HEALTHY SCHOOLS INITIATIVES
Because Kids & Toxic Chemicals Shouldn't Mix

GETTING RID OF TOXINS AT SCHOOLS WITH EFFECTIVE, AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES

Why You Should Be Concerned, Useful Resources to Consult, & Actions You Can Take to Protect the Children in Your Neck of the Woods

Children run, play and roll around on playgrounds & playing fields. Make sure they aren’t exposed to toxins there that can trigger asthma attacks or contribute to learning disabilities, endocrine disruption and/or childhood cancer. Sadly, indoor air & fumes from cleaning products can be just as unhealthy - but good solutions exist, & are being used around the country. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP SEEK HEALTHIER SCHOOLS

PROVIDE INFORMATION TO SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS

THE GOOD GREEN SCHOOLS GUIDE
FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE DIRECTORS & FACILITIES MANAGERS
Information And Resources For Transitioning To Green Cleaning And Reduced Pesticide Use At Schools And Day Care Centers

***PRINT AND PASS ALONG THE GUIDE TO SCHOOL MAINTENANCE DIRECTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR STAFF OR E-MAIL THEM A LINK TO THE GUIDE:

Click here to view, or download the Guide: www.toxicsinfo.org/healthyschools/GGSG.doc for printing (Includes cover sheet).
We tend to print our cover pages (the first two pages of the document) separately, using a different paper color.

***ALSO SHARE THIS SURVEY ABOUT CURRENT MATERIALS AND PRACTICES: Maintenance Director Survey

***SHOW THEM “A SIGN OF THE TIMES”, the explanatory sign that can be posted in green facilities to explain, “The True Smell of Clean”. A full-size download is at: www.toxicsinfo.org/healthyschools/GreenFacilitiesSign.htm

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UPDATE ON THE “GOOD GREEN SCHOOLS GANG”

In 2009, we were trying to gather a support group for school facilities managers. The inaugural meeting of the “ Good Green Schools Gang” was July 15, 2009. Press Release. However, it turned out these hard-working guys didn’t really have the time to establish and maintain such a project.

We are hoping later this year to see if a different approach can be used to give & receive assistance with healthier school maintenance. This might include a “Master Gardeners” style hot line or other support mechanism.

If interested, contact: Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director,

401-351-9193, liberty@toxicsinfo.org, or Chris Suchmann, Groden Center Network Facilities Manager: 401-641-6922, csuchmann@hotmail.com. for more information.

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HELP INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC, FRIENDS, FAMILY,
TEACHERS & HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
PASS ALONG THIS BRIEF INFO FLYER. Safe Schools Flyer. It can be read online or downloaded.

TAKE THE BRIEF SCHOOLS SURVEY: School Survey Flyer

Tell us what's happening at the school where you work or that your children attend

BACKGROUND: This initiative is a follow-up to our 2008, Kids & Toxics Information Exchange, described in this little flyer: Kids & Toxics Information Exchange Flyer

REFER THEM TO OUR “KIDS & TOXICS” SECTION: There they will find more useful info on both concerns and healthy alternatives. www.toxicsinfo.org/TIPS_kids.htm

** SHOW THE CT ORGANIC LAND CARE VIDEO TO GROUPS OR DECISIONMAKERS! Your children and others run, play and roll around on fields provided by their schools and sports associations. Make sure they are not exposed to toxins there that can trigger asthma attacks or contribute to learning disabilities, endocrine disruption and/or childhood cancer. A fine, 7 1/2 minute DVD from the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection shows how schools can transition to healthier practices. Contact TIP to borrow a DVD or VHS copy, and ask us for more information on how you can help.

***KEEP UP WITH LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO PROTECT SCHOOL KIDS:

Check out the TIP website legislation section:

We update this periodically - if current information is not yet posted, ask us!

In 2009, we were following a school green cleaning bill, and two relating to endocrine disrupters in children’s products and toys. Sadly, without large crowds at the State House, this is a tough effort, and a small organization like ours has limited success. Meanwhile, education prepares the ground for future efforts.

TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT LEGISLATION COMMENTS OR INQUIRIES:

1. Use the website contact form:

2. Contact Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director, 401-351-9193

or E-Mail: liberty@toxicsinfo.org

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OTHER INFORMATION ON SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIONS AND ISSUES

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A 2006 Resolution from the Rhode Island State Legislature

Call for Action - Download or copy this to print out and pass along.

PFPF Survey 2005 - Help us get information on what's used in your town, so we can follow up with information on risks and healthier practices.

2005 Proposed RI Pesticide Bills (Hearing held, bills not passed)

Planning Outline for Pesticide-Free Playing Fields Project

Protect our Soccer Fields - Good News: as of March, 2005 the US Youth Soccer Association ended its contract with TruGreen Chemlawn. Thank you so much to everyone who called or wrote the USYSA and its local directors!

CONCERNS

Why Support the Less Toxic Landscaping Campaign

One Family's Story

Lawn Pesticide Facts and Figures

Lawn Pesticides Health Effects Chart

Lawn Pesticides Threat

Pesticides and Cancer

New York Sues Dow for Calling Dursban Safe

Pyrethroids:  Not as Safe as You Think