgrounds with an interest in our work. Applicants are considered throughout the year for internships typically starting in January, June, and September.\r\n\r\nPlease send a cover letter and resume to Midwest Pesticide Action Center at:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> or,<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Intern-Webpage.pdf\">\r\n</a>\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center\r\n4611 N. Ravenswood Ave. Ste. 107\r\nChicago, IL 60640.\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information on our internship program, <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Intern-Webpage.pdf\">click here.</a> </strong>','Career Opportunities','','inherit','closed','open','','1260-revision-v1','','','2015-11-09 18:51:01','2015-11-09 18:51:01','',1260,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/1260-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2847,2,'2015-11-13 19:50:49','2015-11-13 19:50:49','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 1-4</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.5-8.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 5-8</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/B.I.T.E.-BACK-NEWSLETTERS-VOL.9-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 9-11</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Volume 12\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/BiteBack_Fall13.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 12</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2015-11-13 19:50:49','2015-11-13 19:50:49','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2848,2,'2015-11-18 16:54:25','2015-11-18 16:54:25','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2865\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Stone\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  She provided instrumental support in Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','publish','closed','open','','interview-with-kim-stone','','','2015-11-19 15:22:45','2015-11-19 15:22:45','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=2848',0,'post','',0),(2849,2,'2015-11-13 22:39:25','2015-11-13 22:39:25','','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-13 22:39:25','2015-11-13 22:39:25','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2851,2,'2015-11-16 18:09:37','2015-11-16 18:09:37','','MPAC Battling Bed Bugs','','inherit','closed','open','','wih_mpac-battling-bed-bugs','','','2015-11-16 18:09:37','2015-11-16 18:09:37','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2852,2,'2015-11-16 18:12:36','2015-11-16 18:12:36','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 1-4</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.5-8.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 5-8</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/B.I.T.E.-BACK-NEWSLETTERS-VOL.9-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. BACK! Newsletter vol. 9-11</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Volume 12\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/BiteBack_Fall13.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 12</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2015-11-16 18:12:36','2015-11-16 18:12:36','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2854,2,'2015-11-18 16:38:53','2015-11-18 16:38:53','<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  As a Highland Park City Council member, she provided instrumental support in the city’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions, to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>Q3 MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where pesticides were used. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 16:38:53','2015-11-18 16:38:53','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2855,2,'2015-11-18 16:40:00','2015-11-18 16:40:00','<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  As a Highland Park City Council member, she provided instrumental support in the city’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions, to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>Q3 MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where pesticides were used. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 16:40:00','2015-11-18 16:40:00','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2856,2,'2015-11-18 16:42:31','2015-11-18 16:42:31','<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.   She provided instrumental support in the Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions, to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>Q3 MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where pesticides were used. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 16:42:31','2015-11-18 16:42:31','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2857,2,'2015-11-18 16:54:07','2015-11-18 16:54:07','<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.   She provided instrumental support in the Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 16:54:07','2015-11-18 16:54:07','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2858,2,'2018-09-26 17:55:20','2018-09-26 17:55:20','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\n<h4>Ask the experts!</h4>\nWe\'re hosting a series of <strong>free</strong> Lunch &amp; Learn webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic and providing practical solutions. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations, understanding the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, and the most effective retail products for bed bugs. Each FREE, 45- minute presentation will be followed by a 15-minute “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. For questions or registration assistance, please contact us at general@pesticideaction.org or (773) 878-7378.\n\nWebinars will take place on the following dates:\n<h4><strong>Wed. October 10, 12:30-1:30 pm:</strong>  Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance: What\'s in it for Me? | <strong><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5295099958983904002\">REGISTER</a></strong></h4>\n<h4><strong>Wed. October 17, 12:30-1:30 pm:</strong>  Strategies for Prevention: Reducing Bed Bug Infestation Risk | <strong><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1320869000899229954\">REGISTER</a></strong></h4>\n<h4><strong>Wed. October 24, 12:30-1:30 pm:</strong>  Effective Retail Products for Bed Bug Monitoring &amp; Control | <a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8742807783875993091\"><strong>REGISTER</strong></a></h4>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-autosave-v1','','','2018-09-26 17:55:20','2018-09-26 17:55:20','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2859,2,'2015-11-18 17:22:24','2015-11-18 17:22:24','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!</h4>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe\'ll be hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations.\r\n\r\nEach FREE, 45 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A.\r\n\r\nLearn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.<strong>\r\n</strong><strong>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1><strong>Stayed tuned for upcoming dates!</strong></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor more info, contact Ruth Kerzee at 773.878.7378 ext. 201 or general@pesticideaction.org.','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 17:22:24','2015-11-18 17:22:24','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2861,2,'2015-11-18 17:29:41','2015-11-18 17:29:41','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!</h4>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe\'ll be hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations.\r\n\r\nEach FREE, 45 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A.\r\n\r\nLearn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.<strong>\r\n</strong><strong>\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1><strong>Stayed tuned for upcoming dates!</strong></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 17:29:41','2015-11-18 17:29:41','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2863,2,'2015-11-18 18:00:22','2015-11-18 18:00:22','<h1>Upcoming Training and Events</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center is constantly adding new workshops, training events, and outreach activities to our calendar. Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the loop.  <a class=\"more\" title=\"Sign Up\" href=\"http://eepurl.com/ISsTX\" target=\"_blank\">Sign Up</a>\r\n\r\nWe offer site assessments, custom workshops, and individualized assistance for client service providers, childcare centers, building managers, schools, retailers, and others interested in educating their staff and clients on reducing pesticide use.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Bed Bug in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/bed-bugs-in-chicago-expert-webinar-series-2/\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Learn More &gt;</span></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContact us at: (773) 878-7378 or <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> for more information.','Events','','inherit','closed','open','','107-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 18:00:22','2015-11-18 18:00:22','',107,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/107-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2864,2,'2015-11-18 18:12:50','2015-11-18 18:12:50','<h1>Upcoming Training and Events</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center is constantly adding new workshops, training events, and outreach activities to our calendar. Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the loop.  <a class=\"more\" title=\"Sign Up\" href=\"http://eepurl.com/ISsTX\" target=\"_blank\">Sign Up</a>\r\n\r\nWe offer site assessments, custom workshops, and individualized assistance for client service providers, childcare centers, building managers, schools, retailers, and others interested in educating their staff and clients on reducing pesticide use.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Bed Bug in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\nLearn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.\r\n\r\nEach FREE, 45 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/bed-bugs-in-chicago-expert-webinar-series-2/\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Learn More &gt;</span></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContact us at: (773) 878-7378 or <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a> for more information.','Events','','inherit','closed','open','','107-revision-v1','','','2015-11-18 18:12:50','2015-11-18 18:12:50','',107,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/107-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2865,2,'2015-11-19 14:45:10','2015-11-19 14:45:10','','Kim Stone','','inherit','closed','open','','kim-stone','','','2015-11-19 14:45:10','2015-11-19 14:45:10','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(2866,2,'2015-11-19 15:24:03','2015-11-19 15:24:03','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2865\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Stone\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  She provided instrumental support in Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-autosave-v1','','','2015-11-19 15:24:03','2015-11-19 15:24:03','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2867,2,'2015-11-19 14:49:53','2015-11-19 14:49:53','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2865 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Stone\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.   She provided instrumental support in the Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-19 14:49:53','2015-11-19 14:49:53','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2868,2,'2015-11-19 15:20:55','2015-11-19 15:20:55','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2865\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Stone\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  She provided instrumental support in the Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-19 15:20:55','2015-11-19 15:20:55','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2869,2,'2015-11-19 15:22:45','2015-11-19 15:22:45','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2865\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kim-Stone-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Kim Stone\" width=\"284\" height=\"189\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Kim Stone has been a long-time advocate for the elimination of pesticide use on and in public and private lands and structures.  She provided instrumental support in Highland Park’s move to adopt pesticide-free policies and practices for public lands. We had a chance to catch up with Kim and learn from her experiences.</h3>\r\n<strong>MPAC: Many of our supporters ask how to start moving their city, town, or village toward more sustainable practices.  What would you say is a good way to begin engaging institutions – such as municipal governments - to make change?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: If you have a specific issue that you want to impact, it’s helpful to not only bring information about the problem, but also provide suggestions of solutions to the attention of your municipality. It’s important to know the process for making change in your community, and to try to follow that process. In Highland Park, most environmental policy ideas at the City level go through our Natural Resources Commission, so that’s the place to start. With other governmental bodies, there may be an Advisory Committee that works on environmental issues, or a staff person who leads these efforts. Attend a few meetings of these groups to see how they work.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What has the overall reaction to your efforts been from community members?  It must be fairly positive if you were elected as councilwoman.</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: The community has been very supportive of pesticide reduction efforts in Highland Park. I know of at least two other elected officials in the area who, also, started out advocating for pesticide reduction prior to being elected to office.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced in your efforts to move Highland Park toward pesticide-free policies?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: Lack of coordination between different governmental bodies. A group of us were working with one of our school districts to stop using pesticides on school grounds. It started when several parents saw someone spraying the playing fields at our neighborhood school. When I called the school district about the spraying, no one knew what I was talking about or who had authorized it. The schools have an intergovernmental agreement where the Park District maintains school grounds. However, the School District didn’t have expertise on staff about pesticides at the time, and didn’t know what the Park District was doing in terms of maintenance. In addition, notification wasn’t provided as required by state law. It was a classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.\r\n\r\nIn Highland Park alone, there are at least six different local governmental agencies that manage public lands and buildings. Each of them operates under different guidelines and policies and has a separate elected leadership, even though they serve the same residents. If we are to move our communities to reduce pesticide use, we either need to work with each of the different agencies separately, or put together a coordinated effort to align their policies. We did a little of both in Highland Park.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: Was the transition to pesticide reduction a smooth one or did it happen in fits and starts?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: It happened in fits and starts. We had an end goal in mind – eliminating our families’ exposure to pesticides – but didn’t initially realize all the places where we used pesticides. We started with the School District and Park District, and expanded our efforts to also include the City and the Library. There is a learning curve to this, and over the years we have educated residents and staff not only about the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, but also about natural lawn care. Some school staff even attended MPAC’s lawn care workshops, and many of MPAC’s factsheets have been useful in educating our community. Staff changes often set us back, as we spend years educating someone on these issues. When they leave, we need to educate new staff members.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  What setbacks arose during the process?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: There were times along the way when we thought we had finished the job, but then ran into a part of the process that we didn’t expect. For example, we passed policies restricting the use of pesticides on City property, but then a contractor sprayed the lawn around a City building. I reviewed the contract with the landscape contractor, and found that it did not restrict pesticide use in keeping with our stated policy. As a result, I obtained the request for proposals for landscaping and suggested language to include so that our contract would be consistent with our policies. When the contract went out to bid the following year, that language was included, and our new contract is consistent with our policy.\r\n\r\nMPAC was an important resource in the process, providing me with sample contract language from other municipalities that I was able to provide to the City.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward to make sure the policies are followed?  Are you confident that without your influence the policies will be followed?</strong>\r\n\r\nThe biggest challenge will be to keep individuals informed about why we don’t want to use pesticides on our public lands. This includes residents, elected officials, and staff. We can do this by codifying the practice in our policies and contracts. Someone needs to be watching, however, to make sure that these policies are enforced, and that we continue using natural lawn care practices to maintain our landscapes. Until it is not the alternative, but the mainstream approach, it will require resident watchdogs to enforce.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC: We always like to ask our interviewees if there was one thing you could change in your community right now, what would it be?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I have a list of environmental issues that I’m working on right now. Climate change is the big one, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial to reducing the impacts. Some of the other issues I am working on are making it easier to install renewable energy, reducing light pollution, providing incentives for environmentally sustainable methods of stormwater management, and increasing biking and walking as modes of transportation in the suburbs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:  I know you have been a great help and inspiration to other activists as they attempt to duplicate your success in their communities.  What’s the best piece of advice can you give someone who wants to take on similar change in their community?</strong>\r\n\r\nKim: I would encourage MPAC supporters to get involved by joining their city’s Environmental Commission or Advisory Committee. The best way to make change is to be part of the group that sets the direction for your community.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','One Woman\'s Path to Pesticide Freedom: An interview with Kim Stone, Councilwoman, Highland Park, IL','','inherit','closed','open','','2848-revision-v1','','','2015-11-19 15:22:45','2015-11-19 15:22:45','',2848,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2848-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2870,2,'2015-11-19 18:52:30','2015-11-19 18:52:30','','MPAC_Winter15_final','','inherit','closed','open','','mpac_winter15_final','','','2015-11-19 18:52:30','2015-11-19 18:52:30','',2108,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MPAC_Winter15_final.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(2871,2,'2015-11-20 19:14:37','2015-11-20 19:14:37','<h1>About Us<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-1097\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Midwest_stacked-e1386625125966-300x186.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" width=\"240\" height=\"149\" /></h1>\r\n<h2>Our Mission</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. Continue reading for <a name=\"History\"></a> for: <a href=\"#History\">History</a>, <a href=\"#Staff\">Staff</a>, <a href=\"#Board\">Board of Directors</a>, <a href=\"#Advisory\">Advisory Council</a>, <a href=\"#Partners\">Partners and Supporters</a>\r\n<h2>History</h2>\r\nThe Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest founded the organization in 1994 to address widespread concerns over pesticide use. We work at the local, state, and regional levels to implement long-term policy changes and develop replicable programs for pesticide-use reduction. We are the only organization in the Midwest dedicated to protecting people and the environment from the serious impacts of pesticides. Recognition for our successful programs includes an Environmental Protection Agency Children’s Environmental Health Award, an Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Award, and a Governor\'s Pollution Prevention Award. In 2013, after a thoughtful evaluation that included input from our staff, board, and stakeholders, we changed our name from Safer Pest Control Project to Midwest Pesticide Action Center. This new incarnation reinforces our core commitment and mission: to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. As Midwest Pesticide Action Center, we will continue to address issues related to pesticide use, while expanding our reach throughout the<a name=\"Staff\"></a> Midwest.\r\n<h2>Staff</h2>\r\n<h3>Ruth Kerzee, Executive Director</h3>\r\nRuth Kerzee, Executive Director, has been on Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s staff since 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Kerzee has been responsible for Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s work related to promoting Integrated Pest Management in schools and childcare facilities, and primary responsibility for developing the Integrated Pest Management in housing program. Ms. Kerzee is also responsible for all executive duties such as generating evaluative programs and strategizing on the growth and development of the organization. She has a Master’s of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, more than 15 years of experience working on occupational and environmental health issues, and is a licensed pest control technician. <strong>(773) 878-7378 ext.201 </strong><b><a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a></b>\r\n<h3>Ryan Anderson, Program and Communications Manager</h3>\r\nRyan Anderson leads and implements Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s integrated marketing campaign and outdoors program. Before joining MPAC in 2015, Ryan led carbon mitigation strategic planning in Indianapolis, provided communication support to the Delta Institute, and served as editor in chief for the online, video-format journal <em>the Sustainability Review</em>. Ryan has a Masters of Sustainable Solutions from Arizona State University and holds a dual bachelor\'s degree in Biology and Electronic Journalism from Butler University.  <strong>(773) 878-7378 ext.202 randerson@pesticideaction.org</strong>\r\n<h3 style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart, Development Director</h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart is a seasoned development professional and nonprofit manager. Before coming to Midwest Pesticide Action Center she spent nine years as a development officer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company where she was is the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Prior to that she was Development Director for Chicago Dramatists from 2001 – 2005. She was Managing Director for Illinois’ oldest professional outdoor theater, Festival Theatre in Oak Park from 1997 – 2001; and free lanced as a grant writer specializing in fundraising for the arts and arts education for some years before </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">that.</span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">  </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">She served as a board member for the 16<span style=\"font-size: 10.8333px;\">th</span></span><span style=\"color: #222222;\"> Street Theater NFP in Berwyn from 2009 - 2014. She holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago and B.A. from the University of California-Santa Cruz. </span><strong style=\"color: #222222;\">(773) 878-7378 ext.208 </strong><strong style=\"color: #222222;\"><a style=\"color: #1155cc;\" href=\"mailto:dstewart@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\"><b>dstewart@pesticideaction.org</b></a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Board of Directors</h3>\r\n<strong>Meleah A. Geertsma, President</strong> Staff Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council\r\n<strong>Pamela Brookstein, Vice Presiden</strong>t Market Transformation Specialist, Elevate Energy\r\n<strong>Kevin Dick, Treasurer</strong> LEED AP + O&amp;M Project Manager, Delta Institute\r\n<strong>Jonathan Higgins, Secretary</strong> Director of Conservation, Great Rivers Partnership, The Nature Conservancy\r\n<strong>Susan Besson, Chair</strong>, Evanston Environment Board\r\n<strong>Peggy McGrath</strong>, Community Activist, Oak Park &amp; River Forest, IL\r\n<strong>Pallavi Phartiyal</strong>, Senior Analyst &amp; Program Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists\r\n<strong>Julie Samuels</strong>, Community Organizer, Chicago Community Gardeners Association and Oak Park Edible Gardeners Cooperative.\r\n<strong>Jonathan Wise</strong>, Founder and Owner, Greewise Organic Lawn Care, LLC\r\n<h2>Advisory Council</h2>\r\n<strong>Julie Brown</strong>, Senior Staff Counsel, Business &amp; Professional People for the Public Interest\r\n<strong>Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D</strong>. Professor, Kansas State University, Department of Entomology\r\n<strong>Jay Feldman</strong>, Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides\r\n<strong>Kevin Greene</strong>, Associate Director, IL EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention\r\n<strong>Keith Harley</strong>, J.D. Environmental Law Program Director, Chicago Legal Clinic\r\n<strong>Marc Lame</strong>, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs\r\n<strong>Philip Landrigan, M.D., M.Sc</strong>. Dean for Global Health, Ethel M. Wise, Professor and Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Professor Pediatrics, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Director, Children\'s Environmental Health Center\r\n<strong>Peter Orris</strong>, Professor of Internal and Preventative Medicine, Rush University College of Medicine; Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois School of Public Health; and Adjunct Professor of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School\r\n<strong>Rachel Rosenberg</strong>, Manager, Corporate Relations, Chicago Botanic Garden; Former Executive Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Kim Stone</strong>, Councilwoman, City of Highland Park; Former Associate Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Jill Viehweg</strong>, Director of Foundation and Government Relations, Denver Museum of Nature and Science; Founding Executive Director, Safer<a name=\"Partners\"></a> Pest Control Project\r\n<h2>Partners and Supporters</h2>\r\nPeter and Lucy Ascoli Family Fund\r\n<a href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/\" target=\"_blank\">The Boeing Company</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tbf.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Foundation Philancon Fund\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.chicagowilderness.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Wilderness</a>\r\n<a href=\"https://bouldercolorado.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Boulder</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://cityofevanston.org/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Evanston</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Clif Bar Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.cornelldouglas.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Cornell Douglas Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/\" target=\"_blank\">EarthShare Illinois</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restoration Initiative</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.iisgcp.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nchh.org/\" target=\"_blank\">National Center for Healthy Housing</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.panna.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Action Network of North America</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.patagonia.com/us/home\" target=\"_blank\">Patagonia</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.piercefamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pierce Family Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>\r\nPublic Places Healthy Spaces\r\n<a href=\"http://www.therobertsfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Roberts Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.swwtwater.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc.</a>\r\nThomas and Donna Stone Foundation\r\n<a href=\"http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Village of Franklin Park</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wallacegenetic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Wallace Genetic Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Whole Foods Market</a>','About Us','','inherit','closed','open','','12-revision-v1','','','2015-11-20 19:14:37','2015-11-20 19:14:37','',12,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/12-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2872,2,'2018-02-26 21:28:19','2018-02-26 21:28:19','<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">Past Newsletters</h1>\r\n<h3>2018</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MPAC_Newsletter_Winter18_Web_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter 2018</a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2016</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MPAC_Summer16_UpdateDonors_web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Summer 2016</a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2015</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MPAC_Winter15_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter 2015</a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2014</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Winter14_5.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter 2014\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Spring14_Update_Final_Web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spring 2014</a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2013</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Winter13_Print-Cropped.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter 2013\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Spring13_Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spring 2013</a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2012</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Program_Update_2012_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter 2012\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SPCP-Spring12-Update2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spring 2012</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','Newsletters','','inherit','closed','open','','2108-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-26 21:28:19','2018-02-26 21:28:19','',2108,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2108-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2873,2,'2015-11-23 15:36:42','2015-11-23 15:36:42','<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">Past Newsletters</h1>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2015</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/MPAC_Winter15_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Winter 2015</a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2014</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Winter14_5.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Winter 2014\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Spring14_Update_Final_Web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spring 2014</a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2013</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Winter13_Print-Cropped.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Winter 2013\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MPAC_Spring13_Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spring 2013</a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">2012</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Program_Update_2012_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Winter 2012\r\n</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SPCP-Spring12-Update2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spring 2012</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','Newsletters','','inherit','closed','open','','2108-revision-v1','','','2015-11-23 15:36:42','2015-11-23 15:36:42','',2108,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2108-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2875,2,'2015-12-02 19:15:48','2015-12-02 19:15:48','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2464\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Web-page-cover-photo5.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Web page cover photo\" width=\"934\" height=\"301\" /></a>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Midwest Grows Green</h1>\r\n<em>Three programs, one brand, one goal.</em>\r\n\r\nMidwest Grows Green (MGG) represents all of MPAC’s community-based lawn and landscape care initiatives, which are identified by our distinctive orange MGG stamp and unified by a single message – protect people, pets and the environment by practicing natural lawn care. Three distinct programs (point-of-purchase, pesticide-free parks, and community engagement) comprise MGG, which communities can adopt individually or in any combination. We designed MGG to educate the community on natural lawn care in order to reduce the amount of synthetic herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers used. Lawn and gardening chemicals can harm people, pets, wildlife, and waterways. By presenting safer alternative practices and products, Midwest Grows Green aims to reduce the use and harmful effects of outdoor pesticides.\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tag-V5-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG Tag V5\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Point-of-Purchase Program</h3>\r\nThis partnership with local retailers connects homeowners to eco-friendly products at the point-of-purchase to empower them to reduce their use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2444\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/evanston-park-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"evanston park\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Pesticide-Free Parks</h3>\r\nBring a pesticide-free park to your community to protect the environment and create safer places for people and pets to play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-2449\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Keep-on-the-Grass-Sign-in-Use-Cropped-300x187.jpg\" alt=\"Keep on the Grass Sign in Use Cropped\" width=\"250\" height=\"156\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Community Engagement</h3>\r\nMPAC can help you engage your community on natural lawn care practices to keep your yards beautiful without the use of harmful pesticides. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third]\r\n<h2>Why are pesticides and artificial fertilizers harmful?</h2>\r\n<em>Many commonly-used pesticides are harmful to people and the environment. Here are some facts about the harmful effects of commonly-sold products:</em>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2183 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Boy-w-Dog-and-Sprinkler-resizedcropped-300x134.jpg\" alt=\"Boy w Dog and Sprinkler [resized,cropped]\" width=\"331\" height=\"148\" /></a>1. <strong>Human Health: </strong> Research has linked insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides to cancer, as well as asthma, birth defects, and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies roughly 40 chemicals serving as active ingredients in household pesticides as \"known, probable, or possible human carcinogens.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. <strong>Water: </strong>A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 96% of all fish, 100% of all surface waters, and 33% of major aquifers studied. We know that lawns and gardens contribute to this widespread pollution as urban watersheds have higher rates of pesticide contamination than any other type of watershed, including agricultural. Keeping pesticides out of our waterways is important as they degrade water quality. A more recent USGS <a href=\"http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/2015-08-18-national_neonics.html\">study</a> found evidence of the insecticide neonicotinoid, commonly associated with the reduction in honey bee populations, in over 50% of streams tested.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1124\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1322-x-992-Drains-to-Lake-grate-e1385070956509-300x255.jpg\" alt=\"Drains to Lake grate\" width=\"231\" height=\"196\" /></a>3. <strong>Aquatic life: </strong>Conventional synthetic and fast-release fertilizers quickly wash into waterways, degrading water quality and creating “dead zones” by promoting excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, which steals the oxygen in the water from other organisms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">4. <strong>Wildlife:  </strong>Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill. The killing power of most of these toxins is not specific and will often kill or injure non-target species. Birds, amphibians, and beneficial pollinators such as honey bees are affected. Dozens of studies have linked the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids to declining bee populations, which pollinate many essential food crops.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">5. <strong>Children: </strong>A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics raised concerns about the link between pesticide exposure and childhood cancer, impaired neurological development, asthma, and endocrine disruption. The Academy stated that “the most comprehensive reviews of the existing literature implicate an association of pesticides with leukemia and brain tumors.” Studies also suggest that ADHD and other neurological disorders may be related to a disruption in biological <a id=\"subheader2\"></a>systems caused by some pesticides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What are eco-friendly alternatives?</h2>\r\nNatural lawn care is a method of maintenance designed to build up the health of your lawn—making it naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases—without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. It is an alternative to conventional practices which depend on the application of synthetic chemicals, often in much larger quantities than needed. The excess is often washed away as runoff into water sources or tracked indoors by people or pets.\r\n\r\nThe basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2143 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1620-x-1080-testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"1620 x 1080 testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1\" width=\"318\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourages pests.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMPAC defines \"eco-friendly products\" as organic, non-synthetic, or least-toxic alternatives to conventional lawn care products. These products are healthier for people, pets, and the environment. Unlike many conventional lawn care products, they are free of harmful substances such as known carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors which compromise human health. They are also free of ingredients found in conventional products that degrade water quality and are highly toxic to birds, fish, wildlife, and bees. Eco-friendly alternative products, along with sustainable lawn and landscape management practices, can be incorporated as integral parts of natural lawn care.  Our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Eco-Friendly-Catalog-for-Consumers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Catalog</a> lists eco-friendly lawn products.\r\n\r\nFor more information on each Midwest Grows Green program, see: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/\">Community Engagement</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/pesticide-free-parks/\">Pesticide-Free Parks</a>, and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/point-of-purchase/\">Point-of-Purchase Retailer Program</a>\r\n<h2>Additional Resources</h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide_Final.pdf\">Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn and Garden</a>: Use this comprehensive guide to learn how to incorporate natural lawn care practices in your own lawn and garden. Find out how natural lawn care can reduce your contribution to climate change and water pollution, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nMore: <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\">Pets and Pesticides</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\">Read Your Weeds</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies2.pdf\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a>','Midwest Grows Green','','inherit','closed','open','','2275-revision-v1','','','2015-12-02 19:15:48','2015-12-02 19:15:48','',2275,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2275-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2876,2,'2015-12-02 19:19:12','2015-12-02 19:19:12','<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Community Engagement<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/KeepOnGrass_sign_generic1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-2389 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/KeepOnGrass_sign_generic1-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"KeepOnGrass_sign_generic\" width=\"176\" height=\"265\" /></a></h1>\r\nMPAC created the Midwest Grows Green Community Engagement program to help homeowners and other land managers understand the impacts of their practices and learn how to make them more sustainable.  We developed several resources to help concerned residents educate and engage their communities on natural lawn care. We work with community activists and organizers to create a campaign that encourages the adoption of natural lawn care practices to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.  With community input, MPAC develops customized resources and events promoting natural lawn care that reflect specific community concerns.\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Why is it important to engage your community on natural lawn care?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">As communities expand, land-use turns into lawns. Unfortunately, the use of synthetic lawn care products leads to the pollution of our waterways through runoff and negative impacts on the health of people, pets, and wildlife. Many people do not realize that homeowners apply up to 10 times more chemical pesticides to lawn turf per acre than farmers use on crops. In fact, lawn care pesticides are the pesticides most often detected in urban watersheds. This is because polluted runoff from lawns flow into storm water drains which bypass water treatment facilities and empty out directly into rivers, lakes, and streams. In addition, climate change will likely magnify these negative impacts in the Midwest, with longer growing seasons prompting the use of more lawn care products and increasing storm frequency and intensity resulting in more flooding and water runoff.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pesticide_lawn_cropped.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2649 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pesticide_lawn_cropped-300x262.jpg\" alt=\"pesticide_lawn_cropped\" width=\"276\" height=\"241\" /></a>In addition to water quality issues, conventional lawn care creates many environmental stressors and health impacts. For example:</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Fifty percent of water used for lawns is wasted, and demand for water is expected to increase with growing population and greater drought occurrences.</li>\r\n	<li>Of the 30 pesticides most commonly used on lawns and landscapes, 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, 11 are toxic to bees, and 11 are endocrine disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>Research has linked pesticides to cancer, asthma, birth defects and neurological, behavioral, reproductive, hormonal, and immune system disorders in humans. Infants and children are most vulnerable to the health risks associated with pesticide use.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nHere are some examples of resources which MPAC has created for community engagement:\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Keep On the Grass Pledge</strong></h4>\r\nThis piece is designed to encourage homeowners and other land managers to take the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG_Pledge.pdf\">Pledge</a>  to commit to a healthier community by eliminating synthetic chemical use on their lawn.  It can be distributed at community events such as block parties and farmers markets.  Those who sign the pledge can receive a free “Keep ON the Grass” sign to place on their sustainably managed lawn indicating it’s safe for all activities at all times.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2666\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"239\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG_Pledge.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2666 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Pledge_Generic_cropped_image-239x300.jpg\" alt=\"Pledge_Generic_cropped_image\" width=\"239\" height=\"300\" /></a> Click to view the Pledge.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h4><strong>Tips on Keeping our Yards Green &amp; Waters Clean</strong></h4>\r\nThis natural lawn care pamphlet can be customized for community needs. It gives tips on how to reduce water pollution while maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces that are safe for people and pets to enjoy.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2309\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"376\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2309\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean-300x231.jpg\" alt=\"MWGG-Tips-on-Keeping-Yards-Green-and-Waters-Clean\" width=\"376\" height=\"289\" /></a> Click to view the pamphlet.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information about this and other Midwest Grows Green programs, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a> and “Midwest Grows Green” as the subject.  Or, call us at (773) 878-7378.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.','Midwest Grows Green: Community Engagement','','inherit','closed','open','','2495-revision-v1','','','2015-12-02 19:19:12','2015-12-02 19:19:12','',2495,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2495-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(2877,2,'2015-12-02 19:22:56','2015-12-02 19:22:56','<h1>Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks</h1>\r\n<span style=\"color: #222222;\">The Pesticide-Free Parks program helps</span> park managers<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-359\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621-300x133.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Headband\" width=\"318\" height=\"140\" /></a> implement sustainable turf management practices, thereby reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to lessen their impact on the health of people, pets, and the environment. The Pesticide-Free Parks program works as an educational tool to inform the community about natural lawn care and highlight the park management\'s commitment to healthful and environmentally responsible gathering spaces for the community.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2660 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1-300x141.jpg\" alt=\"SoccerKids1\" width=\"327\" height=\"154\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThrough a public/private partnership, MPAC launched the first pesticide-free park program with the City of Evanston in 2015 with the designation of five parks as pesticide-free. MPAC created posters and other information materials distributed throughout Evanston’s parks to promote the program.  In addition, MPAC drafted a press release that was picked up by over 18 media outlets, providing the program with exposure and positive feedback. Our hope is to grow the Pesticide-Free Parks (PFP) program in other communities across the Midwest.\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">What is a pesticide-free park?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">We define a pesticide-free park as one that is maintained under the principals of natural lawn care. Natural lawn care uses a combination of sustainable practices and natural products to promote an optimal relationship between plants and soil, making lawns naturally more resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">The basics of natural lawn care include:<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girl-Crawling-Outside-resized.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-2179\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Girl-Crawling-Outside-resized-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"African girl play crawling through tube in park\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mowing high to shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li>Choosing the right species with characteristics designed to adapt to the current climate and conditions of the planting area.</li>\r\n	<li>Using natural fertilizers for slower nutrient release, which feeds the soil and helps prevent runoff.</li>\r\n	<li>Watering correctly at 1 inch per week to encourage strong deep roots and discourage pests.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">What are the components of a MWGG Pesticide-Free Park?</h3>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/vacker_sign_image1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-2676 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/vacker_sign_image1-203x300.jpg\" alt=\"vacker_sign_image\" width=\"178\" height=\"263\" /></a>1. A park maintained without the use of synthetic pesticides for at least one year through collaboration with a local landscaping company, or by training park management personnel and purchasing products for natural lawn care maintenance.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">2. A press release covered by local media outlets to draw community attention to the initiative. Spreading the word about your pesticide-free park can raise awareness in your community and inspire homeowners to go pesticide-free on their own lawns, multiplying the positive effects on health and the environment.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">3. Long-term signage to let the community know that the park is being managed without the use of harmful chemicals.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Return</a> to the Midwest Grows Green homepage to learn more about how reducing the use of pesticides by adopting natural lawn care can benefit the health of your community and the environment.</p>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2>Resources</h2>\r\n<h4>Guide to a Pesticide-Free Park</h4>\r\nThis guide provides information on how to participate in the Midwest Grows Green Pesticide-Free Parks program.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2684\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"286\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-to-a-Pesticide-Free-Park.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"wp-image-2684\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-to-a-Pesticide-Free-Park-cover-image-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"Guide to a Pesticide-Free Park  cover image\" width=\"286\" height=\"371\" /></a> Click to view the Guide.[/caption]\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>For more information about this and other Midwest Grows Green programs, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\"> randerson@pesticideaction.org</a> and “Midwest Grows Green” as the subject.  Or, call us at (773) 878-7378.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','2492-revision-v1','','','2015-12-02 19:22:56','2015-12-02 19:22:56','',2492,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2492-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
