Help make sure California has a strong Green Chemistry Initiative

Did you know that there are approximately 80,000 chemicals in commercial use but that for most of them, we have done little or no testing for their potential health or environmental impacts? As a result our household cleaners, garden chemicals and pesticides, personal care products, computers, clothes, food, and even our beds may contain chemicals about which we have little safety information.

While not all chemicals are harmful and many provide important benefits, there is growing evidence linking chemical exposures over time to health impacts such as cancer, reproductive harm, neurological disorders, and respiratory disease.

The good news is that manufacturing products with less hazardous materials and promoting the development of "green chemistry" can protect our communities, workers, and ecosystems. California's Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of developing a Green Chemistry Initiative to promote the development of non-hazardous chemicals and products, reduce waste, use less energy, create sustainable businesses and jobs, and give our businesses a competitive advantage in international markets where harmful chemicals are strictly regulated, such as the European Union.

For it to succeed, the Green Chemistry Initiative must include both incentives and a strong regulatory structure to phase out the use of hazardous chemicals and require the use of safer alternatives that will protect our health and environment.

Recently Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB 1879 and SB 509 and while these bills represent an important advance in moving toward a more sustainable future, they are only first steps.

Take Action: Personalize the letter and ask Gov. Schwarzenegger to take the next steps to ensure a strong Green Chemistry Initiative.