I love learning new things every day because it allows me to make better choices and better informs my future decisions. Derek Bok, the former president of Harvard University, once said “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Living with a lack of knowledge is an expensive way to live, and unfortunately not all of us have the resources to educate ourselves in all matters, even those that affect us personally.
For example, illness comes with a hefty price; healthcare costs alone can be an incredibly difficult responsibility, and when in combination with other stressors like a lack of resources or a limited amount of sick days, it can be too much to handle. Unfortunately we’re often not given the knowledge and tools we need to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals. Not knowing which harmful chemicals we are exposed to everyday affects our health, our ability to stop their negative impacts, and our ability to help others do the same. Some chemicals in every day products are hormone disruptors, cause cancer, asthma or learning disabilities, or affect our reproductive system.
One of the first things I learned when I started working for Clean Water Action last December was that the personal care products I use every day are putting me in harm’s way with their toxic chemicals! My first thought was, "how could I not have known this?” I was surprised and upset all at once; “how is it that this isn't in the media, or in schools?” This realization made me appreciate the journey I was embarking on and the work I was going do even more.
At Clean Water Action I am part of the Massachusetts “toxics team” which works with the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow coalition. The team has made some great strides! Just last week the team met to continue brainstorming ways we could advance our efforts in the world of toxics with a focus on issues like flame retardants. Being a part of the movement for a more just and healthy city, state and nation is humbling and I can't wait to see where all of our efforts lead. Stay tuned for more updates on the toxics movement, there’s a lot to come!
