Skip to content or view screen version

Hidden Article

This posting has been hidden because it breaches the Indymedia UK (IMC UK) Editorial Guidelines.

IMC UK is an interactive site offering inclusive participation. All postings to the open publishing newswire are the responsibility of the individual authors and not of IMC UK. Although IMC UK volunteers attempt to ensure accuracy of the newswire, they take no responsibility legal or otherwise for the contents of the open publishing site. Mention of external web sites or services is for information purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.

CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS - MODEL FOR THE NATION!

California Safe Schools | 08.06.2003 06:15

California Safe Schools created most stringent pesticide policy in the nation at Los Angeles Unified (2nd largest school district in the nation) Policy embraces the Precautionary Principle, and has become the national model
for schools and communities.

CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS - MODEL FOR THE NATION



From CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS (COALITION)
Saturday, June 07, 2003

LOS ANGELES ? California Safe Schools Coalition, having successfully worked with Los Angeles Unified School District (2nd largest district in USA) to implement a LEAST -TOXIC, LOW RISK pest management policy, whose preamble includes the "PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE", is sharing its secret for success on their website:  http://WWW.CALISAFE.ORG

"Precautionary is an action taken in advance to protect people and a principle is a rule. The "PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE" protects everybody against danger or injury.It's better to be safe than sorry!", said LAUSD student Alexandria Gracian,age twelve.

"The policy, which has become the model for school districts and communities nationwide, mandates the use of preventative measures and least toxic methods first in schools. Only when preventative measures fail does the district turn to pesticides on the approved list. Pesticides on the approved list cannot contain products known to cause cancer, neurological disruption, birth defects, genetic alteration, reproductive harm, immune system dysfunction, endocrine disruption, or acute poisoning, which stops the routine use of the most hazardous pesticides in our schools," said Robina Suwol Executive Director.

"We are pleased with California's assumption of leadership in this critical field of children's health. The LAUSD's courageous position is to be applauded and, hopefully, emulated nationwide." said CSS Board Chair, and parent of LAUSD students, Ashley Posner, Esq.

"Every parent knows that it is smart to keep children away from toxic chemicals." said Harvey Karp, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics. "That's why I salute California Safe Schools Coalition. The coalition has helped the Los Angeles Unified School district to adopt the best solution in the country for getting rid of pests while protecting children."

"Our new website will help others understand the policy. There are downloadable "Parent Right To Know Forms", a copy of the groundbreaking policy, and links to other environmental organizations. A special attraction on the website are illustrations and posters designed by internationally celebrated artist Michael Bruza", said Action Now's Annie Waterman, founding member of CSS.

California Safe Schools is committed to ensuring that all students, teachers, staff, and community members who live near school sites are in a safe toxic-free environment.


For more information, contact:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818-785-5515
 schoolipm@yahoo.com
Web site:  http://www.calisafe.org

California Safe Schools
- e-mail: schoolipm@yahoo.com
- Homepage: www.calisafe.org