National Toxin Free Town Campaign
A step-by-step framework for getting glyphosate and toxic pesticides out of your community — starting today.
The Scale of the Problem
Glyphosate use has exploded in recent years. These numbers show why local action is more urgent than ever.
Roundup sprayed annually in the USA
Used in landscaping alone each year
Of all glyphosate ever sprayed was applied in the past decade
Over 300 million pounds of Roundup (glyphosate) are sprayed annually across the United States — on farms, in parks, along roadsides, around schools, and in residential neighborhoods. Of that total, approximately 20 million pounds are used in landscaping alone.
Perhaps most alarming: 70% of all the glyphosate ever sprayed in history has been applied in just the past decade. The rate of use is accelerating, not declining — which is why local, community-level action is so critical.
7-Step Action Framework
Follow this proven framework to move your town toward toxin-free land management. Each step builds on the last.
Gather Info on Local Glyphosate Use
File public records requests with your city, county, and school district to find out exactly what chemicals are being sprayed on public lands, parks, playgrounds, and school grounds. Ask for product names, application rates, schedules, and contractors. Many municipalities spray Roundup routinely and the public has a right to know.
Build a Team of Concerned Citizens
Recruit neighbors, parents, teachers, local health practitioners, and business owners who share your concerns. You don't need dozens — even 5 to 10 committed people can move local government. Create a group chat, hold a planning meeting, and divide up responsibilities.
Contact Local Decision-Makers
Reach out to your mayor, city council members, parks department, school board, and public works director. Introduce yourself, share your concerns, and request a meeting. Many officials are unaware of the health research on glyphosate and are open to learning more when approached respectfully.
Present Findings at Council Meetings
Prepare a clear, data-driven presentation for public comment at city council or school board meetings. Include glyphosate health research, local spraying data from your records requests, and examples of other towns that have successfully transitioned to low-risk alternatives. Bring supporters to fill the room.
Acknowledge Concerns About Cost & Effectiveness
Decision-makers will raise concerns about the cost of alternatives and whether they work as well as chemical herbicides. Be prepared with data: many municipalities have found that the total cost of low-risk programs is comparable or even lower when factoring in liability, health costs, and water treatment. Show case studies from towns that have already made the switch.
Offer Alternatives
Present specific, proven alternatives: steam weed control, electric weeding, organic herbicides, mulching programs, and integrated pest management (IPM). Provide vendor contacts, cost comparisons, and pilot program proposals. Make it easy for officials to say yes by doing the research for them.
Follow Up and Maintain Pressure
Change rarely happens after one meeting. Send follow-up emails, request written responses, attend every subsequent meeting, and build media attention. Write letters to the editor, engage local journalists, and use social media to keep the issue visible. Consistency and persistence are what win campaigns.
Towns That Have Done It
Irvine, CA
Eliminated glyphosate from all city-managed parks and public spaces, transitioning to organic land management across 16,000+ acres.
South Portland, ME
Banned the use of synthetic pesticides on all private and public land within city limits — one of the strongest pesticide ordinances in the U.S.
Montgomery County, MD
Prohibited the use of cosmetic pesticides on private lawns and county property, protecting children and pets from unnecessary chemical exposure.
Make Your Town Toxin Free
Hundreds of communities have already eliminated toxic herbicides from public spaces. Yours can be next.