It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the final months of 2021. This is the time of the year when many of us gather with our communities -- whether they are our family, our friends, or our neighbors. This year I am thinking about another community -- the community of Clean Water members and activists -- and how much people like you matter.
With your support, Clean Water Action is making a big impact for our water, health and communities across the country! Check out this roundup of the latest and greatest accomplishments. To support our programs, make a special contribution here. By speaking out together, our voices are heard!
Public awareness of the dangers of PFAS chemicals (polyfluoroalkyl substances) has exploded in recent years. We now know that PFAS contributes to incidence of cancer, preeclampsia, immunosuppression, and more.. It does not break down, ever, and it’s accumulating in our homes, environment, and in our bodies. This stuff is dangerous and it is everywhere! The companies that have been using these chemicals in their products have known the dangers for decades, but kept that hidden from the public. These chemicals are in our bodies, and they can wreak havoc. We did not get a choice about that.
On Tuesday, October 26th the Zero Waste Massachusetts coalition hosted a webinar on incineration in Massachusetts.
Last week the MA Energy Efficiency Advisory Council* voted on the resolution for its 2022-2024 plan. The final resolution reiterates the Council’s priorities, including greenhouse emission reductions, investments in workforce development, and equity. Now, we need the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to prioritize energy and climate justice and vote for an equitable energy efficiency program for our State.
Last year we celebrated as New Jersey passed into law one of the strongest bans on single-use disposables in the country (P.L. 2020, c. 117). We've been counting down the days until the law goes into effect. On November 4, the "straws by request" provision went live. Under these requirements, food service businesses will only offer single-use plastic straws to customers if they specifically request one.
Clean Water Action is also pushing for one or two things: a reduced tax rate for non-single-use products made from virgin resins or clear definitions explaining what products are single-use and which are not. Join Clean Water Action in eliminating the problem at the source.
By: Tiffany Bui, Maryland Intern
As Halloween creeps closer, jack-o-lanterns haunt windows and gourds replace the usual dinner table centerpiece. You have probably already noticed that pumpkins are an autumn aesthetic staple. However, their menacing carved faces are not the scariest things about them. Even though pumpkins die out of style at the end of the season, they scan still haunt the environment and public health from beyond the grave.
Environmental Impact
Connecticut became a national leader when we passed our priority PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) bill this year.
In recent years, bills have been introduced to address polystyrene, plastic flatware, single-use water bottles and other plastic packaging. But, none have succeeded. The most efficient way to comprehensively solve the problem of single-use plastics, then, is with a statewide EPR bill.