Resolved that the diocese, with the help of the Environmental Commission, research at least two options to accomplish this goal and report the results of this research, including the costs of various strategies, to the congregations of the diocese, and be it further

Resolved that this convention urge the congregations and affiliated agencies of the diocese to implement a similar system on their property and grounds, recognizing that children are among those most susceptible to the negative effects of toxins, and be it further

Resolved that this convention ask the General Convention of the Church to implement a system of Integrated Pest Management on all national church properties and grounds.

Submitted by Fletcher Harper, Ed Hasse on behalf of the Environmental Commission

Supporting Information:

Scientific research has established the negative impact of toxic chemical pest management on the water supply and on human health, particularly among children.  Toxic chemicals used in most routine lawn maintenance seep into regional water supplies, and their residues remain present in areas where they have been applied for significant periods of time.  Recognizing the danger this poses to human health and particularly to children, the state of New Jersey has recently required all public schools to implement a plan of Integrated Pest Management on public school property.

Cost-effective, organic, nontoxic methods of pest management exist.  As places where children congregate, as institutions committed to the stewardship of God's earth, and as models for their communities, churches should play a leading role in environmentally sustainable methods of grounds maintenance.

The Diocese of Massachusetts is considering a similar resolution at its convention in mid-November.

Partners for Environmental Quality, an interfaith environmental coalition based in New Jersey, is able to provide the Environmental Commission with the information necessary to fulfill the requirements of this resolution.