Local Hero's Speak Up

Today, Marilyn and Elsa are here with us from Pesticide Watch. These ladies advocate for keeping our coast healthy. An organization based out of Sacramento, they are here to help advocate and team with courageous citizens campaigning for their communities. Stop the Spray was Elsa's first campaign, and she found the organizations dedication to the cause amazing and inspiring.

Methyl Bromide is the topic on the town in Moss Landing, where Marilyn resides. In fall 2006, she received a notice which ensured that methyl bromide would be applied to the fields directly across the street. So we ask, how did they get permission to use this banned substance? CA government hasn't complied with the Montreal Protocol in which banned this substance. In reality, more of this toxic substance has been distributed. Unfortunately, "emergency permits" for use of such pesticides are given more frequently than not. So next time you see a field covered with plastic, turn your nose and start writing some letters to your local officials.

Once Marilyn realized the severity of methyl bromide, their neighborhood joined forces, found a lawyer, and started protesting. The farmers were still going to go ahead with it, but a certain farmer decided he preferred not to make enemy's with neighbors, so he moved 1,000 ft away and continued use of the methyl bromide.

If Methyl Bromide is inhaled in high doses for a short period of time, risks include but aren't limited to:
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, acute mania, bronchitis, pneumonia, eye damage from vapors, respiratory disease, can stunt intellectual development, and even cause death.

This fumigation occurs once a year, but causes permanent damage. Therefore, when the spraying occurs, people are put out of their homes to avoid such extreme risks. You can imagine the difficulty of living in one of these areas.

How can we access information about what is being sprayed, and where?
First off, Marilyn and Elsa suggest calling the Agricultural Commissioners office in Monterey County and ask them what is being sprayed. Although they will try to avoid giving you this information, they have to. We realize that this is a backwards process, but we can start the process of change by first gaining the knowledge, then approaching these agencies and start taking action.

Methyl Bromide is going into the atmosphere, running off into streams, going into the oceans and the air, and taking a toll on the health of our citizens.

What can we do? How can citizens gather the strength to deal with these large agricultural corporations and their dangerous fumigation practices?

1) Know where your food comes from. Get your produce from a trusted CSA.

2) Write letters, call the governor, and demand that they discontinue using Methyl Bromide and related chemicals.

Contact Elsa@pesticidewatch.org, and visit the Pesticide Watch website.

Thank You,

Olana