Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides (TAP) is a non-profit organization formed in 1999 to educate the general public and governmental agencies about the hazards of toxic chemicals currently being used to control insects and vegetation and to promote the use of alternative solutions.

According to TAP president Rochella Cooper other cities across the United States have acknowledged that insecticides and herbicides pose serious health problems. “Local governments have been persuaded to write ordinances that will eventually eliminate the use of these chemicals in public and private areas, and in addition, developed creative alternatives that have reduced financial expenditures and saved tax dollars,” says Cooper.

In a January 17, 2000 release, Cooper announced the formation of a board of directors and a board of advisors. Besides Cooper, the board consists of Teresa Grawunder, Secretary; Mike Serant, Treasurer; LaNell Anderson; Kate Lockard; Jack Mazow, M.D.; Sue Pittman; and Lorraine Wulfe. The board of advisors is composed of Sadie Gwen Blackburn, Andrew Barron, Ph.D., Mark Bowen, Cherrie Carapetyan, Gordon Durnil, Howard Garrett, Terry Hershey, Mary Kelly, Garland Kerr, Jane Laping, Joe Maddox, Ed Parten, Kim Phillips and Anne Sweeny, M.D.

Cooper also announced that the South Texas Chapter of the Southwestern Bell Pioneers are considering a project in conjunction with TAP to distribute “recipe boxes,” that contain recipes for alternatives to chemical insecticides and herbicides to 200 elementary schools throughout the southern half of the state.

All recipes were collected by TAP, and the recipe collection in a box sells for $20 retail, according to Cooper. “The Pioneers are considering funding 200 boxes, one for each school, which the school could then use for lessons and for fund raising.”

For more information about TAP contact nopesticides@hotmail.com.