Sustainability and Energy Action Plan

APPENDIX XIV: SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS GRANTS PASS SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN Pesticides have practical uses, and will remain a tool for most pest control professionals indefinitely. Increasingly though, pest operators are turning to "least toxic controls" as the first line(s) of defense, and saving chemical pesticides for the most retractable problems. Individuals and organizations are making this choice to better protect the long -term health of the pest control applicator, the public, and the environment. Many pesticides and fertilizers are petroleum based, and thus have greenhouse gas implications, but the more important considerations are the environmental and human health impacts. For example, after 40 years of routine use, glyphosate, or Roundup, was found in 80% of samples drawn from a group of Americans intended to be representative of the US population in a study reported last year. Commonly used pesticides have polluted streams and rivers across the country ( EPA impaired waters list ), damaging or destroying fish habitat and ecosystems. Bee colony collapse has been tied to the allowed usage of a class of pesticides called neonicitoids . These and many other examples illustrate the need for a careful approach to pest management beyond the status quo offollowing label instructions.SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS The following recommendations relate to a larger picture of sustainability beyond that which falls under this Taskforce’s core responsibilities to address, but may have minor positive impacts on emissions and energy costs by benefiting natural systems and thereby increasing ecosystem services benefits. Sustainable Pesticide Use Adopting a least toxic pest management approach is a common element of city -wide sustainability plans. In this approach, pesticides may be used, but other approaches are employed first to eliminate pest habitat, food sources, or entryways, for example. When chemicals are used, the least toxic formulations are employed first (such as boric acid), and toxic formulations are used sparingly. A least toxic pest control policy can be adopted in phases. For example, Parks Department staff could commit to following least toxic weed and pest controls at one or more City parks for two years and record results, including labor and materials costs. Staff could be consulted for other roll out approaches. 167 Pesticides are a class of chemicals used to control insects, rodents, plants/weeds, fungus, mold, and bacteria.