Spring is finally here! It’s my favorite time of year, despite the unpredictable Massachusetts weather. Spring means greening foliage and blooming flowers. It also means shopping for all things spring -- and the first place I head to is Marshalls, or T.J. Maxx. These stores have great deals and a large selection. As a customer, neighbor (the parent company TJX is headquartered in Massachusetts), and activist I want to be able to say “and its wide collection of safe and non-toxic products” —but I can’t.
We should expect leadership from companies headquartered in Massachusetts, but TJX is falling short. Last year the Mind the Store campaign released its 2018 Retailer Report Card -- TJX got an F for its lack of attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in its stores. As a customer, I am upset that TJX is not doing its part to protect its customers from toxic chemicals lurking on its shelves. As an advocate I am motivated to act. But you don’t need to be an advocate to take action and urge TJX to stop selling products that cause harm to our health and puts our family at risk.
Last year Clean Water Action and 29 other groups asked TJX to phase out toxic chemicals from its store like bisphenols (BPA and BPS) from its receipt paper, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals) and ortho-phthalates in textiles, and to establish a comprehensive safer chemicals policy that will help keep toxic chemicals from its stores. We are asking that other TJX customers join us in asking the company to follow through and protect us from these harmful chemicals that have been linked to asthma, increased risk of cancer, infertility, and obesity. Will you join us in this ask?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could shop for spring worry-free, knowing that our favorite retailers are doing their part to make sure that item you just picked up is non-toxic and won’t harm your health? I for one vote for that kind of shopping experience, wouldn’t you? Let TJX know today; take 30 seconds to send Ernie Herrman CEO of TJX a letter!
Let’s embrace spring and all its (non-toxic) shopping prospects!
