Good Neighbor Iowa is a statewide public education campaign out of the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy & Environmental Education. Our program aims to reduce unnecessary urban pesticide use and to transform lawn-culture to encourage appreciation of diverse lawns as a way to protect child health, water quality, pets, and pollinators and biodiversity.
People spray their lawns to be “good neighbors,” but they might be a better neighbor if they didn’t spray!
Children
Children are among the most vulnerable in our community. Pesticides are often used where children live, learn, and play; it is essential that we work to protect their health from everyday environmental hazards. Join us in protecting child health in Iowa!
Water
When it comes to pesticides, the urban contribution to our waterways is largely ignored. Studies have shown that commonly used lawn chemicals runoff from our lawns into urban waterway. Join us in protecting our waters!
Pollinators and Biodiversity
Pollinators and pesticides don’t mix. The very purpose of herbicides is to eliminate biodiversity! Pollinator habitat can be supported in lawns where flowering plant communities are allowed to flourish. Join us in embracing diversity in your lawn!
Pets
Pesticides? More like pets-ticides! Pets spend a lot of time on our lawns and, like children, are vulnerable to environmental toxins. Join us in protecting our furry friends!
Join Us
Our program involves school districts, park managers, childcare centers, and other community leaders who are demonstrating that it is possible and practical to manage large areas of turf without the use of pesticides (weed killers, insecticides, or fungicides). General lawns can be managed without pesticides. Diverse lawns don’t harm anyone, but pesticides can.
