There are a lot of reasons to be concerned about the rapid decline of many species of bees worldwide. Honey bees and bumble bees have played a crucial role in human cultures for thousands of years. Today, even with more industrialized modern agriculture, the humble bee (both native and domesticated bee species) still plays a remarkably important role in bringing food to the tables of people all around the world.
Oregon lacking in the science of forestry
Profitable timber production can readily coexist with protections for water quality and community health. That is the lesson of commercial logging operations in Washington, California and even Idaho.
Then there is the way we do it in Oregon.
The future of Oregon’s clean-flowing drinking water
Over the past few months The Register-Guard has held a back-and-forth debate about Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio’s plan to increase logging in Oregon’s federal forests.
What’s at stake? Nothing less than the future of Oregon’s clean-flowing drinking water.
Oregon and pesticides: our chance to make a stand for safety
Oregon has become somewhat of a focal point for pesticide issues. That is hardly cause for celebration for a state that wears its green credentials on its sleeve. The only hope is that Oregon will respond to the crisis with better regulations, safer policies and a commitment to protecting Oregon from pesticide poisoning.
What’s Up with Brownfields and Environmental Justice?
The City of Eugene, the City of Springfield, and Lane County are looking for public input in the process of finding, cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields. Brownfields are abandoned properties that are not being re-purposed because of the likely presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Brownfield result in neighborhood “blight;” they make people feel unsafe and they drag down property values.
Victory is Sweet!
WE DID IT! The Safe Public Places Bill has passed in both chambers of the Oregon Legislature and will be signed into law this week! What a sweet victory!
No exaggeration! Beyond Toxics researched the issue, wrote the language and fought hard to pass both bills that reduce pesticides in Oregon.
Toxic exposure against our will
Roundup, the herbicide that contains glyphosate, has gotten a lot of international press in the past week. And none of it is good news for us living beings who are exposed to Roundup in our food and in the environment.
Doctors Say Beyond Toxics’ Proposal is a “step in the right direction”
In a letter to the legislature, 15 of our local PeaceHealth pediatricians signed a statement in support of HB 3364, Beyond Toxics’ bill to protect kids, elders, and our fragile ecosystem from pesticides!
Good on our local pediatricians! Let’s applaud their strong and vocal stance to protect children!
City tries to find pesticide substitute Beekeepers and environmentalists say the use of one treatment may kill bees
Beyond Toxics initiated the Save Oregon’s Bees Campaign in 2012 in partnership with local bee keepers. As a result we've been able to provide information to the City of Eugene about how the use of pesticides are harming our pollinators and presenting risks to children and families in parks.
Walking The Path to Environmental Victory in Oregon
I’m writing this from the inner sanctum of the State Capitol building, where in only three days, Beyond Toxics supporters will join me talk with elected leaders to discuss better pest management policy, more tracking and accountability and, as a result, pesticide reduction.
What’s our goal? A healthier world. How are we going to do it? Show up, speak up and work for change.
