New Grants to Limit Use of Pesticides at 5 Sites

As part of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act, five programs from across the U.S. will be splitting $1 million to employ integrated pest management and reduce the environmental risks associated with pesticides.

Integrated pest management involves using natural pest deterrants like plant traps, instead of pesticides, to keep insects off of crops. Pesticide use has come under question for its harmful health effects when humans eat these crops, as well as the fact that they can be toxic when washed into natural waterways.

The organizations that will be receiving these grants include:

• The California Department of Pesticide Regulation to reduce pesticide use in nuts and tree fruit orchards in the San Joaquin Valley
• Central Coast Vineyards in Paso Robles, Calif. to reduce pesticide use in grape growing
• The IPM Institute of North America in Madison, Wis. to develop a high-level IPM program for use in all U.S. public K-12 schools by 2015
• The University of Florida, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gainesville, Fla. to use pesticide alternatives such as the papaya banker plant
• Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. to reduce pesticide use in Midwest Blueberry growing

Because of their potentially toxic effects, unused pesticides should be properly disposed with other household hazardous waste instead of in the trash or down a drain, and Earth911 can help you find a local HHW facility or event.