clean water action

The Rhode Island General Assembly looks to be getting a bit greener after last week’s elections.

This past Tuesday, September 8th, Rhode Island held our statewide primary election. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this election looked a bit different than in past years. Usually, we know who the winners are by the end of the night or early the next morning but this year, we had to wait a few days. So we spent a few days biting our nails and constantly refreshing the Board of Elections results page. But it was worth the wait.

Introducing carbon nanotubes, a scientific wonder substance.  You may not have heard of carbon nanotubes (or CNTs), but they are probably already part of your life.  They may be in your cell phone or computer, where they are used as semiconductors, or part of your bike frame, where they provide strength without weight.  They could even be in your tires, helping improve handling on slick roadways.

These days, you may find yourself spending more hours in and around your home due to COVID-19.  While home, we can take some small steps now to reduce our exposure to environmental toxins to stay healthy and prep our homes for the winter months. 

On August 6^th, we co-released a report in conjunction with the Mind the Store campaign titled “Packaged in Pollution.” The report found that PFAS chemicals are used in food packaging and food service ware to repel grease and liquids so food wrappers for burgers, fries, sandwiches and molded fiber plates and bowls are likely culprits. 

Mounting evidence shows that pesticide contamination has harmful effects in humans, pets, wildlife, birds, bees, and other beneficial insects. This summer, avoid pesticide use on lawns. Pesticides are not needed for a healthy, attractive lawn. Instead, take an organic approach to lawn care and accept that variety in a lawn is good.

Canvassing on the streets of central Connecticut after the PFAS spills last summer, community members supplied an abundance of energy and motivation that lead to fantastic steps toward protecting our communities from PFAS chemicals. 

In our work at Clean Water Action we throw around a lot of statistics and chemical names which, if you’re not used to hearing them, all sound pretty much like “ethyl-methyl-bad-stuff.” Sometimes that’s really all you need to know: “there’s something bad there – stay away.” 

But one group of chemicals you really should know about is PFAS, aka “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, aka “the forever chemicals.” To keep it simple, we’ve boiled down the facts for you in this handy infographic. Check it out!

Please join our campaign! Start by writing to City Council NOW and email me to learn about other ways you can help. Also, if your store has stopped allowing the use of reusable bags, please contact them and urge them to allow reusable bags again.Together, let’s make it happen.

At this point many people are aware of the dangers of the toxic flame-retardant chemicals that are applied to household products.  Now, widespread concern is turning into real action. Motivated by consumer interest, many manufacturers and retailers have been phasing out these chemicals and using safer, fire resistant materials. Thirteen states have already restricted the use of one or more flame-retardant chemicals.

Act now by filling out your census online. And if you need a hand—or want to help others get counted—visit our friends at Census Counts. Can we count on you?