“I am proud of the RWP Botanical Center’s commitment to being Pesticide Free. By using a holistic approach that works in tune with nature, we’ve had great success. Efforts like hand-pulling weeds, monitoring pest problems and using low-toxicity sprays like neem has allowed us the benefit of creating a safe environment for ALL of our visitors, people and nature alike. For residents looking to grow holistically and go Pesticide Free too, I encourage you to find your garden yin and yang. Seek beauty in nature’s imperfections; get comfortable with nature as it is, as you are within it. Doing so will protect the health of you, your family, your pets and the wider ecosystem.”
Lee Ann Freitas, Director
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
“West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation and the Sankofa Initiative want to go pesticide free to further support a healthy environment and promote the importance of going pesticide free to our community! In our community gardens, we aim to use natural pest deterrents as often as we can, and educate our growers of the dangers of harsh pesticides and fertilizers. We look to minimize the chemicals used in our farming always, and look forward to continuing to do so with Pesticide Free PVD!”
Melanie Borges, Sankofa Project Manager
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation
“Providence College believes in sustainability and cares about the health of our campus and the community. In order to balance environmental stewardship and a campus green where students can play and relax, we work with our landscaping contractor on green landscape management. We’ve moved to non-phosphorus fertilizer options, slow-release formulas to reduce runoff, and spot-treating weeds as practices to reduce our impact. The College has embraced green stormwater infrastructure and adopted those measures campus-wide to reduce our impact on the community outside our gates. Our Pesticide Free PVD Pledge is in line with our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, including composting, food donation, investment in renewable energy, and signing the Catholic Climate Declaration.”
Jill Parrett, CSP, CHMM, PG, Director of Environmental Health and Safety
“Armory Management Company has been reducing our use of pesticides for years, and is proud to say that we, and the properties we manage, are now completely free of pesticides. Not only have we convinced our employees, contractors, and subcontractors not to use pesticides on our properties, but we have also convinced them to use less around other properties that they work on. Keep those pollinators alive, keep our food system intact, keep us alive! All while saving money in the process. Now that’s good business.”
Peter I. Van Noppen, Director of Sustainability
“The Blackstone Parks Conservancy is thrilled to take the Pesticide Free PVD pledge! As it says in our mission, Healthy Urban Green Space for All, we are committed to creating a healthy environment for pollinators, birds, other animals, and all the visitors to our parks. As part of this we encourage native plants and natural lawns, work to educate park users, and promote responsible management. Working to stay pesticide-free is the right choice.”
Carrie Drake
“Southside Community Land Trust prohibits chemical pesticide use on our properties. If they are used it is often by growers who can’t afford to lose any part of their crops and who may lack knowledge about, or access to, other options. In all instances, SCLT offers better, effective organic options so even the most marginalized do not need to use pesticides. We are encouraged by a broad and growing movement to combat harmful pesticide use in Providence. Join us in building a future where all humans and other living beings can share the Earth’s abundance.”
Southside Community Land Trust