Victories and Resolutions for a Less Toxic World!

Beth Conway Communications Director

Happy New Year WVErs!

We are kicking off the new year in celebration of a few of the victories that will help create a less toxic world from 2021! Victories like:

PFAs “forever” chemicals are no longer getting a pass! The tides are (FINALLY!) turning on this harmful class of chemicals, that pollute virtually every corner of our planet and are linked to cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, liver problems and more. For example, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to ban these chemicals from food containers. California banned PFAs from food packaging and paper straws. And just last week, Clean & Healthy NY and partners helped pass The Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act that prohibits the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses, and electronics cases.

Protections for domestic workers are growing! Lead by efforts from the Hand in Hand and California Domestic Workers Coalition, San Francisco became the first city in the nation to ensure house cleaners, nannies and gardeners get paid sick leave. Earlier this year, California also passed The Health and Safety for All Workers Act, effectively giving domestic workers the right to protections under California Occupational Safety and Health.

Menstrual Equity policies on the map! Over 140 period health policies were introduced across the nation to address the safety, access, or affordability of menstrual care products. And as 2021 wrapped up, California passed a law requiring public schools and colleges to provide free menstrual products!

President Biden signed an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, that outlines strategies to respond to climate change. The Executive Order includes the request that federal agencies incorporate considerations of environmental justice into the decision making process. Often, it is communities of color that bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change.

Truly, there are so many more. All these victories — big and small — lead to major shifts in the way corporations are held accountable, help reduce exposures from toxic chemicals on bodies and environment, and push back against harmful marketing and messages rooted in injustices that tell us we do not deserve health and safety.

And in 2022 we resolve to keep the victories coming!!!

To do this means cultivating strength in our communities. In you! We resolve to ensure you have the support, tools, training, resources, and actions that you need to create health and safety in your homes, bodies, workplaces, and communities. Ready to join us in building a powerful 2022? Here are a few ways to start:

Support Policies that Prioritize Health and Safety

Your representatives need to hear from you! So, take action on local and federal legislation by calling, emailing, tweeting … let your representatives know about issues that are important to you. Looking for somewhere to start? Check out The Safer Beauty Package and the Menstrual Equity for All Act!

Share Your Story

Sharing your story is an important way to break down stigmas, convey important messages, and help communities and individuals connect over similarities and differences. You can share your story on social media, in LTE’s, in op’eds, testimonials, at events and with WVE. Click here to submit your story.

Join WVE’s Leadership Team

Want to go the extra mile to take action, help spread the word on our campaigns, and build your leadership skills to help create a healthier future? Sign up to join WVE’s leadership team!

Hold Corporations Accountable

WVErs are superstars at this! It’s how we were able to move Summer’s Eve to remove 10 toxic chemicals from their products. The company would not have done this without your calls, letters, rallies, and ongoing pressure to demand better. Keep it up! Let corporations know that they cannot get away with polluting our bodies and planet. And telling J&J to stop selling toxic talc is a great place to start in the New Year.

Start Conversations in Your Community with these Toolkits and Training Guides!

Sign up to host an Our Stories, Our Flow workshops with your circle. Use our How to Talk to Your School About Safer Disinfectants Toolkit to protect students, teachers and staff from toxic disinfectants and find safer alternatives. Download the Detox the Box Engagement Guide, or host a Green Cleaning Party!