Seventh Generation's CEO John Replogle convened a panel Wednesday to discuss how statewide toxics regulation is not only good for Vermonters, but also for the environment, Vermont businesses and the Vermont brand.
Panelists included Sarah Vose, PhD, State Toxicologist, VT Department of Health, and Ann Pugh, Chair of the House Committee on Human Services. The event was moderated by Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Research Interest Group.
The federal Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 is failing to protect Vermonters from harmful chemicals in consumer products. Few chemicals have been tested for safety, and chemicals known to harm human health continue to be found in people's bodies, homes, and our natural environment. Vermont has regulated individual toxic chemicals, and now seeks to implement a program to more systematically assess the chemicals of highest concern, identify which products sold in Vermont contain these chemicals, and quickly phase the worst chemicals out of use in consumer products. California, Maine and Washington have passed similar statewide toxic chemical legislation.
Replogle urged other Vermont businesses to support the proposed legislation that will be under consideration at the State House this legislative session, noting that the reform would create more competitive, innovative, and economically sustainable industries.
"As business leaders in the state of Vermont, we need to make sure that we're thinking about protecting our own, the citizens of Vermont, from toxic chemical exposure," said Replogle. "By supporting this proposed legislation, we'll yet again assert our leadership as the Green Mountain State, an incubator for socially responsible business."
Companies Form New Coalition to Advocate for Meaningful Chemical Policy Reform
A group of the country's leading consumer brands have announced the formation of a new coalition to press Congress to modernize the nation's out-of-date and ineffective chemical safety laws. Strong lobbying by other industry groups has given policymakers the impression that business is monolithic in its support for weak legislation. The new coalition, Companies for Safer Chemicals, will make a business argument for strong reforms that support the industry innovating safer and cleaner products.
The founding members of the coalition, led by Seventh Generation and the American Sustainable Business Council, include Patagonia, Stonyfield Farm, Aubrey Organics, Method, Naturepedic, Badger, Annie's, EILEEN FISHER, Zarbee's Naturals, Keys, Think Dirty, Beautycounter and others.
Coalition members have signed a declaration which reads, in part:
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As companies and business leaders we're asking Congress to pass comprehensive and effective chemical safety reform legislation now. Chemical policy reform must protect the most vulnerable among us, and require public access to information regarding the safety of chemicals. Reform must respect the rights of states to protect their residents when the federal government fails to do so, and require the Environmental Protection Agency to take fast action on the most harmful chemicals. Right now the Chemical Safety Improvement Act does NOT meet these criteria. Guided by good science, legislation can drive business innovation and success, and protect public health.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976, and unlike other major environmental laws, has never been updated. As a result, it is a barrier to industry innovation as well as a hindrance to the health of employees and consumers. The U.S. Senate has introduced the Chemical Safety Improvement Act and the House of Representatives is expected to draft its own legislation. The principles laid out in the declaration will guide the coalition's educational and advocacy activities to shape developing legislation.
"Federal chemical reform is desperately needed, but after twenty-five years of doing business, we know we can't do it alone," said John Replogle, CEO of Seventh Generation. "We're honored to be joined by such a diverse group of socially responsible businesses and we're looking forward to driving change that will protect the health of future generations."
"Meaningful reform will speed to market cleaner and safer products and allow companies to meet increasing consumer demand," said David Levine, CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council. "Effective policy reform will drive economic growth and job creation."
"We would like to see regulations that promote transparency and support the public's right to know what is in the products that they buy. That's why we have joined this coalition of businesses to advocate for reform," said Adam Lowry, Co-founder of Method.
"Manufacturers today face no liability when they put toxic chemicals in baby products and this has to stop," said Barry Cik, Co-founder of Naturepedic. "We need more manufacturers to join the coalition and change the way things are done."
The full declaration can be found here: http://bit.ly/SaferChemicalsBizPetition
The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 200,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org
ABOUT SEVENTH GENERATION
Established in 1988, in Burlington, Vermont, Seventh Generation is one of the nation's leading brands of household and personal care products. The company lives its commitment to "caring today for seven generations of tomorrows," with products formulated to provide mindful solutions for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets and people within your home -- and for the community and environment outside of it. A pioneer in corporate responsibility, Seventh Generation continually evaluates ways to reduce its environmental impact, increase performance and safety, and create a more sustainable supply chain. To learn more about Seventh Generation products and business practices, locate a retailer in your area, or review Seventh Generation's Corporate Consciousness Report, visit www.seventhgeneration.com.
BURLINGTON, VT--(Marketwired - December 11, 2013) - Seventh Generation