Toxin Free Town
Communities across America are taking a stand — pledging to reduce pesticide use and create healthier environments where families can thrive.
Learn HowWhat Is a Toxin Free Town?
A Toxin Free Town is a community that has committed to reducing or eliminating the use of toxic pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals in public spaces, schools, parks, and residential areas.
Across the country, towns and cities are waking up to the health risks of spraying chemicals like glyphosate on playgrounds, school fields, and public parks. The Toxin Free Town initiative empowers communities to take local action by working with city councils, park districts, and school boards to adopt organic land care practices.
This isn't about perfection — it's about progress. Even small steps like eliminating pesticide use in children's play areas can dramatically reduce exposure for the most vulnerable members of your community.
300+
Communities worldwide have restricted or banned glyphosate use in public spaces
80+
U.S. cities and counties have adopted organic land care policies for parks and public spaces
Zero
The amount of toxic pesticides your children should be exposed to on their school playground
Steps to Make Your Town Toxin-Free
Change starts locally. Here's a roadmap to make it happen in your community.
Research Your Town's Current Practices
Find out what pesticides and herbicides your town uses on public lands, parks, school grounds, and roadsides. Submit a public records request if needed.
Build a Coalition
Connect with other concerned parents, gardeners, health professionals, and community leaders. The more voices, the stronger the message.
Present the Evidence
Compile studies on glyphosate health risks and examples of towns that have successfully transitioned to organic land care. Share this with your city council and parks department.
Glyphosate Data Sheet (PDF)Propose an Organic Resolution
Draft a resolution or ordinance for your city council that phases out toxic chemical use in public spaces. Start with children's areas — playgrounds, schools, and sports fields.
Pesticide Flyer (PDF)Attend Public Meetings
Show up at city council, planning commission, and school board meetings. Bring your coalition. Public comment periods are your opportunity to make your case on the record.
MAA Sign-up Sheet (PDF)Celebrate and Expand
Once your town adopts a resolution, celebrate the win and share your story. Help neighboring communities follow your lead and expand the movement.
Healthy Schools Initiative Flyer (PDF)Success Stories
Communities around the country are proving that toxin-free is possible. Here are just a few examples.
Shepard of the Hills Preschool
In Mission Viejo, CA, Zen Honeycutt and Moms Across America convinced this preschool to go completely GMO and pesticide-free — MAA's very first school success story, achieved within a year of the organization's founding. It proved that one group of determined moms can change what children eat at school.
Irvine, California
The city of Irvine banned the use of glyphosate and other toxic herbicides on all city-maintained properties, protecting parks, schools, and public spaces for over 300,000 residents.
South Portland, Maine
South Portland passed one of the nation's strongest pesticide ordinances, prohibiting synthetic pesticide use on all public and private land within city limits, with exceptions only for agriculture and invasive species.
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County became one of the first counties in the U.S. to ban cosmetic use of pesticides on private lawns, setting a precedent for communities nationwide.
Downloadable Resources
Free printable materials to support your Toxin Free Town campaign.
Glyphosate Data Sheet
Key facts, health effects, and testing results for glyphosate — the active ingredient in Roundup.
Download PDF →Pesticide Awareness Flyer
One-page flyer on the dangers of pesticides. Print and distribute at community events and school board meetings.
Download PDF →Pesticide Awareness Flyer (Spanish)
Spanish-language version of the pesticide awareness flyer for bilingual outreach.
Download PDF →Pulverize — Non-Toxic Weed Control
Information about Pulverize, a non-toxic weed control alternative to recommend to neighbors and hardware stores.
Download PDF →Healthy Schools Initiative Flyer
Flyer for advocating healthier school environments — pesticide-free grounds and organic food programs.
Download PDF →MAA Community Sign-up Sheet
Printable sign-up sheet for community events, town halls, and advocacy meetings.
Download PDF →Start in Your Community
Every toxin-free town started with one person who decided enough was enough. That person could be you.