Feature story - November 15, 2007
Under continued pressure from health, consumer, and environmental groups, Target Corporation has finally agreed to reduce its use of the plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in packaging and children's products, such as lunch boxes, bibs, shower curtains and fashion accessories.
Greenpeace has been spreading the word about the dangers of PVC
and campaigning to get these poisonous plastics banned from Target
Stores. Over 8,000 Greenpeace supporters and activists rallied
behind the call to Target-get toxic PVC out of our stores. And,
finally our message has been heard.
Reducing (and eventually eliminating) PVC from the market is a
win for the environment and a win for public health! Greenpeace
has been urging major retailers, toy companies, hospitals and
builders to avoid using PVC more than a decade.
PVC is made with vinyl chloride, which the Environmental
Protection Agency has classified as a human carcinogen. Another
concern with vinyl products is they may contain lead, which can
pose a problem if the plastic deteriorates or children put the
products in their mouths.
Phthalates, chemicals often added to PVC to increase
flexibility, have been linked to reproductive development problems
in males. The European Union and California have banned the sale of
toys containing phthalates. The California ban will go into effect
in 2009. Greenpeace recently exposed that Apple's iPhone and iPod
headphone cords contain hazardous PVC.
PVC is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics.
Since safer alternatives are available for virtually all uses of
PVC, it is possible to replace all uses of (and eventually phase
out) this poison plastic.
Want to find out more about hazardous PVC?
- Check out
our blog >>
- Visit
our research site >>