Just today I was thinking about phthalates. Why? Because I attended the county's Toxic Tuesdays talk at the Main Library over lunch, where staff from the OR Center for Environmental Health and a co-founder of Rachel's Friends discussed personal care products - mainly their (scary) ingredients and effects on human health. Yikes is my general reaction. Turns out phthalates aren't just limited to toys. Of course, they're hard to avoid because they're not labeled as phthalates. Why not? Because that would be far too clear, mamas, and in this country, the idea of a clearly written product label is about as likely as reasonably priced gas. But beyond the doom and gloom, I am glad to report that there's actually some good news in all this!
Congress is currently working on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act ('bout time!), and in it they might actually ban phthalates. Yes, you heard correctly. But before you do a jig in the street and prepare to shop without fear, let's focus in on the word might, mamas. This is not at all a done deal. But it can be. I think we can turn might into will - don't you?
Stand Up and Be Heard. Thanks to Moms Rising, you can act fast and easily. Simply e-mail a letter directly to your Congressperson asking her to support this ban. It'll protect your children and anyone who uses soap, lotion and hair conditioner. Go ahead, send it now, mamas: From Pdx to DC, with love.
Why Now? Because the clock's a tickin'. Congress has until June 10th to add this ban to the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act. They need to act fast to make the amendment, and they're far more likely to do it if their constituents make very clear how tired we are of fearing our grocery and toy store aisles. It's simple, mamas: our products have been unsafe long enough, don't you think?
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