Springtime Alert: Organic Landscapers Offer Safe Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides

Press Release Contact: Demo Maratos 631-963-5454 For Release March 20, 2009 (First day of spring)

New 2009 Certified List of 100% Organic Landscapers Now Available for Long Island See www.Neighborhood-Network.org

As Long Islanders celebrate the first days of spring this weekend many homeowners will turn their attention to growing a “green” lawn and many people are choosing to do it the eco-friendly way so as not to damage their family’s health or the environment. To help homeowners, the Neighborhood Network has released its 14th annual and longest ever list of organic landscapers. The Neighborhood Network’s 2009 Certified List of Organic Landscapers provides information to homeowners about landscapers from around Long Island who can help you maintain a beautiful lawn by using eco- friendly, 100% pesticide-free products and practices. There are thousands of landscapers on Long Island, which can leave some homeowners overwhelmed when attempting to find an organic service. “This certification program provides homeowners with a convenient, easy-to-use list of professional, chemical-free lawn care companies, as an alternative to the typical landscaper who uses toxic, synthetic pesticides,” said Demosthenes Maratos, Membership Director of the Neighborhood Network. “Too many children are needlessly exposed to chemicals in the grass they play on. Long Islanders who want to protect their family’s health and reduce chemical pollution of our drinking water supply can harness their consumer power and help push the market by hiring one of the eco-friendly companies on this list.” Maratos concluded. The Neighborhood Network has compiled and administered the Certified List of Organic Landscapers since 1995. The Neighborhood Network is a 25-year-old Farmingdale based environmental organization. For landscaping businesses to qualify for the list they must apply by complete a detailed questionnaire, sign a contract restricting their use of chemical products, and must be trained in organic turf maintenance practices. “This year’s list is our longest ever with 44 companies from all parts of Long Island. We get many calls from homeowners grateful for this option,” said Demosthenes Maratos, who oversees administration of the Listing Program for the Neighborhood Network. “The interest in organics is always growing. This list makes converting as easy as making a phone call,” Mr. Maratos concluded. Organic Landscapers Provide an Alternative to Widespread Pesticide Use Long Island is one of the areas of the State with the highest pesticide use. Environmental Protection Agency estimates show that Long Islanders apply approximately 10 million pounds of dry and liquid chemical pesticide products annually. Many of these pesticides are associated with health effects such as carcinogenicity, hormone disruption, and nerve toxicity, which can be especially harmful for more vulnerable subpopulations like children, elderly, asthmatics, or those with chemical sensitivities.

What is “Organic” Landscaping? Organic methods work by enhancing the natural systems that support a healthy lawn. Instead of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers which harm soil life and merely mask a symptom of an underlying soil deficiency, organic landscapers use products containing natural ingredients that build up the soil. Some materials an organic landscaper may use include compost, natural fertilizer, earthworm castings, biological controls, beneficial insects, and oils and soaps, and a variety of non- chemical techniques that work in harmony with the eco-system of a yard, such as mowing at 3” or higher to shade out weed seeds. Every time chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are applied, the number of living organisms in the soil declines significantly. The list of organic landscapers features the names and contact information for 44 companies, the areas they service, and also provides information about the type of services provided by each company, such as mowing, fertilization, non-chemical pest control, tree-care and landscape design. This way, Long Islanders can find the service that best suits their needs.

Thousands of Lists Distributed Directly to Homeowners The effort to reach out to the community with this list of alternative landscaping companies is also supported by many other Long Island environmental and breast cancer action organizations. “Do not miss this opportunity to lower your risk of disease by utilizing the services of the landscapers on this list and by making common sense purchases by buying less toxic products,” said Karen Miller, President of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Thousands of the organic landscaper lists are being distributed to residents throughout all parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties, by mail, and through the Neighborhood Network website.

Homeowners interested in avoiding the use of pesticides can receive a free copy of the list of organic landscapers by calling: 631-963-5454, or by visiting our website at: www.neighborhood- network.org and then choose the link to 2009 Organic Landscaper List.