Tag: Toxic Chemicals
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 »
Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine
Since 2021, Maine has been the first and only state in the nation to ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in all products. Until now! On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed an environment and energy package, HF 2310 “Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Finance and Policy Bill,” which includes a total ban… 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 »
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 »
Defend’s Director of Research, OpEd in Civil Eats
Defend’s Director of Research, Roopa Krithivasan, was featured last week in Civil Eats – a daily news source for critical thought about the American food system. Krithivasan pointedly asks a health-conscious audience to consider the toxic impacts of plastic-bottled sodas. Most consumers are well aware of the health risks posed by soda’s sugar levels, but… 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 »
Defend’s Senior Market Campaigner, OpEd in Common Dreams
Last week the independent media outlet Common Dreams published a piece by Maya Rommwatt, our Senior Market Campaigner, highlighting the nefarious collusion between big oil and big gas. Common Dreams is a leading publication focused on social justice and inspiring critical thinking on economic, social, and civil issues. Communities across America have been struggling to… Read more »
PET Plastic Report
Over the past few months, we tested 20 popular beverages packaged in plastic bottles and found a cancer-causing plastic chemical in every, single bottle. In the beverages we tested, including Pepsi and Coca-Cola brands, we found unsafe levels of a highly toxic chemical used to make plastic bottles for carbonated soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, and bottled water. But the… Read more »
2022 Legislative Victories
It was a busy second session of the 130th Maine legislature! Defend worked hard with our friends in the legislature to move policy that will help protect Mainers from exposure to toxic chemicals. We had an incredibly successful session, passing first-in-the-nation legislation banning sludge spreading, advocating for protections for our tribal neighbors, and working to… Read more »