Vision

The Maryland Pesticide Education Network (MPEN) are advancing systemic change in Maryland toward a sustainable pesticide-free Chesapeake. We hold that: Involuntary exposure to pesticides is a human rights issue. Pesticides are not benign in their impact on human health and the environment. Safer alternatives and strategies exist to protect human health, pets, wildlife, and the environment. MPEN’s work and decisions are grounded in scientific (peer-reviewed) findings.

Goals

1. 1.For past 3 years, our 112 member organization Smart on Pesticide Coalition has worked to reduce use of PFAS-pesticides widely used in MD including in health care & schools, where these vulnerable populations are exposed to such "forever chemicals". We advance this effort through our IPM in Health Care & in Schools Project and to ensure IPM in Schools laws we initiated are implemented.
2. 2.Our Pesticides & Chesapeake Bay Watershed Project’s 300+ stakeholders (regional academic & federal/state agency scientists, health experts, waterkeepers, farmers & environmental advocates), work to reduce pesticide use/impacts via annual conference & 3 groups focused on: a) research; b) healthier alternatives; & c) farmer outreach. Recently, published report on impacts of pesticides on the Bay
3. 3.1. The Smart on Pesticides Coalition’s 112 member organizations continue to: a) promote state/national laws/policies to reduce pesticide use/impact; b) educates the public & promotes public engagement via action alerts, monthly newsletter & social media on pesticide-related actions. Its MDrs for Food & Farm Worker Protection 15 organizations’ coalition advocates for food/farm worker protections