In Our Words
Insight and opinion from Coming Clean and our partners.
July 26, 2021
A path to climate, economic and environmental justice is finally on the horizon
In the next few weeks, congressional leaders have a critical opportunity to join forces with President Joe Biden to turn the tide against climate change, economic inequality, and environmental injustice.
[Op-Ed in The Hill by John Podesta, Center for American Progress and Michele Roberts, Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform.] Read More
June 5, 2021
Environmental justice: From our ancestors to our children
"The fight for a livable planet and the fight for social justice are one and the same. The struggle for a stable climate, for clean air and water must begin in places like South Valley that have long paid the price for others’ wealth and comfort. And its success depends on building the power and prosperity of people in marginalized communities — so that no one’s home is a dumping ground."
- Richard Moore (co-coordinator of the Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform, co-coordinator of Los Jardines Institute (The Gardens Institute) in Albuquerque, N.M., and co-chair of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council) Read More
April 5, 2021
Discount stores often sell products with hazardous chemicals. Low-income shoppers deserve better.
In the latest Retailer Report Card on chemical management policies, Dollar Tree and Dollar General improved their grades, but 99 Cents Only Stores once again received an F. If discount retailers care at all about the health and well-being of the communities they operate in, or the environmental racism that they are perpetuating, they should reallocate resources and start cleaning up their supply chains immediately. Read More
November 30, 2020
Blog: Every state needs emergency regulations to protect essential food workers
The darkest days of the pandemic are still ahead of us, as we head into the winter with a surge of cases and without a national strategy to address Covid-19. It will be especially grim for essential food workers like farmworkers and meat packers who still lack basic protections in the workplace. They will likely experience hundreds more needless deaths. The impact of Covid-19 on these workers could also shock the food system, with potential disruption greater than what we saw in the spring. Read More
October 20, 2020
Dollar Tree Thrives During Pandemic, But Is Still Not Removing Toxic Chemicals Fast Enough
When the Campaign for Healthier Solutions tested a variety of products sold at Dollar Tree and other discount retailers, it found that 81 percent tested contained at least one hazardous chemical. Even microwave popcorn and canned foods sold at dollar stores were found to contain deeply concerning levels of harmful chemicals. A number of states have likewise documented high levels of harmful chemicals in Dollar Tree products. Prenatal exposure to some of these chemicals can result in lower IQ levels, as well as learning or behavioral problems. Yet there is actually no need to use many toxic chemicals because there are safe, affordable alternatives. Read More
September 14, 2020
Blog: Toxic Pink Packaging
The European Union has banned over 1,300 chemicals from use in cosmetics. The US has banned 11. EU laws require that manufacturers prove chemicals are safe before they can be used in a product. In the US, chemicals are not always banned even if they potentially cause cancer; contain neuro- and immunotoxins; or contain hormone disruptors that could cause birth defects. Read More
August 12, 2020
Blog: U.S. study shows switch to organic diet can quickly clear pesticide from our bodies
A new study published Tuesday found that after switching to an organic diet for just a few days, people could cut the levels of a pesticide linked to cancer found in their urine by more than 70 percent. Read More
June 25, 2020
Blog: Black Lives Matter and the Environment
Black lives matter. As we contemplate the scope of structural racism, we find that “Black Lives Matter” needs to be said over and over again. We say it as we push for policing that protects rather than threatens. And we can keep saying it. Like when we talk about having available, affordable health care. Having access to technology and broadband, a quiet space, and time when the classroom becomes off limits due to a pandemic or climate-driven extreme weather. Finding an affordable place to live and landlords who don’t discriminate. Finding meaningful work and getting a promotion. Finding fresh food. Getting respect. Read More
June 1, 2020
Blog: Children deserve toxic-free food—especially during a pandemic
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of highly processed food have skyrocketed as families understandably seek shelf-stable products and comfort food during these challenging times. And while we may joke about the “COVID-19” pounds of weight gain from our shelter-in-place diets, there are also less obvious chemical hazards hidden in our processed food. Read More
May 6, 2020
Blog: Responder al COVID-19 no tiene que significar sacrificar a las comunidades vulnerables
En su respuesta a la crisis COVID-19, es imperativo que el gobierno no cargue a las comunidades vulnerables y a los trabajadores esenciales con las consecuencias de decisiones apresuradas. Read More