TruGreen joined the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), an EPA maintained group of businesses committing to reduce the amount of pesticides entering our environment. TruGreen will join the Landscaping/Turf sector, which focuses on residential and commercial properties, public spaces and golf courses.
"TruGreen's acceptance to PESP establishes our commitment to lead the industry in the research and development of environmentally responsible products and services," said Dennis Sutton, president, TruGreen LawnCare. "We believe we have the capability, leadership support and commitment to further improve our program offerings in line with PESP goals."
By joining PESP, organizations pledge that environmental stewardship is an integral part of their pest management approach, and they commit to working toward innovative practices that reduce risk to human health and the environment. PESP members are required to develop a goal-oriented strategy with the focus of reducing pests and pesticide risks. Each year, the EPA issues guidance to PESP members on how to develop strategies for the coming year and report their progress in reducing pesticide risk during the previous year.
"TruGreen is demonstrating its commitment to develop a strategic focus on risk reduction and has outlined specific, measurable goals that fulfill its five-year strategy," said Maggie Johnson of the U.S. EPA. "We are pleased that industry leaders like TruGreen see the value and the importance of product stewardship, and we look forward to working with them as they continue to develop and implement an environmentally responsible strategy."
TruGreen's vision is to develop programs that meet consumer needs for a healthier, sustainable landscape, promote the environmental benefits of lawns and landscapes, and reduce overall use of pesticides. More information on how TruGreen will accomplish these goals can be found by visiting the TruGreen PESP member page.
About Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program:
Launched in 1994, the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) is a voluntary program that forms partnerships with pesticide users to reduce the potential health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use and implement pollution prevention strategies. PESP is coordinated by the Office of Pesticide Programs' Environmental Stewardship Branch. More information on PESP can be found by visiting http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/pesp/.