Protect Parks and Children From Harmful Chemicals

Target: Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

Goal: Ban the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in public parks.

Glyphosate-based herbicides, including popular brands like Roundup, have long been used for weed control in parks and public spaces. However, mounting evidence points to their harmful impact on human health and ecosystems. Glyphosate has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization, raising concerns about its potential long-term effects on those exposed to it, including park visitors, children, and wildlife.

The interconnectedness of the environment and its inhabitants must be acknowledged. The indiscriminate use of glyphosate-based herbicides not only endangers public health but also poses a threat to native plants, pollinators, and aquatic ecosystems. By continuing to employ these chemicals in our parks,  the very ecosystems that draw people to these spaces, impacting biodiversity and overall ecosystem health are compromised.

Sign the petition below to demand that Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife Commission take a stand against the use of harmful glyphosate-based herbicides, fostering a safer and more sustainable environment for all.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Executive Director Gibbs,

The allure of Colorado’s parks lies in their natural beauty and the sense of connection they provide to the environment. As concerned individuals, we urge you to consider the gravity of the situation at hand. Glyphosate-based herbicides, once deemed a solution, now pose a significant threat to our health and the environment we cherish.

The evidence is compelling. Glyphosate’s classification as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization should sound alarm bells regarding its continued use in spaces meant for public enjoyment. We cannot overlook the potential health risks to park-goers, children, and the dedicated individuals who maintain these spaces.

Moreover, the impact on ecosystems cannot be ignored. Native plants are essential components of Colorado’s landscape, and their survival directly influences the well-being of local wildlife and pollinators. The utilization of glyphosate-based herbicides undermines the delicate balance that sustains these environments, ultimately diminishing the allure and diversity of our cherished parks.

We implore you to lead the way in prioritizing both human and environmental health. We call on you to institute a comprehensive ban on glyphosate-based herbicides in Colorado’s public parks, thereby safeguarding our collective well-being and the beauty that defines our state.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Mizuno K