Unborn babies are exposed in the womb to synthetic chemicals. Companies can choose to remove them chemicals from products if they wish.
Will writing to the companies make a difference?
Due to our campaign to reduce toxic pollution, Samsung, Nokia
and Puma have announced plans to phase out toxic chemicals in all
their products. Sony is removing them from their TV's. This is due
to pressure from publishing the companies' chemicals policy on the
web. If a huge company like Samsung can do it then there is no
reason other companies cannot follow suit to help protect the
environment.
But big brands like Dell, HP/Compaq, Apple and IBM have all
refused to take this positive step. Make them think again by writing
to say you'll choose a more responsible company the next time
you make a purchase.
Why are chemicals in products important?
Samsung and Nokia produce millions of electronics items each
year. Going toxics free means less pollution and worker exposure
during production, less chemicals in your home during use and
easier, cleaner recycling and disposal. These voluntary measures
are great, but other companies will never change unless they are
forced to by law. Only then will these toxic chemicals be brought
under control.
What about those laws?
Current regulation of chemicals is weak and inadequate. Almost
everyone has dozens of man-made chemicals in their body, the
effects of these chemical cocktails on our health are unknown. In
Europe the EU is drafting new laws, that would set a world
standard, to better control these chemicals.
While better chemical control should be welcomed by all, it is
under attack from predictable quarters. The chemical industry has
been scare mongering with exaggerated claims of job losses and
declining profits. It has also recruited dirty industries best
friend, the Bush Administration, to threaten Europe with a World
Trade Organisation lawsuit if it dares to try and cut toxic
pollution.
The best way to counter inaccurate industry lobbying is to have
other companies' show they can do without toxic chemicals. The list
is growing - Ikea, H&M, Marks&Spencer, Nokia, Samsung and
Puma are leading the way. Adidas, Unilever and Sony are heading in
the right direction.
Your pressure from the Toxic Tech Test can help add companies to the good list and help in the battle for a toxic free future!
Spread the word!
If you have taken the action but know people who also have
products? Why not email them the link to join the action?
Check the online product database to see which companies and
brands are toxics free and who are not:
English | French | Spanish
| Dutch
|
Italian (pdf file)
Support Us
We campaign to change company and government policy to help
protect the planet. We can only do this by not accepting donations
from governments or companies - we rely only on donations from
individuals. Help us change companies and governments for the
better by giving
now.
You can also sign
up for further news on this campaign and ways to support all
our work.
More Info
Backround on the
Chemical Crisis and our campaign for a
toxic free future.
Intro to the
upcoming EU chemical law (REACH).
BushGreenwatch: Administration
Steps Up Pressure on EU to Weaken Proposed Chemical Laws.