#GoPesticideFree- sign the petition!
30/07/2024
Sign the petition calling for a national ban on the use of pesticides in urban areas.
We are calling on the UK Government to phase-out the use of pesticides in publicly-run areas. This, in practice, will mean that pesticides would not be permitted for use in the streets, playgrounds and green spaces of our villages, towns and cities.
Committing to a phase-out is a tangible and achievable action for the new Labour administration, that will support biodiversity in our towns and cities whilst also protecting human health.
Over 100 councils across the UK have either ended their use of pesticides or taken significant steps towards doing so (50 are entirely pesticide-free). This is hugely significant and demonstrates that there is a strong desire amongst councils to reduce local residents’ exposure to chemicals and protect our environment from harmful pesticides.
The UK should follow the examples of France, Denmark and Luxembourg, which have all successfully banned pesticide use in villages, towns and cities.
Pesticide use in urban areas only constitutes approximately 10% of the UK’s total usage, but it is the second most common route through which people are exposed to pesticides (after diet).