Last week I wrote about the Safe
Chemicals Act and a simple way for us all to take a stand for a healthier
world. This week I have another effort
to report. A coalition of groups is
calling on major retailers to phase out use of more than 100 problematic chemicals,
and they could use our help.
The effort is known as the Mind the
Store campaign. In a USA Today article, an individual associated with the
group Safer Chemicals: Healthy Families explains that since the federal
government isn’t minding the store, the retailers need to act independently. He praises former, positive actions,
but notes that the efforts have been inadequate because of the sheer magnitude
of the chemical problem.
The Safer Chemicals: Healthy Families website explains that the coalition working
on the effort joined forces because of a shared
frustration with the government's failure to protect its citizens from
the dangers of toxic chemicals. The site
further notes that "most importantly we came together with a shared moral
urgency to reduce the suffering caused by chronic diseases like cancer,
disabilities and autism that are linked to chemical exposure. It is that moral
urgency that drove the campaign's steering committee to launch Mind the
Store."
Recently, I heard a speaker on a
Christian radio program state that he didn't believe a certain environmental
issue was a Christian or moral issue at all. I was frankly stunned by that statement. The environment, including the environment inside our homes and
churches, directly affects the health of human beings, who are the crown of
God's creation. If our lack of concern for the air we share (as well as for
land, water, and food.) hurts ourselves and others, how can that not be
considered a moral issue? I strongly believe
that Christians should not only be part of efforts to make the world a
healthier place, but should lead the charge.
To learn more about the effort to
influence retailers and the chemicals being targeted, visit the Mind the Store
website. The site provides an easy way to
join the cause and send a letter in support of the initiative. The issue matters, and when we make
our voices heard, that can matter, too.
4 comments:
Well, it looks like you've given us a homework assignment. When I'm through with finals, I'll give this my serious attention. Thanks.
As I commented to someone last week, the chemical problem can seem so overwhelming that I find it very helpful emotionally to have something concrete I can do that might help. There's strength in numbers and it feels good to join forces with other people who care about the issue. There are certainly things we can all do individually, but it's nice to work together, too.
I just went to the site and sent off my email to the top ten manufacturers. I don't know if it helped, but I deleted the campaign's form letter (which I assume they have received from the campaign headquarters and others) and wrote my own experiences and thoughts. In addition to putting pressure on suppliers, I requested that they mark their store brands prominently "fragrance free" so we don't accidentally buy a product we don't like or cannot use.
Great idea, Debra. I wrote my own letter, too, but I didn't think to mention store brands. I wish I had.
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