Toxic Chemicals

From before we are born until the time we die, we are repeatedly and regularly exposed to toxic chemicals with the potential to seriously harm our health. Toxic chemicals can be found in our homes, schools and workplaces – in products we use on a daily basis. We're fighting at local, state, and federal levels to fix our chemical laws and find safer alternatives to the chemicals in everyday products.

Tell REI to phase PFAS out of its products!
National

Tell REI: Phase PFAS Out of its Products!

Picture this: you’re walking outside in one of your favorite places… you’re enjoying the beautiful scenery… and then you realize that your new jacket is shedding toxic chemicals into the environment.The outdoor gear indust

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Recent Actions

Michigan

Urge the U.S. Air Force to Clean Up Michigan PFAS Pollution

For decades, toxic PFAS pollution, known as the forever chemicals, were used in firefighting foam at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.

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National

Tell Congress: Ban Toxic Food Packaging!

Seven states have passed bans on PFAS in food packaging, as have McDonald’s, Chipotle, and other chains. The next step is a national ban. Will you send a message to your members of Congress?

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Virginia

Our Priorities: Virginia’s Biennial Budget

Voice your support and contact your legislator to pass a budget that prioritizes Virginia’s conservation programs and water and transit infrastructure. Take action.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts legislators: Take action now to turn off the PFAS tap!

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that are toxic at very low levels, causing testicular and kidney cancer, high cholesterol, colitis, and immunosuppression, including reduced response to vaccines.

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Related Toxic Chemicals Topics

Toxic Chemicals Publications

Toxic Chemicals Blog Posts

PFAS chemicals - toxic free future - rei campaign image of polar bear on ice
REI--Will you put our health and planet first?
May 25, 2022

While 21.5 million members have trusted REI’s products, recent testing identified PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals in popular REI brand-name jackets, including chemicals banned for manufacture in the United States and European Union!

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2014 Highland Park Flooding Joe Gall Camera Jesus.png
Storms can cause chemical spills that pollute your drinking water: Here's how we stop it
May 16, 2022

Right now, the majority of the country has no plan in place for storm related toxic chemical leaks. Improperly managed storage facilities can devastate a community’s drinking water.

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National - REI Blog - Michelle Beaudin REI Coop
I Shouldn’t Have to Worry About Toxic Chemicals in My Son’s Raincoat: Why One REI Co-op Member Wants to See Them Ban PFAS
May 16, 2022

On May 16th, REI will hold its annual member meeting, where leadership will address the co-op in a presentation on its 2023 goals. This is an opportunity for co-op members and other outdoor apparel shoppers to have their voices heard. Send a message to REI today!

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