The Man Fighting for Non-Toxic Neighborhoods

The Man Fighting for Non-Toxic Neighborhoods

Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Dr. Zach Bush is a triple board-certified physician with expertise in internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care. However, his work extends far beyond the realm of traditional medicine.

Driven by a belief in the interconnectedness of life on our planet, Dr. Zach Bush has dedicated his career to educating others about the detrimental effects of toxic chemicals and environmental pollution.

At the heart of Dr. Zach Bush's mission is Non-Toxic Neighborhoods. a non-profit organization on a mission to make every park, athletic field, and school free of harmful chemicals, synthetic pesticides, and other pollutants through education, public policy, and regenerative land management solutions.

The Non-Toxic Neighborhood Movement

So how does the the Non-Toxic Neighborhoods movement work?

First, advocates build relationships with towns and municipalities, supporting city staff, landscape architects and landscape designers, and school administrators with the tools and training needed to transition away from the use of synthetic pesticides and instead towards organic and regenerative management practices.

Those questioning the impact of synthetic pesticides should reference Dr. Zach Bush's work, which has revealed the profound impact that environmental toxins can have on human health.

From respiratory problems to hormonal imbalances, exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked to a range of ailments and chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

At the forefront of these studies is a chemical known as glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in popular weed killer products such as RoundUp.

Such chemicals are among the most widely used weed killers worldwide, and are used on a large majority of farms, schools, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, home gardens and lawns in the United States.

Core to the mission of the Non-Toxic Neighborhood movement is human health — more specifically, a focus on regenerating and supporting the human microbiome.

The microbiome refers to the trillions of microbes that inhabit our bodies, playing a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Dr. Zach Bush's research indicates that exposure to toxic chemicals such as glyphosate disrupts this delicate balance, leading to a cascade of health issues.

To date, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods has partnered with over 200 cities, counties, school districts, and universities across the United States, with no single community having resumed the use of synthetic pesticides since intervention.

By implementing regenerative practices such as organic farming, reducing chemical usage, and prioritizing clean air and water, individuals can heal their microbiomes and improve their health.