7 Paths to Healthier Homes, Families, and Communities

Family on Steps

1. Shop Smart

Because so much food is treated with pesticides, there's always a possibility that pesticide chemical residues remain. To be on the safe side, choose certified organic foods, and wash and peel fruits and vegetables. Reduce consumption of meat, dairy products, and fatty or predatory fish (because pollutants accumulate in fat), and eat low fat versions of these when they are consumed.  Do not put hot foods and plastics together (e.g., don’t microwave in plastic or store hot foods in plastic), because heat increases the likelihood of chemicals leaching from plastics into the food.

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Posted on Feb 23, 2009

Ask Governor Schwarzenegger to be an Action Hero for Chemical Reform

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed two bills into law, revolutionizing the way California deals with toxic chemicals. Rather than just targeting chemicals already known to be harmful to human health, the state will now evaluate over 80,000 chemicals in commerce and control toxic chemicals at the manufacturing level, before they reach consumers.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that chemical industry lobbyists historically have used their power and influence to delay or sidetrack any action before even one chemical has been identified or taken off the shelves. It will take continued leadership from Governor Schwarzenegger to protect the health and environment from toxic chemicals.

Schwarzenegger Action Hero for Chemical Reform



Please sign the petition (Read the full petition in the box below):

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The Petition

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

Congratulations. By signing measures AB1879 and SB509 and passing the Green Chemistry Initiative you are shining a spotlight on the need to overhaul the way California addresses toxic chemicals.  It is critical that government prevent human exposure to dangerous toxic chemicals through every day products and the work environment, rather than wait for evidence of harm before taking action. Now is the time for your leadership.

It is known that many chemicals contribute to diseases that touch nearly every American family:  cancer, childhood asthma, male birth defects, autism, and learning disabilities.

Your leadership will ensure that California stays ahead of the curve by getting toxic chemicals out of products, rewarding innovations that replace dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives and creating new jobs and a greener economy.

Don't let California’s new laws get bogged down in endless meetings and debates with chemical industry lobbyists, who will seek to delay or sidetrack any action before even one chemical is identified or taken off any shelves.  Lists of known chemicals of concern have already been developed. Beginning with those lists, we can quickly take action to protect public health and the environment immediately.

No one knows better than you that leadership takes action.   But action means more than your signature on bills establishing a process for reform.  We need you to be an action hero for real chemical reform.

Sincerely,

name,
city, state
email address

Posted on Dec 16, 2008