Current Actions

• Halt Michigan’s growing electric-vehicle industry? No thanks!

  Michigan Reps. Mike Shirkey and Wayne Schmidt, recently introduced bills targeting electric vehicles and hybrids for increased registration fees. Their rationale is that because these vehicles use less gasoline, their owners are paying less in gas taxes and therefore not paying their fair share toward road maintenance. But this rationale is bogus, especially as it pertains to electric vehicles, which are already generating more than their fair share of taxes.

  Last year, when we first started hearing rumors about legislation targeting electric vehicles, the Built By Michigan coalition studied this issue and found that electric vehicles contribute more gross revenue and more revenue per mile for state coffers than traditional vehicles, primarily because of their relatively higher price generates more sales taxes and registration fees. So the argument that electric vehicles receive a “free ride” shouldn’t get any traction.

  Now is not the time to stall out on our race to the future. Please send a message to your legislator and members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to vote “No” on these bills that put the brakes on Michigan.

• Halt Michigan’s growing electric-vehicle industry? No thanks!

  Michigan Reps. Mike Shirkey and Wayne Schmidt, recently introduced bills targeting electric vehicles and hybrids for increased registration fees. Their rationale is that because these vehicles use less gasoline, their owners are paying less in gas taxes and therefore not paying their fair share toward road maintenance. But this rationale is bogus, especially as it pertains to electric vehicles, which are already generating more than their fair share of taxes.

  Last year, when we first started hearing rumors about legislation targeting electric vehicles, the Built By Michigan coalition studied this issue and found that electric vehicles contribute more gross revenue and more revenue per mile for state coffers than traditional vehicles, primarily because of their relatively higher price generates more sales taxes and registration fees. So the argument that electric vehicles receive a “free ride” shouldn’t get any traction.

  Now is not the time to stall out on our race to the future. Please send a message to your legislator and members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to vote “No” on these bills that put the brakes on Michigan.

• Time for a Sustainable Clean Energy Plan for DTE

  Tell Detroit Edison (DTE) to move away from using dirty coal and commit to a Sustainable Clean Energy Plan that will set Michigan on a path to cleaner air and water. By signing the petition to DTE now, you can help put a stop to negative health impacts from coal pollution and ensure a better environment for future generations.

• Ask Governor Snyder, WTFlame Retardant? Protect our Families!

  Even health conscious consumers like us, are easily fooled by companies, like Graco, using toxic chemicals. Check out our most recent blog to learn why we're saying, WTFlame Retardant, Graco?!
  
  We are launching a campaign to urge Governor Snyder to help families protect their children from toxic chemicals. We need you to help us remind Governor Snyder of his stated commitments, he said it perfectly:
  
  Spearhead Efforts to Protect Children’s Health
  "Michigan needs to be proactive in safeguarding our children and families against preventable diseases caused by toxic chemicals in toys, household products, and various environmental hazards. “Green Chemistry” programs designed to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazardous substances should be supported to safeguard our citizens and develop alternative products that can be manufactured, marketed, and sold by Michigan companies. The state should lead by example by reviewing its business practices to reduce pollution and unnecessary waste. Michigan’s website should report risk assessments, provide information regarding potential hazards, and educate citizens about recommended alternatives that will best protect their families and neighbors.”
          - Governor Rick Snyder, Environmental White Paper, 2010
   
  Here’s what we’re asking for:
  •    Create a publicly accessible list of chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage companies to disclose their usage of the chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage the phase out of chemicals of greatest concern by replacing them with safer alternatives
  
  As you can see, our goals dovetail nicely with Governor Snyder’s stated commitment. We cannot stand by idly as companies continue to dump toxic chemicals into their products. Our children’s health deserves to be protected. Please join us in urging Governor Snyder to fulfill his commitment. Sign the petition today.

• Ask Governor Snyder, WTFlame Retardant? Protect our Families!

  Even health conscious consumers like us, are easily fooled by companies, like Graco, using toxic chemicals. Check out our most recent blog to learn why we're saying, WTFlame Retardant, Graco?!
  
  We are launching a campaign to urge Governor Snyder to help families protect their children from toxic chemicals. We need you to help us remind Governor Snyder of his stated commitments, he said it perfectly:
  
  Spearhead Efforts to Protect Children’s Health
  
  "Michigan needs to be proactive in safeguarding our children and families against preventable diseases caused by toxic chemicals in toys, household products, and various environmental hazards. “Green Chemistry” programs designed to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazardous substances should be supported to safeguard our citizens and develop alternative products that can be manufactured, marketed, and sold by Michigan companies. The state should lead by example by reviewing its business practices to reduce pollution and unnecessary waste. Michigan’s website should report risk assessments, provide information regarding potential hazards, and educate citizens about recommended alternatives that will best protect their families and neighbors.”
          - Governor Rick Snyder, Environmental White Paper, 2010
   
  Here’s what we’re asking for:
  •    Create a publicly accessible list of chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage companies to disclose their usage of the chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage the phase out of chemicals of greatest concern by replacing them with safer alternatives
  
  As you can see, our goals dovetail nicely with Governor Snyder’s stated commitment. We cannot stand by idly as companies continue to dump toxic chemicals into their products. Our children’s health deserves to be protected. Please join us in urging Governor Snyder to fulfill his commitment. Sign the petition today.

• Ask Governor Snyder, WTFlame Retardant? Protect our Families!

  Even health conscious consumers like us, are easily fooled by companies, like Graco, using toxic chemicals. Check out our most recent blog to learn why we're saying, WTFlame Retardant, Graco?!
  
  We are launching a campaign to urge Governor Snyder to help families protect their children from toxic chemicals. We need you to help us remind Governor Snyder of his stated commitments, he said it perfectly:
  
  Spearhead Efforts to Protect Children’s Health

  
  "Michigan needs to be proactive in safeguarding our children and families against preventable diseases caused by toxic chemicals in toys, household products, and various environmental hazards. “Green Chemistry” programs designed to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazardous substances should be supported to safeguard our citizens and develop alternative products that can be manufactured, marketed, and sold by Michigan companies. The state should lead by example by reviewing its business practices to reduce pollution and unnecessary waste. Michigan’s website should report risk assessments, provide information regarding potential hazards, and educate citizens about recommended alternatives that will best protect their families and neighbors.”
          - Governor Rick Snyder, Environmental White Paper, 2010
   
  Here’s what we’re asking for:
  •    Create a publicly accessible list of chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage companies to disclose their usage of the chemicals of greatest concern
  •    Encourage the phase out of chemicals of greatest concern by replacing them with safer alternatives
  
  As you can see, our goals dovetail nicely with Governor Snyder’s stated commitment. We cannot stand by idly as companies continue to dump toxic chemicals into their products. Our children’s health deserves to be protected. Please join us in urging Governor Snyder to fulfill his commitment. Sign the petition today.

• TAKE ACTION:

  

  Tell the nation's top ten retailers to get tough on toxic chemicals in consumer products!

  
  
  Join us in asking the big ten retailers to get tough on the Hazardous 100⁺toxic chemicals! Together we can really start to move the marketplace towards safer chemicals. By adding your name below, we'll send a copy of your personal message to all ten stores.
  
  Read more about the campaign here.
  
  
  
  

• TAKE ACTION:

  

  Tell the nation's top ten retailers to get tough on toxic chemicals in consumer products!

  
  
  Join us in asking the big ten retailers to get tough on the Hazardous 100⁺toxic chemicals! Together we can really start to move the marketplace towards safer chemicals. By adding your name below, we'll send a copy of your personal message to all ten stores.
  
  Read more about the campaign here.

• TAKE ACTION:

  

  Tell the nation's top ten retailers to get tough on toxic chemicals in consumer products!

  
  
  Join us in asking the big ten retailers to get tough on the Hazardous 100⁺toxic chemicals! Together we can really start to move the marketplace towards safer chemicals. By adding your name below, we'll send a copy of your personal message to all ten stores.
  
  Read more about the campaign here.

• 2013 Safe Chemicals Act Introduced!

  Chemical exposures have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, and early puberty…don’t you agree it’s about time we bring toxic chemicals to a halt?
   
  Help get our Senators on board with the Safe Chemicals Act!
   
  Every day we hear about different toxic chemicals that are lurking in our consumer products: toxic plastic, carcinogens in our couches, the list goes on. The good news is there is a proposed law called the Safe Chemicals Act, which would simply require chemical manufacturers to prove that their chemicals are safe before they enter the market.
   
  Your Senators are key in ensuring this legislation passes - join us now and send an email asking your Senators to co-sponsor this important bill today! Your voice is crucial in this fight to protect our health from toxic chemicals.

• 2013 Safe Chemicals Act Introduced!

  Chemical exposures have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, and early puberty…don’t you agree it’s about time we bring toxic chemicals to a halt?
   
  Help get our Senators on board with the Safe Chemicals Act!
   
  Every day we hear about different toxic chemicals that are lurking in our consumer products: toxic plastic, carcinogens in our couches, the list goes on. The good news is there is a proposed law called the Safe Chemicals Act, which would simply require chemical manufacturers to prove that their chemicals are safe before they enter the market.
   
  Your Senators are key in ensuring this legislation passes - join us now and send an email asking your Senators to co-sponsor this important bill today! Your voice is crucial in this fight to protect our health from toxic chemicals.

• 2013 Safe Chemicals Act Introduced!

  Chemical exposures have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, and early puberty…don’t you agree it’s about time we bring toxic chemicals to a halt?
   
  Help get our Senators on board with the Safe Chemicals Act!
   
  Every day we hear about different toxic chemicals that are lurking in our consumer products: toxic plastic, carcinogens in our couches, the list goes on. The good news is there is a proposed law called the Safe Chemicals Act, which would simply require chemical manufacturers to prove that their chemicals are safe before they enter the market.
   
  Your Senators are key in ensuring this legislation passes - join us now and send an email asking your Senators to co-sponsor this important bill today! Your voice is crucial in this fight to protect our health from toxic chemicals.

• Keystone XL Pipeline

  33-second YouTube clip: Arkansas man drives through his neighborhood where the lawn is oozing oil

  The State Department's official public comment period on Keystone is now open.  This is a crucial opportunity for folks in every state to flood the State Department with comments about an issue that affects all of us.  You can use the form below to add your voice to those across the nation that are asking the State Department to “Stop Keystone XL!”

  
  For more information or to read the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), click here.

  Here are talking points for you to include in your message as you see fit. Feel free to copy and paste into the form below. We'll deliver your message directly and immediately to the the State Department.

  The pipeline would also threaten Midwestern communities' fragile aquifers and increase air pollution from refineries on the Gulf Coast. This is something our communities have had direct experience with since the Kalamazoo oil spill caused by Enbridge in 2010.
  

  The draft SEIS ignores the pipeline's significant risk for toxic spills, ignores its catastrophic impacts on our climate, and ignores the clear consensus among financial analysts and oil executives who agree Keystone XL will make the difference in tar sands development.

  Keystone XL will contribute dramatically to climate change. The State Department confirmed that tar sands fuel is up to 19% more greenhouse gas intensive than conventional fuel, and the tar sands industry admits that Keystone XL will lead to more tar sands production.

  Contrary to claims made by supporters of the pipeline, the pipeline could end as many jobs as it creates with toxic spills in farmland or water resources.

  Building a new pipeline now will lock us in to higher carbon emissions when we should be rapidly investing in renewable energy that cannot be exported and will provide a secure energy future.

  
  

• The Toxic-Free Kids & Families Act Heads to the Senate!

  The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (ESHB 1294) passed out of the state House of Representatives with a vote of 53-44! The House has spoken—when it comes to toxic flame retardants contaminating our homes, our waterways, and our families, enough is enough!
  
  Now we’re on to the Senate, where the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act died in committee two weeks ago after the bill failed to come up for a vote before a crucial deadline.
  

  Please email your Senator and ask him or her to prioritize protecting families and the environment from unnecessary harmful flame retardants. There are safer, more effective alternatives that can be used to ensure fire safety.

• I <3 transit!

  Support urban core transit for Washtenaw County!

  Local elected officials are working on a plan for urban core transit right now. We need your help to make sure that plan is as robust and effective for our community as possible. A solid and efficient transit system is important to folks who rely on public transportation to get around, and it helps everybody by reducing congestion and carbon emissions from personal vehicles. Better transit will also reduce the need to build and maintain more costly parking structures in downtown areas.

  More than two-thirds of people living in Washtenaw County – more than 220,000 people --  live in the cities of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti or Saline or nearby Pittsfield, Ypsilanti and Scio Townships. These communities make up what planners refer to as the “urban core” of our county. 

  Please sign the petition below to make sure your elected officials know how important transit is to you! And once you sign the petition below, please use the "share" options to engage your friends, family and neighbors in Washtenaw County.

• Fire Safety without Toxic Flame Retardants!

  Thanks to a recent report, Naptime Nightmares: Toxic Flame Retardants in Child Care Nap Mats, I discovered that, my baby Zachary's sleeping mats contain toxic flame retardants. Check out the blog on this toxic discovery. Halogenated flame retardants, like the ones in Zachary’s mats, have been associated with cancer, reproductive health problems, obesity, and learning disabilities. They do not belong in products designed for babies or children, especially because recent studies have demonstrated that these toxic flame retardants do not offer any fire safety benefit.  
  
  We can keep our children safe from fire without toxic flame retardant chemicals. 
  
  Earlier this month, California proposed to change an obscure rule that for decades has resulted in our ongoing exposure to hazardous chemicals in our homes and workplaces. If the proposed changes are finalized, this would be a huge victory for public health. California has officially opened up public comment for revising TB 117 -- the 12-second small open flame test on bare furniture foam that does not protect us from fires, but has led to toxic and untested chemicals in our homes, workplaces, and global environment. We have until March 26th to drum up public support for the new proposal, called TB 117-2013, which calls for improved fire safety without relying on toxic chemicals.

  Please join us in taking action by submitting your comment in support of the new standard in California that would have wide impacts on the rest of the country.

• Fire Safety without Toxic Flame Retardants!

  Thanks to a recent report, Naptime Nightmares: Toxic Flame Retardants in Child Care Nap Mats, I discovered that, my baby Zachary's sleeping mats contain toxic flame retardants. Check out the blog on this toxic discovery. Halogenated flame retardants, like the ones in Zachary’s mats, have been associated with cancer, reproductive health problems, obesity, and learning disabilities. They do not belong in products designed for babies or children, especially because recent studies have demonstrated that these toxic flame retardants do not offer any fire safety benefit.  
  
  We can keep our children safe from fire without toxic flame retardant chemicals. 
  
  Earlier this month, California proposed to change an obscure rule that for decades has resulted in our ongoing exposure to hazardous chemicals in our homes and workplaces. If the proposed changes are finalized, this would be a huge victory for public health. California has officially opened up public comment for revising TB 117 -- the 12-second small open flame test on bare furniture foam that does not protect us from fires, but has led to toxic and untested chemicals in our homes, workplaces, and global environment. We have until March 26th to drum up public support for the new proposal, called TB 117-2013, which calls for improved fire safety without relying on toxic chemicals.

  Please join us in taking action by submitting your comment in support of the new standard in California that would have wide impacts on the rest of the country.

• Fire Safety without Toxic Flame Retardants!

  Thanks to a recent report, Naptime Nightmares: Toxic Flame Retardants in Child Care Nap Mats, I discovered that, my baby Zachary's sleeping mats contain toxic flame retardants. Check out the blog on this toxic discovery. Halogenated flame retardants, like the ones in Zachary’s mats, have been associated with cancer, reproductive health problems, obesity, and learning disabilities. They do not belong in products designed for babies or children, especially because recent studies have demonstrated that these toxic flame retardants do not offer any fire safety benefit.  
  
  We can keep our children safe from fire without toxic flame retardant chemicals. 
  
  Earlier this month, California proposed to change an obscure rule that for decades has resulted in our ongoing exposure to hazardous chemicals in our homes and workplaces. If the proposed changes are finalized, this would be a huge victory for public health. California has officially opened up public comment for revising TB 117 -- the 12-second small open flame test on bare furniture foam that does not protect us from fires, but has led to toxic and untested chemicals in our homes, workplaces, and global environment. We have until March 26th to drum up public support for the new proposal, called TB 117-2013, which calls for improved fire safety without relying on toxic chemicals.

  Please join us in taking action by submitting your comment in support of the new standard in California that would have wide impacts on the rest of the country.

• TIAA-CREF: Offer socially responsible fossil-free investment options
  

  Every year, the fossil fuel industry spends millions of dollars to corrupt our democracy and maintain a stranglehold over our economy. Three simple numbers make it clear why. If we’re going to limit warming to 3.6°F, the conservative scientific estimate for our target to avoid catastrophic events, then we can only burn 565 gigatons more of carbon dioxide.** But the fossil fuel industry has 2,765 gigatons of carbon in their reserves – nearly five times the safe amount – and every day they’re searching for more.
  
  We need to make it clear to fossil fuel companies that this is unacceptable! This is why we are asking TIAA-CREF (the company that offers University of Michigan and City of Ann Arbor retirement options) to offer socially responsible fossil free options. Please join us using the form below.
  

  **For more information on the numbers, check out Bill McKibben's Rolling Stone essay, Global Warming's Terrifying New Math.
  
  
  
  

• Banned from pajamas, but safe for sofas?

  In 1977, Congress banned the toxic chemical, chlorinated Tris from children's pajamas. A recent study found that now it's being used in our furniture. 85% of U.S. couches tested contained toxic or untested chemicals linked to neurological, reproductive, and hormonal health effects and cancer. 

  Americans shouldn't worry if their sofas are safe. Our federal regulations for the chemical industry are broken, and it's time that we fix them. 

  Tell the Senate to bring the Safe Chemicals Act up for a vote.
  
  

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• Banned from pajamas, but safe for sofas?

  In 1977, Congress banned the toxic chemical, chlorinated Tris from children's pajamas. A recent study found that now it's being used in our furniture. 85% of U.S. couches tested contained toxic or untested chemicals linked to neurological, reproductive, and hormonal health effects and cancer. 

  Americans shouldn't worry if their sofas are safe. Our federal regulations for the chemical industry are broken, and it's time that we fix them. 

  Tell the Senate to bring the Safe Chemicals Act up for a vote.
  
  

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• Because we all know someone touched by cancer

  We all know someone touched by breast cancer.  We can decrease the risk of breast cancer for ourselves and for our loved ones by insisting on greater protection from known cancer-causing chemicals.

  Our federal regulations for the chemical industry are broken, and it's time that we fix them. 

  Tell the Senate to bring the Safe Chemicals Act up for a vote.
  
  

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• More bad news for toxic flame retardants

  It's time to stop the toxic whack-a-mole! Tell the Senate to bring the Safe Chemicals Act up for a vote.
  

  PBBs, PCBs, PBDEs, TCPP, how many toxic flame retardants do we need to address before we can fix our broken chemicals law and prohibit toxic chemicals from being used in our products in the first place?
  

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• E-Waste: How bad is the problem? What can YOU do about it?

  Take this quiz to assess how much you know about the lifecycle of your cell phone. Then, scroll down further and take action for better e-waste policies!

  
  
  

  
  
  Now, tell Congress to pass the Safe Chemicals Act!

  Mobile phones are yet another product sector that would benefit from stronger chemicals policy regulation. The Safe Chemicals Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the tools it needs to keep hazardous chemicals out of our products. Unlike the current, obsolete Toxic Substances Control Act, the Safe Chemicals Act requires the chemical industry to develop and provide information about the health and environmental safety of their chemicals for them to enter or remain on the market. What's more, it requires immediate action on the worst chemicals. That means the EPA would have to immediately reduce exposure to persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals like lead, mercury and flame retardants. 

  By now, you've heard that the Safe Chemicals Act passed committe vote in the Senate. Now, we're hoping to get it to the Senate floor this fall!

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  
  
  

• It's finally happening

  Let's tell our Senators that we support the Safe Chemicals Act and we are watching!

  

  Moments like this don't come along very often, and we need your help. The Safe Chemicals Act was voted out of committee on July 25th!  
  

  We need you to tell your Senators that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching as the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• Tell County Commission: support public transit

  After years of discussions and months of negotiation, we finally have a four-party agreement among Washtenaw County, the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority on a regional transportation plan.
  
  The regional plan is great news for all of our communities and our region, a systemic way to support our economy, reduce congestion and enhance health all around, not just for the people who use public transportation but for everyone. Current plans are to present the proposal to voters across the county early next year, giving us a chance to vote it up or down.
  
  But now the Washtenaw County Commissioners are noodling about whether they should revisit the agreement and consider changes to it at their meeting Wednesday, Aug. 1.
  
  The four-party agreement has been carefully drafted and negotiated for a long time. If the county commission amends it now, it will have to be revisited by the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti city councils, which will just delay the process. Instead, they should approve the agreement as is, and move forward to allow the citizens to vote on the transit expansion.

• We are the 74% and we are watching!

  Let's tell our Senators that we support the Safe Chemicals Act and we are watching!

  

  New polling data shows that 74% of voters in Michigan support chemicals policy reform. Furthermore, two-thirds of us believe we should have stricter regulations on the chemicals that go into our everyday products.  
  

  We need you to tell Senators Stabenow and Levin that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching when the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.

• We are the 74% and we are watching!

  Let's tell our Senators that we support the Safe Chemicals Act and we are watching!

  

  New polling data shows that 74% of voters in Michigan support chemicals policy reform. Furthermore, two-thirds of us believe we should have stricter regulations on the chemicals that go into our everyday products.  
  

  We need you to tell Senators Stabenow and Levin that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching when the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• We are the 74% and we are watching!

  Let's tell our Senators that we support the Safe Chemicals Act and we are watching!

  

  New polling data shows that 74% of voters in Michigan support chemicals policy reform. Furthermore, two-thirds of us believe we should have stricter regulations on the chemicals that go into our everyday products.  
  

  We need you to tell Senators Stabenow and Levin that you support the Safe Chemicals Act and you will be watching when the bill comes up for a vote on the Senate floor.
  

• Good news from Graco! Write to their CEO today...

  Over the last few months, nearly 4,000 parents signed a petition started by Sara Snow (green lifestyle expert, author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living and Healthy Child, Healthy World Parent Ambassador; pictured here) asking Graco to eliminate its use of hazardous flame retardants in their children’s products. HealthyStuff.org has been working with Sara and Healthy Child, Healthy World to find our what Graco's policy is for flame retardants in their products.

  Good news! Graco, the nation’s largest children’s products manufacturers, has eliminated the use of some toxic flame retardants in all their products. The chemical Tris, which is a cancer-causing chemical, as well as two related Tris chemicals and Firemaster 550 are no longer used in Graco’s foam.

  
  This is a huge victory for children’s health and we applaud Graco’s leadership in this area.
  

  Please use the form below to thank Graco as well as challenge the company to take additional steps. Encourage Graco to become an industry leader by making healthier and safer products that no longer contain any hazardous flame retardants. In particular, by implementing a system to assure that safer chemical or non-chemical alternatives are being used now and in the future.  

  
  
  

  Sign and share a note of congratulations to Graco CEO Kristie Juster. We've provided some language, but using your own words is always so much more effective so feel free to edit the message.

• Safe Chemicals Act is anything but extreme

  By Polly Schlaff
  
  In August 2006, I returned from a trip to the grocery store to find my husband, Doug, sitting on the couch, staring at the carpeting.
  
  “I don’t feel good,” he managed.
  
  Doug was a college athlete and a runner, not one to whimper over discomfort. Alarmed, I abandoned the grocery bags at the door, and neared the couch.  As Doug lifted his face, I felt the flesh melt from my body.  His skin was the color of cement. 
  
  After a long night in the E.R. followed by surgery to repair a mysterious hole in his stomach, we learned the bitter truth.  Doug had cancer, to be specific, Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare disease with no known genetic link. The next two and a half years were a period of extreme suffering and upheaval for my husband and our young family.  In the end, Doug died at the age of 35.
  
  Extreme.
  
  Last week, Cal Dooley, president of the chemical industry’s trade association, criticized the Safe Chemicals Act, a bill that would increase the safety of chemicals in our consumer products, homes and environment as, “extreme.”  
  
  Extreme? I call it common sense.
  
  The Safe Chemicals Act would increase chemical safety and protect the American public from routine exposure to toxic chemicals. This act is long overdue. Since the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1976, some 80,000 chemicals have been manufactured and produced in the U.S., the EPA has required testing on 200 for their effects on human health, and only a mere five have been restricted. 
  
  The President’s Cancer Panel, a leading panel of cancer researchers appointed by George W. Bush, criticized our current law, concluding that “the chemical industry operates virtually unfettered by regulation or accountability for harm caused by its products.”  In the same report, the panel concluded that environmental cancers had been grossly underestimated.
  
  In 2004, I took my son Drew to a urologist to discuss surgery for a birth defect.  After explaining the procedure, the surgeon said, “You know, I hate to tell mothers this, but something you were exposed to during your pregnancy caused this.”  Drew is an identical twin, but his brother, being slightly heavier, received a smaller dose of the unknown toxin and remained unscathed.
  
  Later I would learn that more than 200 chemicals circulate through human blood at any given time including before birth.  These same chemicals are passed to children through their mother’s breast milk.  Among these are environmental estrogens, a group of chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormonal system causing infertility, cancer, the early onset of puberty, and urological birth defects like Drew’s.  
  
  Extreme?
  
  Memorial Day 2009, six months after Doug’s death, my sister’s 33 year old husband became dizzy and confused while crossing the street.  A colleague insisted he go to the hospital.  There, he was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer.  
  
  As I watched my sister, pregnant with her second child, struggle through the challenges of motherhood and a major medical crisis, I learned how woefully unprepared we are to protect our families from known and suspected carcinogens.  
  
  Due to proprietary laws, chemical companies are not required to disclose the untested ingredients in their products.  No reliable safety information exists for consumers.
  
  Extreme?
  
  Last month, a group of citizens from more than 30 states gathered in Washington D.C. for a National Stroller Brigade to deliver more than 130,000 petition signatures in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.  I was there with Doug’s mother and my three sons. The group consisted of nurses, pediatricians, teachers, steel workers and parents with young children - all united in the common cause of protecting the health of Americans.
  
  Are moms, nurses, teachers and pediatricians extreme?
  
  Later, Dooley complained that the act we supported would be expensive and difficult to implement for the chemical industry.  He predicted the bill would “stifle chemical innovation,” yet legislation similar to the Safe Chemicals Act has been in place in Europe since 2007.  In fact, many American companies make two versions of their products, the traditional version for the U.S. and a safer version for Europe.  
  
  Moreover, while lobbyists for the chemical industry spend millions to block regulation, the Safe Chemicals Act enjoys positive public opinion among voters on both sides of the aisle.
  
  Americans should not have to wait for the protections enjoyed by the citizens of other countries. We must demand that the products that permeate our communities, our homes and inevitably our bodies are safe.  In light of our health and the wellness of our loved ones, the stakes are high.  
  
  In fact, they are extreme.
  
  Please join me in taking action to support the Safe Chemicals Act.

• Send a Postcard to Your State Candidates

  Please urge your State House candidates to support the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform.
  
  Candidates who support the platform are demonstrating their committment to protect children from toxic chemical exposure.
  
  Here's the postcard that will be sent to your State House Candidates

  Dear Candidate, Every day children are exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals like lead and cadmium, sometimes even through their toys. I want you to know that I support the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform, which calls for four commonsense, consumer protection steps: • Identify the most hazardous chemicals in children's products. • Provide consumers with the right to know about toxic chemicals in kid's toys. • Phase-out the most harmful chemicals to which children are exposed. • Foster Michigan-based job growth through Green Chemistry. I would like you to sign on to the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform and make this a priority in your campaign and subsequent public service. As a potential constituent, this is an important issue to me. Thank you. Name Address City, MI Zip Code

• Safe Chemicals Act is anything but extreme

  By Polly Schlaff
  
  In August 2006, I returned from a trip to the grocery store to find my husband, Doug, sitting on the couch, staring at the carpeting.
  
  “I don’t feel good,” he managed.
  
  Doug was a college athlete and a runner, not one to whimper over discomfort. Alarmed, I abandoned the grocery bags at the door, and neared the couch.  As Doug lifted his face, I felt the flesh melt from my body.  His skin was the color of cement. 
  
  After a long night in the E.R. followed by surgery to repair a mysterious hole in his stomach, we learned the bitter truth.  Doug had cancer, to be specific, Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare disease with no known genetic link. The next two and a half years were a period of extreme suffering and upheaval for my husband and our young family.  In the end, Doug died at the age of 35.
  
  Extreme.
  
  Last week, Cal Dooley, president of the chemical industry’s trade association, criticized the Safe Chemicals Act, a bill that would increase the safety of chemicals in our consumer products, homes and environment as, “extreme.”  
  
  Extreme? I call it common sense.
  
  The Safe Chemicals Act would increase chemical safety and protect the American public from routine exposure to toxic chemicals. This act is long overdue. Since the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1976, some 80,000 chemicals have been manufactured and produced in the U.S., the EPA has required testing on 200 for their effects on human health, and only a mere five have been restricted. 
  
  The President’s Cancer Panel, a leading panel of cancer researchers appointed by George W. Bush, criticized our current law, concluding that “the chemical industry operates virtually unfettered by regulation or accountability for harm caused by its products.”  In the same report, the panel concluded that environmental cancers had been grossly underestimated.
  
  In 2004, I took my son Drew to a urologist to discuss surgery for a birth defect.  After explaining the procedure, the surgeon said, “You know, I hate to tell mothers this, but something you were exposed to during your pregnancy caused this.”  Drew is an identical twin, but his brother, being slightly heavier, received a smaller dose of the unknown toxin and remained unscathed.
  
  Later I would learn that more than 200 chemicals circulate through human blood at any given time including before birth.  These same chemicals are passed to children through their mother’s breast milk.  Among these are environmental estrogens, a group of chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormonal system causing infertility, cancer, the early onset of puberty, and urological birth defects like Drew’s.  
  
  Extreme?
  
  Memorial Day 2009, six months after Doug’s death, my sister’s 33 year old husband became dizzy and confused while crossing the street.  A colleague insisted he go to the hospital.  There, he was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer.  
  
  As I watched my sister, pregnant with her second child, struggle through the challenges of motherhood and a major medical crisis, I learned how woefully unprepared we are to protect our families from known and suspected carcinogens.  
  
  Due to proprietary laws, chemical companies are not required to disclose the untested ingredients in their products.  No reliable safety information exists for consumers.
  
  Extreme?
  
  Last month, a group of citizens from more than 30 states gathered in Washington D.C. for a National Stroller Brigade to deliver more than 130,000 petition signatures in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.  I was there with Doug’s mother and my three sons. The group consisted of nurses, pediatricians, teachers, steel workers and parents with young children - all united in the common cause of protecting the health of Americans.
  
  Are moms, nurses, teachers and pediatricians extreme?
  
  Later, Dooley complained that the act we supported would be expensive and difficult to implement for the chemical industry.  He predicted the bill would “stifle chemical innovation,” yet legislation similar to the Safe Chemicals Act has been in place in Europe since 2007.  In fact, many American companies make two versions of their products, the traditional version for the U.S. and a safer version for Europe.  
  
  Moreover, while lobbyists for the chemical industry spend millions to block regulation, the Safe Chemicals Act enjoys positive public opinion among voters on both sides of the aisle.
  
  Americans should not have to wait for the protections enjoyed by the citizens of other countries. We must demand that the products that permeate our communities, our homes and inevitably our bodies are safe.  In light of our health and the wellness of our loved ones, the stakes are high.  
  
  In fact, they are extreme.
  
  Please join me in taking action to support the Safe Chemicals Act.

• Safe Chemicals Act is anything but extreme

  Tell your Senator that protecting your family from toxic chemicals is mainstream, not extreme

  Cal Dooley, president of the chemical industry’s trade association, recently criticized the Safe Chemicals Act as “extreme.”  

  Today we need your help to let Congress know that we’re not buying this new “extreme” public relations stunt. Please take action today!

• Don't weaken the bottle bill!

  For 36 years Michigan has had one of the best, most effective bottle deposit laws in the country. When the voters of Michigan approved this law in 1976 they knew that roadside litter and garbage issues were becoming a major problem with our state's image. AND they were willing to set a high bar to protect our state by demanding the highest bottle deposit rate of any state. 
  
  Michigan's bottle deposit law WORKS! Michigan's roadsides are the cleanest because those bottles and cans are not tossed, but are picked up to be returned for the deposit. And, all signs show that bottle bills HELP recycling, rather than compete with it. 
  
  Now, the legislature is trying to pass legislation to begin to undo Michigan's bottle deposit law. Bowing to pressure from well-funded lobbyists and the industry they represent, the legislature is fast-tracking a bill (HB 5660) to exempt a new kind of beverage container, a "pouch", from Michigan's bottle bill, even though other states already require deposits on this type of container.  The bill was passed by the House last week and is now being stampeded through the Senate.
  
  By creating an unfair advantage for one sector of the market, the exemption could ultimately drive other companies toward using this packaging, which is hard to recycle. This will all but guarantee that these containers will end up littering our roadsides and filling up our landfills.

• Tell Your State Representative NOT to Weaken Michigan’s Bottle Bill

  For 36 years Michigan has had one of the best, most effective bottle deposit laws in the country. When the voters of Michigan approved this law in 1976 they knew that roadside litter and garbage issues were becoming a major problem with our state's image. AND they were willing to set a high bar to protect our state by demanding the highest bottle deposit rate of any state.
  
  Michigan's bottle deposit law WORKS! Michigan's roadsides are the cleanest because those bottles and cans are not tossed, but are picked up to be returned for the deposit. And, all signs show that bottle bills HELP recycling, rather than compete with it.
  
  Now, the legislature is trying to pass legislation to begin to undo Michigan's bottle deposit law. Bowing to pressure from well-funded lobbyists and the industry they represent, the legislature is fast-tracking a bill (HB 5660) to exempt a new kind of beverage container, a "pouch", from Michigan's bottle bill, even though other states already require deposits on this type of container.
  
  By creating an unfair advantage for one sector of the market, the exemption could ultimately drive other companies toward using this packaging, which is hard to recycle. This will all but guarantee that these containers will end up littering our roadsides and filling up our landfills.

• Chemical Industry Exposed: Tribune series points to dirty tricks used by flame retardant lobbyists

  
  On Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune published an update to its week-long "Playing With Fire" series on the dirty tricks that toxic flame retardant manufacturers used to kill legislation that would have banned some toxic flame retardants.  
  
  The disturbing and illuminating series exposed how flame retardant companies took a page right out of Big Tobacco’s playbook by deliberately misrepresenting the science around flame retardant chemicals regarding their effectiveness and their health risks. They even went so far as to employ an expert witness who repeatedly used a phony story about a child dying in a fire in order to defeat bills to regulate toxic flame retardants.
  
  Since the Tribune published its series, momentum has been building for stricter oversight of toxic chemicals. A group of Michigan moms, health advocates, and labor leaders joined the National Stroller Brigade for Safer Chemicals this week, rolling into Washington with 125,000 signatures calling on Congress to protect people and the environment from toxic chemicals in everyday products.

  
  

  
  In Michigan, we had our own front-row seat to tactics used by the flame retardant chemical industry a few years ago, tactics similar to those reported in the Tribune series.
  
  Scientists had been sounding alarms about a brain-damaging, hormone-altering chemical called deca-BDE after evidence showed that it was particularly toxic to developing babies, and was contaminating everything from breast-feeding babies to Great Lakes fish.  The problem was that the chemical has been added to TVs, computers, mattresses and products that we use every day, so there was a lot of opportunity for exposure.  
  
  So a broad coalition of health and environmental groups including the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Michigan Nurses Association, the Learning Disabilities Association, and lots of environmental groups organized to protect kids and the Great Lakes.  
  
  In 2009, Rep. Deb Kennedy and colleagues in the Michigan House, proposed legislation to phase out deca in products where safer alternatives were already in widespread use to protect children’s health, and eventually a hearing was scheduled.  What happened at the hearing is much like what was reported in the Tribune series.
  
  There was riveting testimony from scientists that the chemical was building up in fish in Michigan waters.  Doctors and health professionals testified that the compound was potentially hazardous to children, and was not needed for fire safety. Yet a representative from a burn center testified that the bill would result in babies being burned.  And while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters supported the legislation, the state fire marshal was opposed.  The chemical industry in Michigan also weighed in against the bill.  The testimony of the opponents followed a script written by the flame retardant industry, with lots of help from allies in the tobacco industry.   We know now that the information they presented was very deceptive.
  
  The behind the scenes story of why the State Fire Marshall, the chemical industry, and burn centers were opposed to the bill is compellingly told in the Chicago Tribune series.
  
  Although it took many months, eventually the Michigan House of Representatives passed the bill in a bipartisan vote.  But the Senate, controlled by legislators even more friendly to the chemical industry, never even held a hearing on the bill, and at the end of the session, the bill died.  
  
  In the meantime, new brominated flame retardants have been introduced to the market, including Firemaster 550 which contains the chemical TBB. TBB is routinely found in household dust and the environment, and scientific concerns about its toxicity are growing stronger.   New testing has found emerging flame retardants in our air, water, sediment, and in wildlife; and biomonitoring studies are finding these compounds in all of us too.
  
  A bill called the Safe Chemicals Act is pending in the US Senate that would require all chemicals to be assessed for their safety, provide safeguards for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and take immediate action on the worst-of-the-worst chemicals.

  Please ask your Senators to stand up to dirty tactics, like those used by flame retardant companies, and support the Safe Chemicals Act.

• Chemical Industry Exposed: Tribune series points to dirty tricks used by flame retardant lobbyists

  
  On Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune published an update to its week-long "Playing With Fire" series on the dirty tricks that toxic flame retardant manufacturers used to kill legislation that would have banned some toxic flame retardants.  
  
  The disturbing and illuminating series exposed how flame retardant companies took a page right out of Big Tobacco’s playbook by deliberately misrepresenting the science around flame retardant chemicals regarding their effectiveness and their health risks. They even went so far as to employ an expert witness who repeatedly used a phony story about a child dying in a fire in order to defeat bills to regulate toxic flame retardants.
  
  Since the Tribune published its series, momentum has been building for stricter oversight of toxic chemicals. A group of Michigan moms, health advocates, and labor leaders joined the National Stroller Brigade for Safer Chemicals this week, rolling into Washington with 125,000 signatures calling on Congress to protect people and the environment from toxic chemicals in everyday products.

  
  

  
  In Michigan, we had our own front-row seat to tactics used by the flame retardant chemical industry a few years ago, tactics similar to those reported in the Tribune series.
  
  Scientists had been sounding alarms about a brain-damaging, hormone-altering chemical called deca-BDE after evidence showed that it was particularly toxic to developing babies, and was contaminating everything from breast-feeding babies to Great Lakes fish.  The problem was that the chemical has been added to TVs, computers, mattresses and products that we use every day, so there was a lot of opportunity for exposure.  
  
  So a broad coalition of health and environmental groups including the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Michigan Nurses Association, the Learning Disabilities Association, and lots of environmental groups organized to protect kids and the Great Lakes.  
  
  In 2009, Rep. Deb Kennedy and colleagues in the Michigan House, proposed legislation to phase out deca in products where safer alternatives were already in widespread use to protect children’s health, and eventually a hearing was scheduled.  What happened at the hearing is much like what was reported in the Tribune series.
  
  There was riveting testimony from scientists that the chemical was building up in fish in Michigan waters.  Doctors and health professionals testified that the compound was potentially hazardous to children, and was not needed for fire safety. Yet a representative from a burn center testified that the bill would result in babies being burned.  And while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters supported the legislation, the state fire marshal was opposed.  The chemical industry in Michigan also weighed in against the bill.  The testimony of the opponents followed a script written by the flame retardant industry, with lots of help from allies in the tobacco industry.   We know now that the information they presented was very deceptive.
  
  The behind the scenes story of why the State Fire Marshall, the chemical industry, and burn centers were opposed to the bill is compellingly told in the Chicago Tribune series.
  
  Although it took many months, eventually the Michigan House of Representatives passed the bill in a bipartisan vote.  But the Senate, controlled by legislators even more friendly to the chemical industry, never even held a hearing on the bill, and at the end of the session, the bill died.  
  
  In the meantime, new brominated flame retardants have been introduced to the market, including Firemaster 550 which contains the chemical TBB. TBB is routinely found in household dust and the environment, and scientific concerns about its toxicity are growing stronger.   New testing has found emerging flame retardants in our air, water, sediment, and in wildlife; and biomonitoring studies are finding these compounds in all of us too.
  
  A bill called the Safe Chemicals Act is pending in the US Senate that would require all chemicals to be assessed for their safety, provide safeguards for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and take immediate action on the worst-of-the-worst chemicals.

  Please ask your Senators to stand up to dirty tactics, like those used by flame retardant companies, and support the Safe Chemicals Act.

• Chemical Industry Exposed: Tribune series points to dirty tricks used by flame retardant lobbyists

  
  On Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune published an update to its week-long "Playing With Fire" series on the dirty tricks that toxic flame retardant manufacturers used to kill legislation that would have banned some toxic flame retardants.  
  
  The disturbing and illuminating series exposed how flame retardant companies took a page right out of Big Tobacco’s playbook by deliberately misrepresenting the science around flame retardant chemicals regarding their effectiveness and their health risks. They even went so far as to employ an expert witness who repeatedly used a phony story about a child dying in a fire in order to defeat bills to regulate toxic flame retardants.
  
  Since the Tribune published its series, momentum has been building for stricter oversight of toxic chemicals. A group of Michigan moms, health advocates, and labor leaders joined the National Stroller Brigade for Safer Chemicals this week, rolling into Washington with 125,000 signatures calling on Congress to protect people and the environment from toxic chemicals in everyday products.

  
  

  
  In Michigan, we had our own front-row seat to tactics used by the flame retardant chemical industry a few years ago, tactics similar to those reported in the Tribune series.
  
  Scientists had been sounding alarms about a brain-damaging, hormone-altering chemical called deca-BDE after evidence showed that it was particularly toxic to developing babies, and was contaminating everything from breast-feeding babies to Great Lakes fish.  The problem was that the chemical has been added to TVs, computers, mattresses and products that we use every day, so there was a lot of opportunity for exposure.  
  
  So a broad coalition of health and environmental groups including the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Michigan Nurses Association, the Learning Disabilities Association, and lots of environmental groups organized to protect kids and the Great Lakes.  
  
  In 2009, Rep. Deb Kennedy and colleagues in the Michigan House, proposed legislation to phase out deca in products where safer alternatives were already in widespread use to protect children’s health, and eventually a hearing was scheduled.  What happened at the hearing is much like what was reported in the Tribune series.
  
  There was riveting testimony from scientists that the chemical was building up in fish in Michigan waters.  Doctors and health professionals testified that the compound was potentially hazardous to children, and was not needed for fire safety. Yet a representative from a burn center testified that the bill would result in babies being burned.  And while the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters supported the legislation, the state fire marshal was opposed.  The chemical industry in Michigan also weighed in against the bill.  The testimony of the opponents followed a script written by the flame retardant industry, with lots of help from allies in the tobacco industry.   We know now that the information they presented was very deceptive.
  
  The behind the scenes story of why the State Fire Marshall, the chemical industry, and burn centers were opposed to the bill is compellingly told in the Chicago Tribune series.
  
  Although it took many months, eventually the Michigan House of Representatives passed the bill in a bipartisan vote.  But the Senate, controlled by legislators even more friendly to the chemical industry, never even held a hearing on the bill, and at the end of the session, the bill died.  
  
  In the meantime, new brominated flame retardants have been introduced to the market, including Firemaster 550 which contains the chemical TBB. TBB is routinely found in household dust and the environment, and scientific concerns about its toxicity are growing stronger.   New testing has found emerging flame retardants in our air, water, sediment, and in wildlife; and biomonitoring studies are finding these compounds in all of us too.
  
  A bill called the Safe Chemicals Act is pending in the US Senate that would require all chemicals to be assessed for their safety, provide safeguards for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and take immediate action on the worst-of-the-worst chemicals.

  Please ask your Senators to stand up to dirty tactics, like those used by flame retardant companies, and support the Safe Chemicals Act.

• Don't dump our compost law!

  Legislation being considered this week by the Michigan Senate Committee on Energy & Technology would seriously weaken Michigan's longstanding ban on landfill disposal of segregated yard trimmings by exempting landfills with gas recovery systems. These “Grass-to-Gas” bills were moved very quickly out of the House, and are being considered by the Senate committee on Tuesday, May 15. The legislation would permit the incineration of yard trimmings.
  

  These bills allow yard waste to go to landfills, and will result in closing composting facilities across the state, Michigan workers losing jobs, and their communities suffering the consequences.  We strongly oppose this legislation.

  Click here for  detailed information about the issue>> 
  
  Michigan residents can send a message to their senators and members of the Senate Committee on Energy & Technology urging them to oppose HB 4265 and HB 4266 by filling out the form below.
  

• Safe Chemicals Act Petition to Congress

  Let's pass the Safe Chemicals Act now!
  
  The chemical industry is spending millions of dollars lobbying Congress to block meaningful progress in Washington. Apparently, the chemical industry has no qualms with the thousands of toxic chemicals that are hurting our health and natural resources. We know what's at stake. We know we have to fight back against this multi-million dollar industry. Please join us by signing the petition below.
  
  To the United States Senate and House of Representatives:

• Help keep yard waste out of landfills!

  Michigan HB 4265 and HB 4266 will seriously weaken Michigan's longstanding ban on landfill disposal of segregated yard trimmings by exempting landfills with gas recovery systems. These “Grass-to-Gas” bills are moving very quickly this legislative session and could come up for a vote in the full House as early as Wednesday, March 14th. There have been amendments added to permit the incineration of yard trimmings.
  

  These bills repeal the ban on yard waste going into landfills and will result in composting facilities closing, workers being laid off, and the related business activities in the community ending.  We strongly oppose this legislation that will send a message to small businesses that Michigan is not the place to set up shop.
  
  Michigan residents can send a message to the Michigan House of Representatives urging them to oppose HB 4265 and HB 4266 by filling out the form below.
  

  Click here for  detailed information about the issue>> 

• I support the Safe Chemicals Act!

  Learn more about our jewelry findings by watching this video. Or, SKIP to take action.

  
  
  Over half (57%) of the jewelry we tested had a “high” level of concern due to the presence of one or more hazardous chemicals detected at high levels. Four products contained more than 10 percent (by weight) cadmium, a known carcinogen. Twenty-five percent had more than 300 ppm of lead in one or more components, exceeding the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) limit of lead in children’s products.
  
  Toxic jewelry is a symptom of the complete failure of our federal chemical regulatory system.

  Let your Senator know you support the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Send an email to ask your Senator to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act (S.847), which requires:

  * Phase-out of the most dangerous known chemicals
  * Testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they are sold to the public
  * Disclosure of chemical testing data

  Without co-sponsors this bill won't get the attention it deserves. When this bill is passed it will increase the safety of chemicals used in consumer products and protect vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. 

  Send your email to Congress today.

  
  

• Take Action: Network with Automakers for Healthier Vehicles!

  Learn about HealthyStuff.org's vehicle findings:

  Please take a moment to let automakers know -- through their social networks -- that you'd like to see healthier vehicles in showrooms. Here's how:
  
  FIRST: "Like" us on Facebook

  
  
  THEN: Click on a brand from the list below and you'll be taken directly to that automaker's Facebook page. Feel free to copy the post at the top of each column, or write your own! Please remember to tag us (@HealthyStuff.org) so we can keep track of the volume.
  

  • Manufacturers from our "Best" list:  Honda, Toyota, Acura, Audi, Smart 

  Sample post for their Facebook Pages: "Happy to see one of your vehicles on the 2012 HealthyStuff.org 'Best' list!"

  • From our "Worst" list: Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Chevy

  Sample post for their Facebook Pages: "Disappointed to see you on @HealthyStuff.org's worst list.  As a consumer, it's important to me that you certify your vehicles to TUV or Oeko-Tex standards."
  

  • Click here for a list of all manufacturer contact information.

  
  
  Spread the word: Help us create a barrage that automakers can't resist. Click here to tell your friends and family about this action alert. 

  ---

  THE FINAL STEP: Ask for better regulations at the federal level

  The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will improve everyday products, including vehicles.

  It requires:

  • Phase-out of the most dangerous known chemicals
  • Testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they are sold to the public
  • Disclosure of chemical testing data

  Unless Congress acts, chemical companies will continue to put products on the market that are linked to childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer's, and fertility problems.

  
  

  Please take a minute NOW to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Sign the letter below – or, better yet, write your own – and we’ll be sure your message reaches your senators on Capitol Hill immediately. 

• Tell President Obama: Release Urgent Coal Ash Protections Now!

  

  Coal ash, the waste material left after coal is burned in a power plant, is highly toxic. In our country, where coal accounts for some 40% of electricity generation, there is a lot of it. But no federal standards exist to regulate how coal ash is disposed.

  We call on President Obama to protect human health and the environment from this toxic threat. Please, join Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Ecology Center by signing the letter, calling on the White House for strong coal ash protections.

  Resources:

  • Michgan Environmental Council Report: Public Health Impacts of Old Coal-Fired Power Plants (links 160 premature deaths to pollution from 9 of Michigan's oldest coal-fired power plants)
  • Michigan Coal plants
  • PSR: Coal's Assault on Human Health
  • American Lung Assoc.: Toxic Air Report

• Toxic chemicals stink! "New car smell" may not be good for you.

  We just released new data on toxic chemicals in new cars on HealthyStuff.org. The “new car smell” is actually the smell of toxic chemicals off-gassing from interior auto parts such as the seating, dashboards and vehicle trim. Take action today to make cars and other products healthier!
  
  The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will improve everyday products, including vehicle by:
  

  * Phasing-out the most dangerous known chemicals

  * Requiring testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they make it into the marketplace
  

  * Requiring disclosure of chemical testing data

  Unless Congress acts, chemical companies will continue to put products on the market that are linked to childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders such as learning disabilities and Alzheimer's, and fertility problems.

  
  

  Please take a minute NOW to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Sign the letter below – or, better yet, write your own – and we’ll be sure your message reaches your senators on Capitol Hill immediately.
  

• Toxic chemicals stink! "New car smell" may not be good for you.

  We just released new data on toxic chemicals in new cars on HealthyStuff.org. The “new car smell” is actually the smell of toxic chemicals off-gassing from interior auto parts such as the seating, dashboards and vehicle trim. Take action today to make cars and other products healthier!
  
  The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will improve everyday products, including vehicle by:
  

  * Phasing-out the most dangerous known chemicals

  * Requiring testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they make it into the marketplace
  

  * Requiring disclosure of chemical testing data

  Unless Congress acts, chemical companies will continue to put products on the market that are linked to childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders such as learning disabilities and Alzheimer's, and fertility problems.

  
  

  Please take a minute NOW to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Sign the letter below – or, better yet, write your own – and we’ll be sure your message reaches your senators on Capitol Hill immediately.
  

• Toxic chemicals stink! "New car smell" may not be good for you.

  We just released new data on toxic chemicals in new cars on HealthyStuff.org. The “new car smell” is actually the smell of toxic chemicals off-gassing from interior auto parts such as the seating, dashboards and vehicle trim. Take action today to make cars and other products healthier!

  

  The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will improve everyday products, including vehicle by:
  

  * Phasing-out the most dangerous known chemicals

  * Requiring testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they make it into the marketplace
  

  * Requiring disclosure of chemical testing data

  Unless Congress acts, chemical companies will continue to put products on the market that are linked to childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders such as learning disabilities and Alzheimer's, and fertility problems.

  
  

  Please take a minute NOW to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Sign the letter below – or, better yet, write your own – and we’ll be sure your message reaches your senators on Capitol Hill immediately.
  

• We support better mass transportation options for our community!

  Expanding and improving mass transit in Washtenaw County offers great economic and environmental benefits for Ann Arbor residents.
  
  That's why the Ecology Center supports the expanded countywide transit system now being considered by the Ann Arbor City Council.
  
  The proposed new framework for creating a countywide transit authority is the first formal step to building a successful transit system that serves all of Washtenaw County.  
  

• Support Historic Fuel Economy Standards!

  

  To meet the historic path set out by President Obama this past November, the EPA and NHTSA have developed regulations that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half and nearly double fuel economy for 2017-2025 model year vehicles relative to 2010 vehicles. Public comments are due by February 13th so please take action ASAP!

  These standards will:

  • save the average American family buying a car in 2025 between $3,000 and $4,400 over the car’s lifetime, even after paying for fuel-saving technology,
  • create 484,000 jobs economy-wide by 2030, including 43,000 in the auto industry,
  • reduce our oil use by 1.5 million barrels per day in 2030, the same amount we imported from Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined in 2010, and
  • cut carbon pollution in 2030 by the amount equivalent to shutting down 72 coal-fired power plants for a year.

  What’s more, the standards are expected to spur American car makers to explore innovations including game-changing advanced technologies that will add jobs across the economy and make America more competitive.

  Though these regulations have widespread support among the public, as well as endorsements by the major automobile and truck manufacturers, there are naysayers out there. That’s why we’re asking you to take a moment to tell EPA and NHTSA that you support their proposal.

  Click below to submit an email to EPA and NHTSA. We’ll provide some talking points, but it would be more powerful for them to hear from you in your own words.

• We Need the Power to Protect Our Kids!

  Back in the 70s, manufacturers routinely added a chemical flame retardant known as chlorinated Tris to children's PJs. Research revealed chlorinated Tris' toxic effects on children's health and chlorinated Tris was voluntarily phased out of kids' PJs. Problem solved, right? Wrong.
  
  Jump ahead 30 years: this same toxic flame retardant is being added to baby products. A recent report, Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, demonstrates the widespread use of toxic flame retardants in nursing pillows, car seats, and changing pads.
  
  How are we supposed to protect our families when we aren't given access to the right information - like what's being added to our baby's toys and products? We deserve the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children's products so we can make informed decisions. That’s why the Safe Children's Products Act (SB 893 and 894) is so important. It would empower families to make informed purchasing decisions by giving them the right-to-know about dangerous chemicals in children’s products.
  
  Check out this video, download Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, and then take action.

• We Need the Power to Protect Our Kids!

  Back in the 70s, manufacturers routinely added a chemical flame retardant known as chlorinated Tris to children's PJs. Studies revealed chlroinated Tris' toxic effects, so it was voluntarily phased out of kids' PJs. Problem solved, right? Wrong.
  
  Jump ahead 30 years: this same toxic flame retardant is being added to baby products. A recent report, Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, demonstrates the widespread use of toxic flame retardants in nursing pillows, car seats, and changing pads.
  
  How are we supposed to protect our families when we aren't given access to the right information - like what's being added to our baby's toys and products? We deserve the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children's products so we can make informed decisions. That’s why the Safe Children's Products Act (SB 893 and 894) is so important. It would empower families to make informed purchasing decisions by giving them the right-to-know about dangerous chemicals in children’s products.
  
  Check out this video, download Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, and then take action.

• Ask Gov. Snyder to veto 'No Stricter than Federal'

  Michigan has a long tradition of protecting our environment even when it meant we had to stand apart from what other states or the federal government wanted to do.

  Now, misguided legislators want to take away Michigan’s decision-making authority and give it to federal officials. With HB 4326, they would politicize decisions about protecting Michigan's natural resources and communities by pushing a federally mandated "one-size fits all" environmental standard. 

  This legislation ties the hands of Michigan voters and puts our ability to make decisions about our state’s future in the hands of distant bureaucrats and far-away policy makers. This bill is bad for the Great Lakes, bad for Michigan families, and bad for the future of our state.

  Michigan should be better than that! That's why we're asking you to urge Governor Snyder to Veto HB 4326.
  

• Ask your Senator for Safer Chemicals

  We know you’re concerned about chemicals like toxic flame retardants, formaldehyde, and heavy metals in everyday products like our furniture, children’s products, and pet toys. But, what about your Senator? Is your Senator concerned? 

  Our environmental health organizer Jennifer Canvasser explains why we need you to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemical Act.

  
  

  
  Earlier this year, Senator Lautenberg introduced the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, which would help to ensure our families are protected from chemicals linked to many of today’s common diseases like cancer, infertility, and learning disabilities. This Thursday, November 17, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will receive a hearing in the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
  
  Please ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.

• We Need the Power to Protect Our Kids!

  Back in the 70s, manufacturers routinely added a chemical flame retardant known as chlorinated Tris to children's PJs. Studies revealed chlorinated Tris' toxic effects, so it was voluntarily phased out of kids' PJs. Problem solved, right? Wrong.
  
  Jump ahead 30 years: this same toxic flame retardant is being added to baby products. A recent report, Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, demonstrates the widespread use of toxic flame retardants in nursing pillows, car seats, and changing pads.
  
  How are we supposed to protect our families when we aren't given access to the right information - like what's being added to our baby's toys and products? We deserve the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children's products so we can make informed decisions. That’s why proposed Safe Children's Products legislation is so important. It would empower families to make informed purchasing decisions by giving them the right-to-know about dangerous chemicals in children’s products.
  
  Check out this video, download Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, and then take action.

• Support the Safe Cosmetics Act!

  What are all those chemicals in your lipstick? your aftershave? your child's shampoo? Some of them are linked to cancer, birth defects, infertility and other health problems. We need your help to convince Congress that the beauty industry needs a safety makeover!
  
  The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (H.R.2359) gives consumers, parents and environmental health advocates a real chance at national legislation that will eliminate harmful chemicals from the products women, men and children put on their bodies every day.
  
  Tell your Representative that safe cosmetics are important to you and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Safe Cosmetics Act. Or, if you're represented by one of the bill's authors, Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) or Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), send them your thanks!

• Creepy. Spooky. Eerie. Toxic Chemicals in Halloween Make-up

  Halloween is full of spooky surprises and some of these surprises are more welcomed than others. Goblins, ghosts, and little ones in costumes – we’ll take them! Toxic chemicals, like cadmium and mercury in Halloween make-up  – that’s a creepy surprise we’d all like to avoid.
  
  HealthyStuff.org recently tested common Halloween make-up, often used by young children, and found one or more toxic heavy metals in 100% of the products tested. Fifty percent of the products tested contained detectable levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a potent neurotoxin and carcinogen, and can disrupt a child’s healthy development. It’s scary to think about putting these nasty chemicals directly on your face!
  
  Fortunately, a bi-partisan group of Michigan Senators recently introduced a bill that would help to protect kids from cadmium and mercury in children’s products. Please tell your Senator that creepy chemicals, like cadmium and mercury, have no place in our children’s toys and products. Ask your Senator to co-sponsor this important legislation.

• Thank you for your contribution!

  We appreciate your contribution to our efforts to help find a solution to the discontinuation of the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF).  Now, please take a moment to write to the Michigan House & Senate Energy Committees to show them you care about this issue. 

• Solar Panels on the Big House!

  Please list your University of Michigan affiliation (student, alumni, box seat ticket holder, football fan, etc.) in your "affiliation" field!
  
  Across the country, the NFL is surging ahead with efforts to green its stadiums. The only problem is, the largest stadiums (and thus, those creating the biggest waste) are for college teams, not the professionals. And the biggest of the big is the "Big House", home to the University of Michigan Wolverines.

  Despite a number of impressive efforts on campus to improve U of M's sustainability (including an initiative to use recycled caps and gowns at this year's commencement), University officials continue to resist efforts to put up solar panels, claiming it isn't cost effective. But if they can make it work in Seattle and Philly, surely Ann Arbor can work too. Besides, it shouldn't all just come down to the bottom line in terms of dollars—universities are places for educating, and this is a unique opportunity for U of M to educate and lead a large new sector in sustainability: college stadiums.

  While the University of Michigan is known as a great school for many things, the Wolverines put the campus on the map. And with climate change creeping forward, there is no time to lose—this initiative is a winning combination for the Wolverines, bringing positive attention to the university with real consequences for the planet.

  Join us in asking University leadership to make an announcement that they'll commit to solar at September 27th's EarthFest.

• Phase out the use of hazardous flame retardants in consumer products!

  HealthyStuff.org, in coordination with the Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety, is asking the largest car seat retailers, Graco and Evenflo, to take leadership by disclosing and phasing hazardous flame retardants our of their products. 

  Let’s send a message to Graco and Evenflo: all babies deserve safe, non-toxic car seats! 

• Tell Congress to Protect Kids from Toxics!

  Call Your Senator

  Calling your Senators is easy and only takes a few minutes! Just call this number 1-877-573-7693, tell them where you're from, and you'll be connected to your Senators.
  
  Find out who your Senators are at http://www.senate.gov

  
  Here’s what you can say to your Senators:
  
  Hi, this is __________ and I live in __________.   I am concerned about harmful chemicals in consumer products and their impact on the environment and my family’s health.  Please co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. Thank you.
  

  ---

  Report Your Call Here
  

  Please report your call by entering the requested information below. It’s important to our advocacy efforts to know how many calls were made to Congress.

• Business Owners for the Right-to-Know

  As Michigan small business owners that sell high quality children's products, we believe that large toy manufacturers and importers should be required to disclose their use of dangerous chemicals in children's products because "toxic toys" and recalls of contaminated children's products directly impact our business.
  
  We are commited to providing the safest products for children, but our current system does not allow us to identify which children's products contain chemials like arsenic, cadmium, or toxic flame retardants. We need the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children's products to provide the safest products and the most complete information to our customers. With so many small businesses struggling in this economy, legislation that helps Michigan's small business owners should be a priority.
  
  We support policies that would:
  * Give business owners and Michigan familes the right-to-know about chemicals of greatest concern in children's products by providing information in an accessible way
  * Create a science-based list of the chemicals of concern in children's products
  * Require large manufacturers and importers of children's products to disclose their use of the identified chemicals of greatest concern in children's products
  * Join with other states to implement the law most efficiently

  We are commited to providing products that are safe for kids, but we need help. Policymakers should support small businesses by giving us the right-to-know because we are the engines of growth in our state. We support policies that not only protect children, but also protect and enhance our own business prospects.

• Submit Personalized Comments to EPA

  Thank you for adding your name to the statement to the EPA to protect the health of your fellow Michiganders.

  To make an even more powerful statement please send Lisa Jackson, USEPA administrator, a brief personal comment. Your personal comments will be sent immediately using your email address.

  A few talking points:

  * Comment on your personal or family concerns for why the rules are needed.

  * Comment in general terms on the health impacts based on your personal experience as a health professional.

  * Michigan already has a general fish consumption advisory for all inland lakes and rivers due to mercury contamination and specific advisories for those few locations that have tested high for mercury and other contaminates such as dioxin.

  * Make sure to comment on this rule on Mercury and Air Toxics. You can mention other concerns such as climate change, ground-level ozone or particulate matter as secondary matters but these will be addressed in future rule making. 

• Michigan Health Professionals Support EPA Proposed Toxic Air Emissions Rules for Coal and Oil fired Power Plants

  Sierra Club Coal plant map	Resources
  	Michigan Coal plants
  	EPA presentation on rules
  	PSR: Coal's Assault on Human Health
  	Am Lung Assoc.: Toxic Air Report

  Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Ecology Center jointly request that you add your name to the following general statement to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in support of new proposed rules for toxic air emissions from coal and oil fired power plants. Coal-fired power plants emit more hazardous air pollutants than any other source in the country, including half of America's mercury air pollution, over half of America's acid gas pollution, and 60% of America's arsenic air pollution.

  Signatures on this statement will be collected and sent to the EPA as a group before the new extended deadline of August 4, 2011. You may add your personal comments to the EPA after signing on to this general statement.

• Our Babies Deserve Safe, Non-Toxic Car Seats

  Our friends at HealthyStuff.org just released a study that found toxic chemicals in children's car seats sold in Michigan. Like you, we want safe products for our kids and want to protect them from chemicals linked to cognitive impairments, cancer, and reproductive problems.
  
  That's why we need your help. Our current laws allow manufacturers to put toxic chemicals into children's products, like car seats, while we're kept in the dark, not knowing which product is contaminated and which is safe.  
  
  Please urge your Michigan lawmakers to give families the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children’s products. We should have the power to choose non-toxic car seats for our children.
  
  The study has received national media attention and is helping to raise awareness about the importance of safer children's products. Click on the video to learn more:

  
  
  * Car seats save lives! Regardless of the ranking a particular car seat received on HealthyStuff.org, it is essential for children to ride in car seats.

• No State Tax Subsidy for Detroit Trash Incinerator!

  The current owner of the Detroit Trash Incinerator (Atlas Holdings, LLC of Connecticut) is seeking more than $4 million in state tax dollars through a Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credit. Atlas Holdings, LLC is also seeking nearly $7 million in other state tax credits.
  
  Tell the Detroit City Council to say NO to State Tax Subsidies for the Detroit Trash Incinerator. You do NOT have to be a resident of Detroit to comment on this wrongful use of state tax dollars.
  
  Public Hearing before the Planning and Economic Development committee of the Detroit City Council:

  9:40am, Thursday April 28, 2011
  City Council Chambers
  13th floor of the Coleman A Young Municipal Center
  2 Woodward Ave
  Detroit, MI 48226

• Support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011!

  We have exciting news to share! Congress is poised to take a meaningful step to protect you and your family from toxic chemicals.  We need your support to make sure your senators know that fixing the toxic chemicals law is important to American families!

  
  We have laws against people breaking into our homes and threatening our safety.  We should just as clearly have laws against chemical intruders that enter our homes without our knowledge or consent and put us and our children at risk.  Science is linking toxic chemicals to all kinds of serious diseases and disorders, including childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s, and fertility problems.
  
  Please ask your senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.  By signing up as a co-sponsor, your senators can show their commitment to putting common sense limits on toxic chemicals.

• Support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011!

  We have exciting news to share! Congress is poised to take a meaningful step to protect you and your family from toxic chemicals.  We need your support to make sure your senators know that fixing the toxic chemicals law is important to American families!

  
  We have laws against people breaking into our homes and threatening our safety.  We should just as clearly have laws against chemical intruders that enter our homes without our knowledge or consent and put us and our children at risk.  Science is linking toxic chemicals to all kinds of serious diseases and disorders, including childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s, and fertility problems.
  
  Please ask your senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.  By signing up as a co-sponsor, your senators can show their commitment to putting common sense limits on toxic chemicals.

• Support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011!

  We have exciting news to share! Congress is poised to take a meaningful step to protect you and your family from toxic chemicals.  We need your support to make sure your senators know that fixing the toxic chemicals law is important to American families!

  
  We have laws against people breaking into our homes and threatening our safety.  We should just as clearly have laws against chemical intruders that enter our homes without our knowledge or consent and put us and our children at risk.  Science is linking toxic chemicals to all kinds of serious diseases and disorders, including childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s, and fertility problems.
  
  Please ask your senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.  By signing up as a co-sponsor, your senators can show their commitment to putting common sense limits on toxic chemicals.

• Tell Consumers Energy to Support Solar Power and Grow Michigan's Economy

  

  Consumers Energy has recently decided not to extend a popular solar incentive program that could create new jobs and business growth in Michigan. Many of the 121 Michigan businesses that work in the growing solar industry are urging Consumers to expand its program in order to create new jobs and clean energy in Michigan. Read the open letter sent to Consumers Energy from Michigan solar manufacturers, installers, and advocacy groups.
  
  Can you join the call for clean energy jobs? Please write Consumers Energy’s CEO John Russell and Governor Snyder and add your voice to the growing call for clean energy and business growth in Michigan.

  • There is demand for solar power in Michigan. Consumers solar program, the Experimental Advanced Renewables Program, met its initial goal in only two weeks.
  • The costs for solar power are dropping and the industry is growing. Now is the time to support demand for solar power and create new opportunities and new jobs in Michigan’s solar industry. Consumers is moving in the wrong direction.
  • There are cost effective ways for Consumers Energy to expand its Experimental Advanced Renewables Program, create new jobs and grow Michigan’s Economy.

  
  To read more about the issue, click here.

• The U.S. Chamber Doesn't Speak for Me!

  Click here to go directly to the form

   

• Ask your Senator to oppose attacks on the Clean Air Act

  The Problem

  The Environmental Protection Agency is under attack in Congress by some who say that allowing the agency to do its job will harm the economy. We know that simply isn’t true. In fact, for 40 years the EPA and the Clean Air Act have saved lives and protected the public health by cleaning up our air and water. At the same time, new innovations in pollution-control technologies have created new industries and countless jobs here in Michigan and across the nation.
  
  There are three measures in Congress that aim to prevent the EPA from doing its job:

  1. Senators Jim Inhofe and Mitch McConnell introduced legislation that would permanently block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources like power plants and refineries.

  2. Senator John Rockefeller proposed a plan that would bar the EPA from regulating harmful greenhouse gas emissions for two years.

  3. Senator Max Baucus proposed a plan that would exempt industrial and agriculture sources from greenhouse gas regulation.

  There are multiple votes expected this week! Any delay or attempt to limit the EPA’s ability to do its job of protecting the public health is a step in the wrong direction. Our lawmakers need to hear loud and clear from Michigan residents that the EPA must be allowed to do its job.

  What we need you to do 

  1. Call Senators Levin and Stabenow:

  You'll be able to reach both Senators at their D.C. offices:

  Senator Debbie Stabenow's Washington office: (202) 224-4822
  Senator Carl Levin's Washington office: (202) 224-6221

  Here is a script you can use to help you make the call:

  ^{Hello, my name is [NAME], and I’m from [CITY].  [Give a brief description of yourself: I am a doctor/nurse/business owner/teacher/mother/ father/grandmother/grandfather/person with asthma/parent of a child with asthma/etc.]}

  ^{I’m calling to urge the Senator  to vote NO on any measure that limits the EPA’s ability to do its job of protecting the public health. The EPA has the important job of protecting the public – especially our children – from dangerous pollution. That’s why the American Lung Association and other health groups are calling on Congress to protect the EPA.}

  <sup>I urge Senator [Stabenow/Levin] to oppose any efforts to weaken the EPA.  Any delay or attempt to limit the EPA’s ability to do its job is a step in the wrong direction.
  
  Thank you.</sup>

  
  

  2. Report Back

  Please report your call by entering the requested information below. It’s important to our advocacy efforts to know how many calls were made to Congress. If you were able to discuss either Senator's stance on the issues, or have any other interesting information to share from the call, include that as well.

• Where's Your Right to Choose Safe Children's Products?

  BPA in your baby's bottle? Toxic flame retardants in your grandson's mattress? Cadmium in your niece's jewelry? Enough is enough.
  
  Currently, manufacturers are not required to disclose their use of toxic chemicals in children's products. Children's products continue to contain chemicals linked to diseases like cancer, infertility, and learning disabilities. Michigan families deserve the right-to-know about toxic chemicals in children's products so we can make informed purchasing decisions.
  
  State Senators Kahn, Marleau, Nofs, and Warren have made a commitment to work on safe children's products legislation. Please take a moment to thank them, and urge them to introduce this legislation swiftly. The sooner this bill moves, the sooner Michigan families will be empowered to protect their kids from toxic chemicals in children's products.

• Support Michigan's Electric Vehicle Revolution!
• Send a Postcard to Your State Candidates

  Please urge your State House candidates to support the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform.
  
  Candidates who support the platform are demonstrating their committment to protect children from toxic chemical exposure.
  
  Here's the postcard that will be sent to your State House Candidates

  Dear Candidate, Every day children are exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals like lead and cadmium, sometimes even through their toys. I want you to know that I support the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform, which calls for four commonsense, consumer protection steps: • Identify the most hazardous chemicals in children's products. • Provide consumers with the right to know about toxic chemicals in kid's toys. • Phase-out the most harmful chemicals to which children are exposed. • Foster Michigan-based job growth through Green Chemistry. I would like you to sign on to the Healthy Products, Healthy Kids platform and make this a priority in your campaign and subsequent public service. As a potential constituent, this is an important issue to me. Thank you. Name Address City, MI Zip Code

• Take Action: Ask for better regulations at the federal level

  The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 will improve everyday products, including vehicles.

  It requires:

  • Phase-out of the most dangerous known chemicals
  • Testing of new chemicals to make sure they are safe before they are sold to the public
  • Disclosure of chemical testing data

  Unless Congress acts, chemical companies will continue to put products on the market that are linked to childhood leukemia and brain cancers, breast and testicular cancer, neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer's, and fertility problems.

  
  

  Please take a minute NOW to ask your Senators to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

  Sign the letter below – or, better yet, write your own – and we’ll be sure your message reaches your senators on Capitol Hill immediately. 

• Tell President Obama: Release Urgent Coal Ash Protections Now!
        

  Coal ash, the waste material left after coal is burned in a power plant, is highly toxic. In our country, where coal accounts for some 40% of electricity generation, there is a lot of it. But no federal standards exist to regulate how coal ash is disposed.

  We call on President Obama to protect human health and the environment from this toxic threat. Please, join us in signing the letter, calling on the White House for strong coal ash protections.