MOMAS (originally, Mothers of Marin Against the Spray) is a new nonprofit dedicated to the creation of a healthy, nontoxic environment for children in Marin County, California and the greater Bay Area, by reducing the use of common household toxins and pesticides.

Credible scientific data emerges daily linking childhood cancers, asthma, severe allergies, learning disabilities and long-term health issues to common toxins found in our air, water, fields, and homes.  MOMAS believes that every child deserves a healthy future and the chance to reach his or her full potential.  Environmental pollution and common household toxins make this goal unattainable for many.

MOMAS began in April 2008 as an effort by four Marin mothers to organize and prevent the state of California’s planned aerial pesticide spraying program to eradicate the light brown apple moth.  Within two months, MOMAS’ membership grew to over 400 concerned parents.  The state cancelled its aerial pesticide spraying plans in late June 2008.  But the energy was unleashed.  MOMAS saw the tremendous enthusiasm of Marin’s parents to create healthy, nontoxic environments for their children and communities.

MOMAS purpose and goals include:

• EDUCATION. MOMAS will educate parents, teachers, community leaders and the greater pubic regarding the dangers posed to children and other vulnerable populations by common toxins and environmental pollution.  MOMAS will promote healthier alternatives and encourage everyone to make safer, better-informed choices for their families.
• OUTREACH.  MOMAS will hold outreach events and network in all communities to engage parents, and anyone with a vested interest, to join us in making our communities a healthy place where children can thrive.
• ADVOCACY. MOMAS will work with officials at local, state and federal levels to advocate for and support policies and/or legislation that improve childrens’ environmental health.  MOMAS currently is engaged in negotiations with the Marin County Board of Supervisors to improve the newly rewritten draft of the county’s pesticide ordinance.  MOMAS is requesting, among other things, that the county develop “no spray zones” in areas where children play, such as playgrounds and fields, picnic areas and bike paths.
• CAMPAIGNS. MOMAS has initiated a Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Campaign aimed at making the places where children play pesticide free.

We hope you will become involved!  We encourage participation at any level.

Join our email list on the Join Us page (we promise to keep our emails to a minimum), or for more information, contact Debbie Friedman at Debbie[at]GreenWaveStrategies.com.