May 11, 2023

Greetings!

Observing the beauty and wonder of our region's natural world during this season of rebirth – the trees, plants, colorful flowers, our herb and vegetable gardens, the birds, bees, butterflies, squirrels, wildlife and more – not only provide us the opportunity to connect to these species that are all essential to humanity’s existence, but also the need to protect the preciousness of the environment that we depend on. Our individual and communal actions count. As we say, “Vote with your wallet, vote with your fork!” is an action we can all take that includes, and even goes beyond, our food choices. This newsletter highlights actions from the eggs and produce we purchase, to avoiding pesticide use and exposure, to exempting our homes and communities from mosquito control programs (state-conducted or HOA-hired) that use toxic pesticides – now likely to be contaminated with PFAS! And the bottom line: reducing pesticide use and exposure in our region also assists in mitigating climate change. These are choices that count!

At a time when the world can feel out of control and unsafe, taking control of how we live our lives can help us feel safer, healthier., and more connected. Our collective actions make a difference. We're grateful for all the ways you make your daily "votes" (choices) count!

ORGANIC LIVING

MOSQUITO CONTROL: Dangers & Safe Management

The Md. Dept. of Agriculture (MDA) is contracted in about 2,100 communities for mosquito management. Their program relies on toxic pesticides that can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and are considered probable endocrine disruptors by the US EPA. And, some of these products have been found to contain the “forever chemicals” PFAS. Privately contracted vendors are also using these toxic chemicals – except those that are effectively using non-toxic, garlic-based mosquito-eliminating products such as Garlic Barrier!