Cleveland Heights Pesticide Ban Serves As Model For The Nation
In 1995 Cleveland Heights became the first city in the nation to pass legislation banning the use of lawn pesticides on
all public turf including city, school, library and daycare center grounds. This was a revolutionary decision. Why did
they do it? What are its consequences? The why is easy: pesticides are poisons. Although they are approved by the
EPA, approval does not connote safety even when used as directed. Thus, Cleveland Heights became the first city to
formally recognize that people (especially children), pets and the environment should not be unnecessarily exposed to
these toxic materials. Indeed, some pesticides have been associated with an increased risk of acquiring asthma; also an
EPA report (1996) states that childrens’ developing organ systems make them more vulnerable and less able to detoxify
these chemicals. Moreover, in 2015 the World Health Organization announced that glyphosate, the active ingredient in
Roundup®, was ranked a class 2A carcinogen, the highest order carcinogen possible based on animal studies.
Consequences of the Cleveland Heights ordinance abound. In 2012, Cuyahoga County Council passed landmark county
legislation banning the use of pesticides (outdoor and indoor). This is a tremendous achievement. Some observers
even called it heroic given the chemical industry’s attempt to derail it. Also, at University Circle, all six acres of Wade
Oval are now managed organically as are the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s grounds. Other major University Circle
institutions are in the process of transitioning to natural lawn care. Furthermore, all 29 Cuyahoga County libraries are
using natural lawn care practices. Nationally, the ordinance continues to inspire action from the public health
community. Indeed, Connecticut (2009) and New York State (2010) banned pesticides from most school grounds and
playing fields; Harvard University (2009) adopted organic lawn care and last year, Montgomery County, Maryland with
over one million residents banned lawn pesticides on both public and private land within its jurisdiction.
The chemical approach to turf management is to rely on toxic, fossil fuel based synthetic weed killers and fertilizers
that destroy beneficial microorganisms in the soil and thus furthers the dependency for more synthetic pesticides and
fertilizers (the treadmill). In contrast, a natural systems approach to landscape management demonstrates that you can
create healthy soil and turf through organic fertilization, aeration, overseeding, and proper mowing and watering. The
key to a healthy lawn is to build up the soil through organic amendments that encourage the growth of beneficial
microorganisms. This creates grass roots and turf that are more resistant to weeds and disease.
The pesticide reform movement that started 21 years ago in Cleveland Heights continues to grow. This is similar to the
second hand smoke issue because when used, pesticides move through the air, water and land off the target site
potentially exposing people to harmful chemicals.
To help make your neighborhood safer educate yourself and your city and school officials about the hazards associated
with lawn pesticides and the availability of natural alternatives. Visit our website www.beyondpesticidesohio.org for
articles, research, factsheets and videos and learn how citizens can bring about real change. And for further inspiration
read biologist Rachel Carson’s classic book Silent Spring which gives us a lifelong guide to understanding the harmful
effects of chemical intensive practices and also a framework for creating a sustainable future.
Beyond Pesticides Ohio