Tag: Environment
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Defend Joined Dozens of Advocates in Support Of LD 132
On Tuesday, Defend joined dozens of impacted families, farmers, and activists who testified in support of LD 132 “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.” This bill would require insurance companies to cover the cost of PFAS blood serum testing. Advocates urged that a… Read more »
2022 Fall Brunch Celebration
This Sunday, Defend Our Health hosted an in-person event ceremony at our 2022 Fall Brunch Celebration! Event attendees enjoyed an outdoor event at Broadturn Farm with live music by Glen Loper and Bethany Waickman, a delicious brunch buffet, and an open bloody mary and mimosa bars while celebrating the victories we have accomplished over the… Read more »
Here’s what we’ve won!
Maine’s leading the nation by dumping a cancer-linked toxic chemical. The Maine Legislature passed a law to eliminate toxic PFAS from products we use every day. We’re the first state to get this done! (LD 1503) Maine will also protect our firefighters, whose risk of cancer is elevated by exposure to toxic chemicals. No longer… Read more »
Back to School: Packing lunches
If your kid is off to school this fall, you might be thinking about what to put in lunch boxes. And you may be trying to figure out what kinds of packaging are safe for snacks and meals. Here are some quick facts about different kinds of packaging that might help you through your lunch… Read more »
Press Briefing: Outlining Bills on Forever Chemicals
This week we held a briefing with legislators, advocates, and public health experts to brief the press on PFAS legislation. The briefing covered seven bills being introduced to Maine’s 130th Legislature related to health-harming toxic chemicals known as PFAS that are currently making headlines in Maine and nationwide. Collectively the bills implement and strengthen key recommendations… Read more »