We the public, believe in protecting our health and surrounding natural resources by reducing pesticide use on public and private property in the town of Orleans, Massachusetts. Your signature of support sends a strong message to our local, regional and state legislatures.

Our primary goal is to protect all water bodies, the health of people and the environment by reducing the use of pesticides. People have a right not to be involuntarily exposed to pesticides in the air, water or soil that inevitably result from chemical drift and contaminated runoff.

Toxic chemicals from pesticides seep into the soil and groundwater, also become airborne, and can be found thousands of feet from the application site.  They contaminate the air we breathe, the waters we recreate in, the aquifer from which we drink, and the soils in which we grow food for humans, animals and wildlife.

Many studies associate pesticides with serious negative health effects including leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: cancers of the brain, breast, prostrate, testes and ovaries: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, autism and other autoimmune diseases, as well as birth defects and reproductive harm.

Orleans embraces a precautionary approach to the use of toxic pesticides in order to adequately protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of pesticides. A proactive non-toxic management approach is the best way to prevail in the long run.

It’s our health, our water and our most important economic asset, it is up to us to protect it.

§6. Exceptions: Indoor pest sprays and baits. Insect repellants for personal and household use. Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars. Kitchen, laundry and bath disinfectants and sanitizers. Products that kill mold and mildew. Usage for commercial farming and nurseries.

For more information:

Pesticide Reduction Home Rule Petition, Orleans MA

Thank you for your support!

Laura Kelley