PRESS RELEASE

Oxford Connecticut Retires Roundup and Goes Organic
Northeast Horticultural Services Chosen to Manage Organic Vegetation Control

STRATFORD, CT, August 11, 2018 – Oxford, CT residents can breathe a sigh of relief. Glyphosate-based herbicides such as Roundup, Rodeo and Ranger Pro will no longer be sprayed in their park and on their sidewalks. These carcinogenic herbicides are currently the hot topic in legal circles- the Johnson v Monsanto trial verdict was just announced yesterday and glyphosate herbicide manufacturer Monsanto was found guilty and fined 289.2 million dollars for failing to label their product as a carcinogen and for malice- intentionally covering up that they knew their product was carcinogenic. The plaintiff, Dwayne “Lee” Johnson a school pesticide applicator, used Roundup and Rodeo, had a few accidents, and despite wearing protective gear, he was exposed to the chemicals. He now has Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and tumors on 80% of his body. Lee has a wife and two children and is not expected, by his doctors, to live longer than two years.

There are many alternatives to these dangerous herbicides. Northeast Horticultural Services has been hired to manage a non-toxic, organic program to control vegetation in the town of Oxford, Connecticut. The decision to work with Northeast Horticultural Services was the outcome of a meeting set up with Wayne Watt, director of public works by Oxford resident Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, health advocate, author and public speaker. “Toxic chemicals are contributing to the ailing physical and mental health of America,” Healing Without Hurting (2014) “As a resident of Oxford, I want to ensure my kids are playing in toxin-free areas.”

Concerned Oxford residents and moms Jennifer Giustra-Kozek and Stacey Marcell spoke alone at the meeting but had support from Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America, a non profit that raises awareness about toxins (flyers available here), and Jeff Cordulack, Executive Director of CT NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association), an organization that develops organic land standards and educates consumers on organic solutions. Stacey Marcell, CT licensed arborist, and owner of Northeast Horticultural Services is not only an Oxford mom but also a NOFA accredited organic land care provider. She attended the meeting as a resident specialist in organic lawn and land care to offer recommendations on how the Town could address this ongoing concern in a healthier, organic and ecologically friendly way.

The two chemicals that were being used in the vegetation control plan were Glyphosate and Triclopyr. Glyphosate herbicides are applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses and they are endocrine disruptors, immune system destroyers, and carcinogenic. It is used to manage vegetation in ball fields, golf courses, agriculture and other public areas. Triclopyr is equally as toxic. It sterilizes soil and contaminated waterways causing death to aquatic life. Health concerns have been raised about these chemicals for several years, and many environmental groups throughout the State have been working towards restricting the use of these substances.

“Two moms, in one meeting, with an open-minded management resulted in a safer Oxford, CT. for generations to come. We applaud the inspiring actions taken by these residents and their city,” states Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America. “Across the country, we are seeing more and more towns chose organic land care. Now that a jury has found Monsanto guilty of poisoning a pesticide applicator, we hope all cities, school districts, and homeowners discontinue using glyphosate-based herbicides and all toxic chemicals, such as glufosinate, 2,4-D, and dicamba.”

“Of course, we all want to live in a healthy community, but sometimes as individuals, we don’t see how we can infuse change. Our actions show how people can make a difference. Just by educating herself and bringing the right people together, we see how Jennifer had a concern and did something about it. The organic lawn and land care programs offered at Northeast Horticultural Services (NHS), advocates safe, healthy property management using organic and least toxic practices and products that nurture and protect the health of families, pets, wildlife and the environment from unnecessary exposure to toxic pesticides. As a member of NOFA, NHS practices the standards that make a difference for our environment. I hope other towns see what Oxford is doing and follow suit,” stated Marcell.

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Contact: Tricia Farin for Jennifer Giustra-Kozek 
Jantris Marketing Services 
18 Boggs Hill Road 
Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 426-9193 

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Stacey Marcell
Northeast Horticultural Services
255 Hathaway Drive, Unit #1
Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 375-0553

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Contact Debbie Luican for Zen Honeycutt
[email protected]
(949) 484-3365