2008 Woodie Awards
Campus Greens petition pesticide use on campus
Alex Koldeway
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: News
Members of the Campus Greens are attempting to stop the use of TruGreen ChemLawn pesticides on campus because of their concerns about negative environmental consequences.
TruGreen ChemLawn uses pesticides that are possible carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors and include ingredients that pose a threat to water supplies, according to an analysis by Toxic Action Center.
Greg Swanson, director of Facilities Planning and Management, said the pesticides are not applied every year because it's expensive. In years when it is used, it is applied once in the spring and once in the fall.
"It's very effective and it makes a significant difference," he said. "We use ChemLawn so they can come in and do it in one day, versus the six to eight weeks it would normally take."
Swanson said the university is looking for natural alternatives.
"If we can avoid chemical applications and replace it with a natural substance we will do that," he said.
Last semester the Campus Greens sent a petition to Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer and the University Grounds Committee with signatures from members of the biology and chemistry departments. The petition said the benefits of the pesticides are superficial and alternatives can be found.
Campus Greens Secretary Anthony Dobner said he was happy with the outcome.
"When we were writing the letter we wanted to show that there was consensus that these chemicals can be harmful," he said. "We [persuaded] members of the board to put together an ad-hoc committee. That committee will look at possible solutions."
TruGreen ChemLawn is the largest lawn care provider in the United States, with more than $1.3 billion in annual income, according to Toxic Action Center. In addition to health risks associated with the chemicals used in TruGreen's pesticides, the fertilizers also pose a threat to the environment.
The nitrate and phosphate from fertilizer treatments can run off into lakes and streams causing increased algae growth. Algae blooms use up oxygen in the water and kills other aquatic life.
The petition sent to the Grounds Committee said the Campus Greens wants to work with the university to promote "an environmentally conscious way of thinking" at UW-Whitewater. It lists natural alternatives to chemical pesticides in order to keep the campus grounds aesthetically pleasing.
TruGreen ChemLawn uses pesticides that are possible carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors and include ingredients that pose a threat to water supplies, according to an analysis by Toxic Action Center.
Greg Swanson, director of Facilities Planning and Management, said the pesticides are not applied every year because it's expensive. In years when it is used, it is applied once in the spring and once in the fall.
"It's very effective and it makes a significant difference," he said. "We use ChemLawn so they can come in and do it in one day, versus the six to eight weeks it would normally take."
Swanson said the university is looking for natural alternatives.
"If we can avoid chemical applications and replace it with a natural substance we will do that," he said.
Last semester the Campus Greens sent a petition to Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer and the University Grounds Committee with signatures from members of the biology and chemistry departments. The petition said the benefits of the pesticides are superficial and alternatives can be found.
Campus Greens Secretary Anthony Dobner said he was happy with the outcome.
"When we were writing the letter we wanted to show that there was consensus that these chemicals can be harmful," he said. "We [persuaded] members of the board to put together an ad-hoc committee. That committee will look at possible solutions."
TruGreen ChemLawn is the largest lawn care provider in the United States, with more than $1.3 billion in annual income, according to Toxic Action Center. In addition to health risks associated with the chemicals used in TruGreen's pesticides, the fertilizers also pose a threat to the environment.
The nitrate and phosphate from fertilizer treatments can run off into lakes and streams causing increased algae growth. Algae blooms use up oxygen in the water and kills other aquatic life.
The petition sent to the Grounds Committee said the Campus Greens wants to work with the university to promote "an environmentally conscious way of thinking" at UW-Whitewater. It lists natural alternatives to chemical pesticides in order to keep the campus grounds aesthetically pleasing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Stephen Tveden
posted 2/06/08 @ 12:37 PM CST
How to kill pests without killing yourself or the earth......
There are about 50 to 60 million insect species on earth - we have named only about 1 million and there are only about 1 thousand pest species - already over 50% of these thousand pests are already resistant to our volatile, dangerous, synthetic pesticide POISONS. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 2/08/08 @ 2:43 PM CST
Using pesticides and insecticides on campus lawns is just another waste of student fees. Most students do not choose to come to UWW based on how nice the grass looks. (Continued…)
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