Protect Michigan from Toxic Neonics Killing Bees and Threatening Our Health

Michigan's pollinators are in grave danger from widespread neonic use. These potent pesticides are pushing bees and butterflies closer to extinction. One neonic-coated corn seed can kill a quarter million bees, devastating our pollinator populations.

The decline in pollinators threatens our food supply, risking shortages and higher prices for apples, blueberries, and cherries.

Neonics are also linked to severe neurological and developmental harms in humans, especially concerning children and pregnant women. A recent study found neonics in over 95% of pregnant women tested.

Tell state lawmakers to restrict the use of dangerous neonic pesticides killing Michigan's pollinators and harming our health!

Michigan's pollinators are in grave danger from harmful and widespread use of neonic chemicals. These extremely potent pesticides are pushing pollinators, like Michigan’s bees and butterflies, closer to extinction. Just one neonic-coated corn seed has enough active ingredient to kill a quarter million bees – and with over 30,000 seeds planted per acre, their use is decimating bee populations.

The decline in pollinators directly impacts our food supply by risking shortages and increasing prices for healthy foods like apples, blueberries, and cherries.

A growing body of research also links neonics to a whole host of neurological and developmental harms, including birth defects of the heart and brain, autism-like symptoms, and cognitive impairment. That means neonics are especially a concern for children and pregnant women – with a recent study alarmingly finding neonics in over 95% of pregnant women tested.

Your voice matters – send a letter to your Michigan state representatives urging them to acknowledge the dangers posed by neonics and to take action to restrict their use!

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Your Message

Subject Protect Michigan's Pollinators from Neonics

Dear Representative,

Message Body

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to address the significant threat that neonicotinoid insecticides, or "neonics," pose to Michigan’s pollinators and ecosystems. These pesticides, among the most ecologically devastating since DDT, are contributing to the decline of our bee and butterfly populations, disrupting soil health, and even threatening human health.

The impact of neonics on our pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, is deeply troubling. Recently, U.S. EPA made the unprecedented finding that neonic use is likely driving 200+ species toward extinction including MI’s Karner Blue Butterfly, the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Mitchell's satyr Butterfly, and the Poweshiek skipperling.

Nationwide testing also found neonics in over 95% of pregnant women, indicating a cause for concern given that exposure to neonics in the womb is linked to higher rates of birth defects in the heart and brain and other neurological and developmental harms.

The most common neonic uses, especially as coatings on corn and soybean seeds, remain unregulated and often provide little to no benefits to users. Treated seeds escape existing regulations designed to protect the public and the environment from harmful and unnecessary pesticide contamination.

I urge you to take action to restrict the use of neonics in Michigan. Addressing this issue is crucial for protecting our pollinators, preserving our ecosystems, safeguarding our food supply, and ensuring the well-being of Michigan residents. Your leadership and support in this matter are essential for the health of our state.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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