municipal bylaw to reduce cosmeticnon-essential pesticide use on household lawns - a policy implementation evaluation市政细则减少cosmeticnon-essential农药使用对家庭草坪u2014u2014政策执行评估.pdfVIP

Cole et al. Environmental Health 2011, 10:74 /content/10/1/74 RESEARCH Open Access Municipal bylaw to reduce cosmetic/non-essential pesticide use on household lawns - a policy implementation evaluation 1* 2,1 1 2 2 3 Donald C Cole , Loren Vanderlinden , Jessica Leah , Rich Whate , Carol Mee , Monica Bienefeld , Susitha Wanigaratne1 and Monica Campbell2,1 Abstract Background: Pesticide use on urban lawns and gardens contributes to environmental contamination and human exposure. Municipal policies to restrict use and educate households on viable alternatives deserve study. We describe the development and implementation of a cosmetic/non-essential pesticide bylaw by a municipal health department in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and assess changes in resident practices associated with bylaw implementation. Methods: Implementation indicators built on a logic model and were elaborated through key informant interviews. Bylaw impacts on awareness and practice changes were documented through telephone surveys administered seasonally pre, during and post implementation (2003-2008). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of demographic variables and gardening season with respondent awareness and practices. Results: Implementation indicators documented multiple municipal health department activities and public involvement in complaints from commencement of the educational phase. During the enforcement phases only 40 warning letters and 7 convictions were needed. The number of lawn care companies increased. Among survey respondents, awareness of the bylaw and the Natural Lawn campaign reached 69% and 76% respectively by 2008. Substantial decreases in the proportion of households app