In response to the recent article “Plan to ban pesticides in South Portland: A model or a mistake?” (Page A1, April 11), I wholeheartedly envision this new ordinance as a model one that will demonstrate national leadership for other cities addressing similar concerns about synthetic pesticide usage and its impact on the environment.

This Friday and Saturday, the University of Southern Maine in Portland will host the 34th National Pesticide Forum, organized by Beyond Pesticides, which will include forums, workshops and educational opportunities.

Keynote speakers will include U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and Aaron Blair, Ph.D., chair of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group, a branch of the World Health Organization that proved that one of the world’s most popular pesticides, glyphosate (Roundup), is a possible human cancer-causing agent.

As environmental consciousness continues to grow and people wake up to the changing attitudes that will eventually make the impractical and nonsustainable “golf-course-lawn” aesthetic obsolete, South Portland’s and Portland’s proposed pesticide ordinances will be seen as landmarks of smart urban policy.

Do the citizens of South Portland and Portland value our ornamental, poisoned lawns over the health and diversity of our natural environment, as well as our pets, kids and people? Synthetic pesticides have been an invisible danger for too long.

No longer will neighbors with kids, gardens and pets have to worry about their neighbors’ spraying practices. Flowers, birds and the pollinators that are essential to gardens and agriculture will flourish. Landscapers will incorporate more organic methods and use natural and sustainable plants that will thrive. Gardens and lawns will cost less to maintain and will become true refuges, rather than artificial, toxic ones.

Annie Wadleigh

founder, Portland Pollinator Partnership

Portland

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