We the undersigned call on the University of New Mexico to be a beacon of sustainability, and petition the President of the University, the Board of Regents, the Physical Plant Department, and the Office of Sustainability to continue to fulfill UNM’s mission of sustainability by discontinuing the use of synthetic pesticides on campus grounds and transitioning to organic, pollinator-friendly grounds management by 2017.

The relationship between plants and pollinators such as bees is vital to the maintenance and stability of the world’s ecosystems. However, pollinator populations are falling and the widespread use of synthetic pesticides is a major contributor. Pesticides are toxic to pollinators, humans and other animals, and their effects on pollinators range from debilitating to lethal. Furthermore, the widespread use of pesticides decreases the amount of wild flowers available to pollinators, which they depend on as a food source. Transitioning away from the use of pesticides is in the best interest of pollinators, the environment, and our local, regional, and global communities. 

The University of New Mexico routinely uses pesticides derived from a list of 44 synthetic chemicals. While the upkeep of campus grounds is understandably an important and complex undertaking, pesticides are not necessary in this process. Other institutions across the country, including Harvard University, Tufts University, Seattle University, and Adelphi University implement pesticide-free grounds management. These institutions save a significant amount of money every year by not purchasing pesticides while maintaining highly aesthetic landscapes.

The University of New Mexico has a legacy of being a leader in sustainability, and sustainability is a guiding principle of it’s endeavors, as expressed in Policy 2100 of the University’s Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, the University’s seventh core value of sustainability, the general goals of the Office of Sustainability, the mission of the Physical Plant Department (PPD), and the goal of sustainability outlined in the PPD’s strategic plan. As such, the transition away from pesticides is a logical next step in the University’s sustainable leadership.

Sources:

Lounsbury, Natalie. (2008) Pollinators and pesticides: escalating crisis demands action. Pesticides and You. 28(3):10-16
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/Fall08/pollinators.pdf

University Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy 2100 (June 2008): “The University of New Mexico recognizes its profound relations with other entities both near and far; past, present and future. The University encourages a diverse campus culture that harmonizes UNM’s sustainable goals of environmental protection, social equity, and economic opportunity within the context of its education, research, and public service missions. The University aims to improve performance in all areas of operations thereby meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the prospects of future generations. As a demonstration of this commitment, the University is an active member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. In all activities present and future, the University shall develop systems to manage environmental, social, and economic wellbeing with specific goals, objectives, priorities, processes, and milestones by which to verify performance. This policy applies to all University property and activities, including branch campuses.”
http://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/2000/2100.html

UNM Strategic Framework, Core Values (March 2008): “Sustainability so that as we meet the needs of the present, we are not compromising the well being of future generations.”
http://presidentialsearch.unm.edu/strategicframework.pdf

PPD Mission Statement: “The Physical Plant Department’s (PPD) mission is to consistently deliver effective programs and efficient facility services based on sustainable and collaborative outcomes aligned with the University of New Mexico’s core mission.”
http://iss.unm.edu/ppd/mission.html

Physical Plant Department’s 5 Year Strategic Plan, Goals (June 2012): “Establish a reputation for being extraordinary stewards of campus facilities and infrastructure by promoting sustainability, energy conservation, and excellent facility management practices.”
http://iss.unm.edu/ppd/webpdfs/StrategicPlan_Jun12.V.4_1.pdf