These days, you may find yourself spending more hours in and around your home due to COVID-19. While home, we can take some small steps now to reduce our exposure to environmental toxins to stay healthy and prep our homes for the winter months.
On August 6th, we co-released a report in conjunction with the Mind the Store campaign titled “Packaged in Pollution.” The report found that PFAS chemicals are used in food packaging and food service ware to repel grease and liquids so food wrappers for burgers, fries, sandwiches and molded fiber plates and bowls are likely culprits.
Mounting evidence shows that pesticide contamination has harmful effects in humans, pets, wildlife, birds, bees, and other beneficial insects. This summer, avoid pesticide use on lawns. Pesticides are not needed for a healthy, attractive lawn. Instead, take an organic approach to lawn care and accept that variety in a lawn is good.
Today we endorsed Joe Biden for President. Why? Because he has bold plans to address the climate crisis and environmental racism, to protect our water, and to reverse the damage done by President Trump.
Next time you reach for the bottle of "pure" water, think twice as popular brands may be selling you water contaminated with microplastics and toxic chemicals from their plastic packaging.
Kim Gaddy, Clean Water Action's Environmental Justice Organizer, testified before the NJ Assembly Environment Committee on Monday July 20, 2020 in support of NJ's Environmental Justice legislation (S232 / A2212). If you live in New Jersey, please contact your legislators to urge them to pass the most protective cumulative impacts bill in the nation.
Good afternoon,
In states across the country, Clean Water Action is tackling the PFAS pollution problem. PFAS (per- and polyflyoroalkyl substances) is known as the "forever chemical" because it persists in the environment and in our bodies. It is associated with a range of health harms from cancers to liver impacts to reproductive issues. PFAS can impact communities in a variety of ways so we will be share updates from spots across the country in the coming weeks to highlight some of these local impacts. Stay tuned and let us know if you'd like to get involved locally!
As a rising sophomore in college and major in environmental science, the reality of climate change is a huge part of my world. When I learned through my internship at Clean Water Action about Frederick County’s proposed Climate Emergency Resolution, I felt compelled to further educate myself. Upon viewing the Frederick County Council’s meeting on June 23rd, 2020 the workshop on June 30th, and the public hearing on July 14th, I was feeling very inspired and proud of my community.
This year, as our Baltimore office is closed and we're all working from home, our internship program looks a little different! We're working with 11 interns, including high school, college, and graduate students, to expand our research base and work on septic and sewer systems, drinking water protections, Superfund sites, trash incineration, and more. Get to know them here, and keep an eye out for more important work from them over the summer!
Mariana Silva, Environmental Engineering / Theology, University of Notre Dame