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Toxic Chemicals in Back to School Supplies
from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ)
CHEJ just published a brand new report that found toxic chemicals linked to asthma and birth defects widespread in children’s vinyl back-to-school supplies.
CHEJ released the report with US Senator Chuck Schumer in New York City yesterday. Watch this great Eyewitness News TV story about the report.
CHEJ investigation found 75% of children’s “back-to-school” supplies tested in a laboratory had elevated levels of toxic phthalates, including popular Disney, Spiderman, and Dora branded school supplies, such as vinyl lunchboxes, backpacks, 3-ring binders, raincoats, and rainboots.
The levels of phthalates would be illegal if these products were toys. For instance, the Amazing Spider Man Backpack contained phthalate levels 52 times higher than the federal limit for toys. 52 times! You can see photos of this and other products we tested here.
Just like toys, school supplies are used by young children that are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposure. According to testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children have the highest exposures to these hazardous chemicals.
Luckily, there are many safer alternatives on the market.
That’s why we’ve also just released our 5th annual Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies, featuring over 40 product categories of safer gear for the fall, including backpacks, lunchboxes, binders, art supplies, electronics, and more. Pass it on to other parents and teachers!
Download the guide here: http://bit.ly/nopvc12
Download the 1-page wallet-sized version here: http://bit.ly/nopvc12w
We hope you’ll join us in helping to get the word out about this important issue.
Yours for a toxic-free future,
Mike Schade, Campaign Coordinator
Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ)
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This message is brought to you by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
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Volunteer to Teach Sustainability
Earn academic credit and teach sustainability to a new generation at the Leverett Elementary School !
Love gardening? Believe in local foods? Enjoy kids? Help future generations Grow Food Everywhere and live a truly sustainable life! The Leverett Elementary School is seeking volunteers to help out at their 36-foot, 11-bed greenhouse, which is up and running with a dynamic K-6 learning program.
We are looking for volunteers who are willing to work with teachers and students closely; to provide support and sometimes leadership on greenhouse project initiatives. We have a greenhouse curriculum drafted and regular weekly schedule for greenhouse activities. Some activities may be held at our small courtyard garden as well (5 raised beds).
If you have an interest in food sustainability, and work well both with children and independently, please contact us!
Start: September, 2012.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday between 9am and 3pm, 2 – 6 hours/week. (Help especially needed on Tuesday!)
Volunteer will work with the greenhouse lesson leader and parent volunteers as well as classroom teachers and staff. Interest in gardening, agriculture and/or education a plus. UMass credit available, depending on number of hours. If interested, contact Susie Chang at tsusanchang@gmail.com and/or Dawn Ward (greenhouse lesson leader) at dmward@crocker.com.
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UMass Permaculture Initiative
As many of you know, the UMass Permaculture Initiative is an interdepartmental, collaborative project that entails staff and students co-creating our on campus permaculture ecosystems, hosting and guiding
youth groups, and peer-educating through hands on sustainability experience. For more information please visit www.UMassPermaculture.com and continue reading below.
New UMass Permaculture Documentary Video Part 3: Growing A Model Ecological Campus!
This new 5-minute video illustrates how students, staff, faculty, and the local community are transforming UMass Amherst into a model ecological campus. We will continue converting more underused sites at UMass into edible and education landscapes each year, and we are beyond excited to
see this expanding to other campuses worldwide as well!
Please view our third documentary video here and share widely:
http://bit.ly/Rnx5Ot
Creating a Sustainable Culture – Step 1: Go Viral, Help Us Get 50,000+ views!
Together, our campus has the unique ability (using this video) to create huge global transformation, and inspire more colleges and universities, towns and cities, and all communities to adopt permaculture and
sustainable design principles into their Master Planning. A powerful video can sometimes be a catalyst for this kind of big change, and the goal of this entire project is to inspire direct action.
Please help us to make this video go viral and thus, furthering the UMass Amherst and global sustainability movement. Consider posting this video link on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and e-mailing it to family, friends and colleagues. http://bit.ly/Rnx5Ot
If we achieve 50,000 views by September 15, UMass Permaculture and sponsors will donate fruit/nut trees to 4 local schools and help co-create more edible and education landscapes throughout the community!
Other Ways to Get Involved and Receive Academic Credit!
-3 credit Intro. To Permaculture (Fall class), Tues/Thurs from 1:00-2:15, http://bit.ly/OrNFOK
-3 credit UMass Permaculture Committee (Full-Year class), www.UMassPermaculture.com and e-mail info@umasspermaculture.com for an application.
Want to stay connected, but cannot commit to a class? Please sign up for our newsletter here http://bit.ly/NXg9Dj to learn about The UMass Permaculture Initiative, how to get involved, related classes, upcoming events and more!
We appreciate your support and wish you luck in the upcoming Fall semester. We hope to see you around the Franklin and Berkshire gardens soon! Go UMass!
The UMass Permaculture Initiative
Please Follow us on twitter: http://bit.ly/OrNBOQ
Like us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/ylZ9Au
Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://bit.ly/NXg9Dj
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Master Gardener Training Announced
Learn to become a better gardener and then share your new knowledge with others. Applications are due Sept. 27 for the 2013 training program for volunteers with the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. Training is held at Holyoke Community College on Tuesdays from January through mid- April.
Master gardeners are trained volunteers who assist home gardeners to improve their horticultural skills. They answer questions by phone or email, conduct plant clinics at farmers markets and libraries and give lectures to community groups, garden clubs and school classes. Many of the more than 200 current master gardeners say that they especially enjoy working on projects with other avid gardeners as well as sharing their expertise with novices.
The comprehensive training includes lectures and demonstrations on all aspects of horticulture from plant structure to lawn care, vegetable and fruit growing, houseplants, perennials and annuals, plus
analysis of disease and insect problems. A few of the day-long classes are held at the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge. Lectures are given by University of Massachusetts professors, master gardeners
and professionals in the field. The course fee is $300.
After the course, trainees will complete 60 hours of volunteer work to share their new knowledge. Volunteer opportunities include maintaining display plots at community gardens, staffing hotlines and plant clinics and giving lectures.
The training is open to residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. Both men and women of all ages are encouraged to apply.
Applications are available online at www.WMassMasterGardeners.org or by contacting Laura Dumouchel, 4 Orchard St., Adams, MA 01220, laura.dumouchel@gmail.com.
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Learn More About the Fire in Ghent, NY
from Sam Pratt’s Blog
Cleanup at TCI is being closely guarded. What was stored at TCI, the PCB waste handler whose building went up in flames earlier this month? And what was the company supposed to be storing? An engineering report was released recently by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), disclosing what TCI has pieced together so far about materials present in its Ghent facility at the time of its massive August 1st inferno. That inventory appears to run up against other public statements by the company and official sources, and against the past expections of the Town of Ghent. Such conflicting information in turn points to key questions about about what TCI was permitted to store onsite in the first place. In several cases, it appears that the company obtained materials handling and transport permits from State or Federal agencies, without updating the Town or local firefighting companies about new activities. To come to grips with these seeming contradictions requires a brief trip back in time, as well as a review of more recent information which has come to light. (Regular readers will have to bear with any repetitions below.) These questions may prove central to…« Read the whole thing »
-BEAT Note: Thank you Sam for following up on this important story!
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Entergy Refuses to Meet with Watershed Council
from the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC)
The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) attempted to deliver 585 signed petitions and a new study about their thermal pollution to Entergy at their Brattleboro headquarters as part of our “Good Neighbor” campaign. Your voices stand up for strong scientific standards and transparency. Your voices stand up for the River but your voices were not heard today when we attempted to deliver your petitions (and a plate of cookies to be neighborly!) to plant manager, Chris Wamser.
Four independent studies, commissioned by CRWC, each cast significant technical doubt on Entergy’s case for continuing its thermal pollution. These studies have created a road map for how the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources can use contemporary science to craft ecologically robust requirements for Entergy that will protect the native fish of the Connecticut River by shutting off their discharge of hot water. To read these reports, including the newly released report about Entergy’s temperature compliance, visit the CRWC website.
Unfortunately, Entergy continues its campaign of silence and refuses to meet with CRWC, despite our neighborly requests to do so. In a series of letters between CRWC and Entergy, Entergy assured us that we would hear from them in response to our request for a face-to-face meeting by the end of July. We haven’t heard from them since July 2, 2012. We experienced another example of this on August 29th.
Our request to drop off your postcards, the report and the cookies began shortly after 11 am. By 12:30 pm it became clear no one was going to meet with us so Andy Fisk & I left never having the chance to deliver to Entergy the 585 postcards, the report and (what was left of) the cookies.
We will return and make sure that Entergy hears your voices!
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Outdoor Report on Pittsfield Community TV
The Sierra Club and National Wildlife Federation have partnered to produce NWF Outdoor Report. This television show highlights clean air and outdoor issues in Massachusetts.
The show is produced at Pittsfield Community TV and discusses topics like pollution from Mt Tom, Senator Brown’s support for the fossil fuel industry, the affects of carbon pollution on wildlife and more. You can get this show on your local stations by bringing a copy to your community TV station and request they air it.
If you aren’t in the Pittsfield Community Television area, please sign up to share the Outdoor Report with your local cable station today!
Having a pro-environmental show air on local cable is a great way to spread the word for clean energy, clean air and preservation of local parks and wild areas. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll follow up with the contact information for your local station.
Sign up today and Sierra Club will be in touch to help you get the show on your local cable station.
Thanks for all you do to protect the environment,
Drew Grande
Massachusetts Sierra Club
Sierra Club
P.S. After you take action, be sure to forward this alert to your friends and colleagues!
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Community Solar and Community Biodiesel
On September 15th, at our Annual Member Meeting, we will kick off our Community Solar and Community Biodiesel Membership Drive and
Member Loan Campaign. We’re talking a lot about “;Community” projects, because we believe who owns it matters. The best way to keep our
energy resources in our communities for generations, is to have them owned by the community so that they’re here for generations to come.
When people join Co-op Power this fall, their member equity can be directed to building a Co-op Power-owned 30.5 Kilowatt community solar
system on the roof of the Brattleboro Food Co-op or to building our Co-op Power-majority-owned community biodiesel plant.
Please talk with your friends and neighbors about joining! And, if you haven’t joined yet, now’s a great time to do it! You can also purchase gift
memberships for your children, your partner, or your friends. Our goal is to sign on 60 new members by the end of December 2012. <MORE
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What Went Right During Irene
From the Western Mass. Circuit Rider of our MA Dept. of Environmental Protection:
From Carrie Banks, MA Division of Ecological Restoration comes this note… Conservation Law Foundation and Connecticut River Watershed
Council put together a couple of great video clips talking about some of the things that went right during TS Irene, including wetland attenuation
and stream simulation culverts doing their job! http://action.clf.org/site/PageNavigator/hurricane_irene_anniversary.html
Great article by Carrie here…. Design with the River in Mind – “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly”:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/ebbflow13/ebbflow13.htm#feature
DER Habitat Restoration Priority http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/der_maps/pp_map.htm
To sign up for their newsletter To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, e-mail russ.cohen@state.ma.us
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Free Tool to Learn About Chemical Hazards
Have you wanted to find out more about the chemicals you’re exposed to but don’t know when you’d fit doing research in between putting a full
day at work and the picking up your kids from school?
Or have you tried to do research but couldn’t make heads or tails of the confusing—and sometimes contradictory—science out there?
We a pleased to announce a new, free tool that is designed by workers for workers to make it easier to learn about chemicals: ChemHAT
(Chemical Hazards and Alternatives Toolbox) launched at www.chemhat.org.
With ChemHAT’s searchable database, you can easily read about the scientific findings on the short and long-term health effects of over 10,000
commonly used chemicals.
Because America’s chemicals regulations were written in the 1970s and are decades out of date; we are using chemicals that can harm us. Since
the federal government isn’t stepping up, ChemHAT will give you the information you need to start doing what many leading cities, states and
companies are doing: Working with others to do your own chemicals policy reform by figuring out the hazard of chemicals and how to move to
the use of safer alternatives.
Check it out at www.chemhat.org.
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MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters is Moving
from MassDEP Cirsuit Rider News
As of September 10, 2012, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Field Headquarters staff will be relocating to temporary office space for
approximately two years at 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 200, West Boylston, MA, 01583 while a new Field Headquarters building is constructed at
the existing site. Contact phone numbers and emails for Field Headquarters staff will not change. This move will include the regulatory staff in the
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Fisheries Program, and Wildlife Programs.
Directions to the new office will be posted at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/facilities/westboro.htm
Due to the move, inquiries to the Division should be directed to District offices this Thursday (9/6) and Friday (9/7). Hunters, hikers, and other
users of the Westborough Wildlife Management Area may no longer access the WMA from the old Field HQ hill as it will be an active construction
site. The parking lot located off Milk Street (Rte. 135) has been enlarged and improved for access in anticipation of the building construction.
Access is also still available from the Fisherman’s Access off Oak Street and the access point at Little Chauncy Pond on Lyman Street, both in
Westborough.
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Drivers, Brake for Moose and Deer This Fall!
from MassWildlife
Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) remind motorists to be mindful
of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. September and October is the peak of the breeding
season for Massachusetts’ expanding moose population in central and western Massachusetts. The breeding season (also known as “the rut”) for
white-tailed deer closely follows the moose breeding season from late October through early December. Because moose have no natural
predators in Massachusetts and are protected by law from hunting, these large (500-1,000 lbs) members of the deer family are unconcerned as
they move through populated areas. During the mating season this indifference is magnified by the “tunnel-vision” created by the urge to
reproduce.
Be aware and heed “Moose and Deer Crossing” signs erected by highway departments. Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively
should a moose or deer be spotted on or by the road. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer; braking for moose is your best
policy! Police and other departments involved in moose or deer/car collisions are reminded that while drivers are allowed by law to keep
white-tailed deer they have hit, only the DFW or the Environmental Police can make decisions regarding the disposition of moose involved in
vehicle collisions. All moose or deer/vehicle collisions should be reported to DFW Wildlife District offices. The Environmental Police radio room
can be reached at (800) 632-8075.
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Working for the Green: A conference on accelerating green growth
throughout the Commonwealth, Oct. 18, 2012
CALL TO PARTICIPATE: Early Bird Discounts for Exhibitors & Sponsors!
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: www.massaudubon.org/green-conference
Early Bird rates for exhibitors and sponsorships still available (contact us by Tuesday, September 4, 2012)
- Thursday, October 18, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Devens Common Center
- 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA
- Presented by Mass Audubon’s Shaping the Future of Your Community Program
- In partnership with the Devens Enterprise Commission and the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center
Save the date! Working for the Green, a day-long conference, will showcase the triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and community)
benefits of sustainable development. Expert panelists will share strategies and techniques for further accelerating green growth and
reinvigorating the built environment in communities throughout Massachusetts – at office parks, downtowns, residential developments, and public
projects.
Keynote Address by Secretary Gregory Bialecki, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
* Workshops: Speakers will present successful, innovative case studies, and engage participants in in-depth discussions on topics including
best practice initiatives; supportive policies and collaborative opportunities to grow green; energy efficiency and renewables; brownfield
redevelopment; Green Infrastructure; linking development to trails and open spaces; encouraging walkability and transportation options; and
more.
* Tours: Tours of sustainable redevelopment projects will be available, including a tour of zero net-energy residential housing and the new
green visitor services facilities at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge.
* Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities available (early bird discounts!): If your company/organization would like to set up a
table at this event and/or support the Shaping the Future program with a contribution, view our Sponsorship information form, or contact us at
781-259-2146 or shapingthefuture@massaudubon.org.
>> REGISTER TODAY <<
Who Should Attend
You should! Join over 100 professional planners, civic leaders, local officials, landscape architects, planning consultants, engineers, business
owners and investors, landowners, and developers who will be participating in the day’s activities.
The program is being submitted to AICP for Continuing Maintenance Credits. If approved, participants will be entitled to credits for participating.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Lead Sponsor: Mass Development
Co-Sponsors: MA-APA; USGBC MA; Massachusetts Green Communities Program; Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions;
Transformations-Inc; People’s United Bank
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North Face Explore Fund Accepting Proposals for Programs to Connect Children With
Nature
The North Face Explore Fund was created by the North Face outdoor equipment and apparel company to inspire and enable the next generation
of explorers and conservationists by funding nonprofit community organizations that are working to re-connect children with
nature.
The fund will support organizations that encourage youth outdoor participation by creating more connections between children and nature,
increasing access to both front and backcountry recreation, and providing education for both personal and environmental health.
Applicant organizations must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status or be seeking this designation. Proposed programs should encourage community
involvement, focus on breaking down barriers to getting youth outdoors, seek a specific audience, and reach out to a specific community or
place of interest. Programs should have a good chance of significant measureable results and momentum over a fairly short term (one to three
years).
The fund does not support organizations without 501(c)(3) status, general education efforts that do not include an experiential component that
involves getting youth outdoors, research, conferences, endowment funds, or political campaigns.
Grants will provide up to $2,500. Funds may not be used for indirect costs, overhead, or other expenses not directly related to the project
or program. Applications that come with matching dollars will be viewed favorably. Organizations may apply for more than one grant as long as
the funds will be used for unique programs.
Visit the Explore Fund Web site for complete program information, eligibility quiz, and application instructions. Proposals for fall/winter programs
will be accepted beginning September 3, 2012.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
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Funds Available for Environmental Education Projects
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Education Regional Grants program supports environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and
help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. The program provides financial support for projects that design,
demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, and that will serve as models that can be replicated in
a variety of settings. The Agency expects to award one grant for each EPA region. The application deadline is November 21, 2012.
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Initiated with leadership support from the Kendeda Fund, the New York Community Trust, the Summit Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation,
the fund provides matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between local government
sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives that demonstrate broad community support
and engagement.
The proposal must be submitted by a team of at least two partners who are 1) the sustainability director of a city (municipality) or a county and
2) the local place-based foundation. A sustainability director may include a USDN member or associate member from North America (United
States and Canada) or any person who leads a multi-department and community-wide urban sustainability initiative from within a city
(municipality) or county government. A local place-based foundation may include a community foundation, private foundation that focuses on a
greater metropolitan area, or corporate foundation.
The fund made $250,000 in awards to five innovative city sustainability projects in its first round and anticipates supporting another five to six
projects in round two. The fund will provide partnership investments between $25,000 and $75,000, with a 1:1 match required by one or more
local foundations.
The complete Request for Proposals, an FAQ, and an idea bank of summaries of all project ideas submitted in round one are available at the
Funders Network Web site.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
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