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Seventh Generation's Million Baby Crawl movement is picking up steam in the push to reform the U.S. toxic chemical policies, and an environmental activist 'heavy hitter', Erin Brockovich, took time to speak to us about the campaign and about toxic chemicals in general.
The idea behind the Million Baby Crawl is that widespread exposure to chemicals can cause serious and adverse impacts on human health, particularly for children, and because the federal law that should protect us from these chemicals doesn't work, we need a stronger chemical law to keep us all safe. (Since 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required safety testing on only 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals on the market.)
I asked Erin if she thought policy change or education would make the most difference for the average consumer, given the slow rate of change in enforcing the regulations? She said that it's really a combination of both - communities are stuck between the influences of government and industry, and sometimes the slowness of legislative change is frustrating. Erin mentioned that it's important to take personal responsibility for educating ourselves about toxic chemicals in our products, and not to be complacent.
"The American public took responsibility for electing Barack Obama, and we need to do the same for toxic chemical policy reform."
One issue that I saw with policy reform on this issue is the funding and infrastructure necessary, so I asked her if she thought that the EPA had the money and internal structure to regulate all of these chemicals. She said, quite bluntly, "No. There is money around (in government budgets), but it's not a priority."
Erin also said the "communities can take the initiative." Local groups can band together for the common good, for our public health and safety.
It's been said that the majority of the consumer dollar is spent by women (70 to 80%), so I asked her what moms need to know in order to keep their children safe from toxic ingredients right now, today?
"Some big changes have been made beginning with one pissed off mother. Make a choice - it's that easy."
Erin said that awareness of the issue is the most important thing - prevention is the key for protecting the health of our kids. Read labels, ask questions, and educate yourself. If you can't pronounce the ingredients, is it really safe? Do the research (Google it...) and make your decisions for the health of your family. She also recommended using the research to make science fun for your kids.
"You don't have to be a scientist [to make decisions]. No one knows your kids like you do, and you are the one who has their best interests at heart."
I also asked her what should concerned parents be doing to help move this along, besides joining the Million Baby Crawl? Erin answered: Make your voice heard by organizing locally - take it door to door and personalize it. Write or call your legislators and let them know where you stand, and that you want them to support reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
"We have to address the issues we've created. If we had a crystal ball, and could see the future, would we do something to change it [the imminent damage]?"
Here's a brief look at the launch of the Million Baby Crawl in L.A.:
More about Household Toxins:
Lower Your Child's Risk of Developing Autism by Avoiding These Toxins
Are You Harboring These Dangerous Products?
Know Your Cosmetics Ingredients: Top Five Ingredients to Avoid
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