Spooky Facts About Plastic Pollution

Happy Halloween! Ghosts and ghouls are not the only spooky things to be aware of. Plastic pollution impacts us from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Plastic production is projected to triple globally by 2060, and with the current plastic pollution crisis we’re facing, immediate action must be taken by corporations all…  Read more »

PFAS Impacted Farmers Hold Press Conference in Michigan

Yesterday, PFAS impacted farmers from across the country are gathered to speak to the media about what the contamination has meant for their livelihoods and their businesses in a press conference. Impacted farmers and policy experts will speak about the economic and health impacts of the contamination of farmland with the so called ‘forever chemicals.’ Speakers…  Read more »

4 Ways Plastic Bottles Harm Us In Our Day-to-Day Life

Plastic bottles are everywhere, from soda bottles to hair care products. As consumers, we tend to only think about plastic bottles once we discard them, with constant reminders of: “Don’t forget to recycle!” But do we really know how plastic bottles impact us in our day-to-day lives? Here are four essential ways:  1. TOXIC CHEMICALS…  Read more »

Community Clean-Up with Community Conservation Initiative     

Last month, Defend’s organizer, Sergio Cahueque, joined the Community Conservation Initiative leaders for their #TheCCINeighnorhoodCleanUpProgram in Deer Oaks Park. This community clean-up is part of an ongoing effort to take care of the environment, and we are grateful for the invitation to talk to impacted communities about our Healthy Housing program. The Community Conservation Initiative…  Read more »

Defend Our Health Featured on Green Living with Tee Podcast

Defend’s senior market campaigner Maya Rommwatt guest starred on the Green Living Gurus’ podcast titled Green Living With Tee. The Green Living Gurus are a collection of women whose mission is to share tools and information on how to decrease exposure to toxic chemicals and help people live healthy lifestyles. Maya joined Therese “Tee” Forton-Barnes…  Read more »

The Fight Against PFAS Contamination in The Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast communities have long been subjected to the iron grip of petrochemical plants and oil companies. These communities, often BIPOC and low-income, are heavily subjected to the health impacts of both air and water contamination. Around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS and the Gulf Coast is no stranger…  Read more »

The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle Webinar

Last month, we released our report titled “Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle” which explores the many health harms of plastics production, the potential health effects of consuming beverages in plastic bottles, and dangers to workers and communities from recycling and disposal. Las week, report co-author Mike Belliveau, Defend’s Executive Director was joined by Port…  Read more »

Defend Our Health Releases First-Ever Study that Reveals the Hard Truths Behind Plastic Bottles

Today – ahead of the global plastics treaty negotiations in Paris –  Defend our Health and the Beyond Petrochemicals campaign released a new report, Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle, unmasking the shocking hazards posed by a seemingly innocuous everyday item: the plastic bottle. This report reveals the health, environmental, and climate…  Read more »

PFAS WEEK RECAP: Defend Joins Advocates in Week-long Testimonies on PFAS Related Bills

The week of April 24th, Defend joined legislators, impacted citizens, scientists and health advocates as they testified on a number of PFAS related bills to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. As reported on by Portland Press Herald, concerned constituents faced pushback from business groups that want lawmakers…  Read more »

The Fight Against PFAS Contamination Across the Country

PFAS contamination is an issue that plagues every corner of our country. It destroys families and livelihoods without qualms. According to a recent study, around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS. And while this is an issue that affects Americans across the country, it is one that adversely impacts low-income communities, communities of color, and farming…  Read more »