We have spent countless hours of labor, time, energy, and financial investment to yield produce and products truly free of harmful chemicals. To see utility companies indiscriminately spray chemicals like ROUND UP that contaminate our land, ground water, and hard-earned products is not just distressing, but it undercuts our fundamental rights to health, information, and choice. 

This is the reality many residents of Beaufort County are dealing with. We believe that utility companies must have the legal obligation to inform neighborhoods of forthcoming chemical sprays, including the dates, times and names of the specific chemicals to be used. Transparency also means issuing warnings about potential health risks. Moreover, customers should have the opportunity to OPT OUT of such spraying.

Many studies have linked pesticide exposure to a range of health problems, from headaches and nausea to long-term medical issues like cancer and endocrine disruption (Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers). Just as we have the right to know the ingredients in our food, we also have the right to know what substances are being introduced to our environment.  This directly impacts the health and wellness of not only ourselves but our children, pets, wildlife, soil, vegetation, groundwater, creeks, rivers, marshes, oceans, etc.  These chemicals can travel up to a mile via air, rain, run off and can survive for up to seven years in our soil.   

In a world where information is power, transparency and choice is the bare minimum we deserve. Sign this petition to demand that utility companies be required by law to notify residents in advance of chemical spraying and allow customers to OPT OUT of spraying these chemicals near or on their property if they choose.   

Together we can make a difference and require these companies to start making our health a priority!    OUR HEALTH, OUR CHOICE!