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California is known as a leader in regulating toxic chemicals in products to protect public health and prevent pollution. The end of the year is a great time to review the opportunities and challenges faced by Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund’s Toxics Program in 2025 and how we met them. There were some grave disappointments, but those only provide fuel for future victories.

They’re in stain resistant carpets and clothing, cookware, some cosmetics, outdoor gear, and even dental floss. You may know them as Teflon®, or Scotchguard®. You have them in your body and they’ve been detected in 455 California drinking water sources thus far. I’m talking about a class of fluorinated chemicals, called PFAS, and they threaten California’s water and its people. Why haven’t we done more about them? PFAS are a family of approximately 4,700 human-made chemicals that are incredibly effective at combating oil fires as well as repelling grease, water, and stains. Original PFAS

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