Jan. 2, 2024

Non-Toxic Living with Kim Konte and Bruce Lanphear

Ever wondered about the chemicals lurking in your local parks and schools? The issue of pesticides in neighborhoods is not just about pretty lawns; it's about the well-being of our families, especially our little ones. 

Kim Konte and Bruce Lanphear are the duo behind Non-Toxic Neighborhoods. They're on a mission to kick harmful pesticides out of our public spaces. Kim, certified in organic land management, shares the details of their advocacy work. Bruce, a researcher, talks about prevention in pediatric healthcare. Throughout the podcast, they discuss the challenges faced in bringing about policy changes, success stories, and the need for a paradigm shift in prioritizing children's health. They highlight the need for preventive steps, shaking up norms for the sake of future generations' well-being.

In this episode, Kim and Bruce talk to Jen about their mission to eradicate harmful pesticides from parks and schools, the challenges and wins in their journey, and the need for a shift in pediatric healthcare towards prevention over treatment.


Key Takeaways

  • [01:48] - What are pesticides?
  • [04:43] - Symptoms of glyphosate exposure.
  • [06:24] - How Bruce became an adviser at Non-Toxic Neighborhoods.
  • [07:47] - What made Kim start Non-Toxic Neighborhoods?
  • [10:30] - Tests available for parents to check their children's pesticide levels.
  • [11:18] - How to get help from Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods.
  • [15:00] - Why are pesticides seen are safe?
  • [17:51] - How to read a pesticide label.
  • [22:39] - States in the United States that have banned glyphosate.
  • [25:07] - Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods success stories.
  • [30:28] - Three things to minimize exposure to pesticides.
  • [34:45] - The Non-Toxic Neighbourhoods Organic Tool Kit.


Quotes

[05:17] - “There are about 200,00 people every year that die from acute pesticide poison.” ~ Bruce Lanphear

[08:06] - “No school district or municipality wants to hear that they’re using chemicals that can potentially harm the residents, students, teacher, or staff.” ~ Kim Konte

[29:40] - “We’ve actually created an environment that makes it easy to become sick, and too often, we put the burden on families.” ~ Bruce Lanphear


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