Contact: Paul Towers, 916-216-1082
ptowers@panna.org
December 3, 2012
Honoring International Day of No Pesticides
Oakland, CA – On Dec. 3rd, almost 30 years after the Bhopal chemical disaster and 50 years after the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the global pesticide reform community honors the victims of pesticide poisoning and leaders promoting cutting-edge alternatives. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of Pesticide Action Network International, including over 600 organizations in 90 countries working to replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically sound and socially just alternatives.
In honor of global “Day of No Pesticides,” Judy Hatcher, Executive Director of Pesticide Action Network North America, released the following statement:
“Fifty years after Silent Spring and 30 years after PAN’s founding, our struggle for health and justice remains more urgent than ever. Challenging the global proliferation of pesticides is about challenging corporate control, ensuring scientific integrity and defending basic human rights.
Rachel Carson’s message went far beyond individual chemicals. She conceptualized an economy that invests in health and ecosystems in a way that builds a true and solid foundation for the future. We are honored to continue working in Carson’s legacy with partners all over the world. Ours is the work of generations.
We urge North Americans to join people around the world dedicated to a food system and agricultural economy that nourishes our health, our livelihoods and the ecosystems upon which we all depend. Together we can roll back pesticide industry influence, allowing science and our commonly held values — expressed so articulately by Rachel Carson — to guide government decision making.”
Additional resources for editors and reporters:
- Background on the history of the pesticide reform movement over the past 30 years
- Video testimonies from PAN Asia & the Pacific
- Pesticides 101: A primer
