Hundreds of moms and dads along with some of their adorable children flew in to Washington DC from all over the country to let Congress know that we need toxic chemical reform. Now.
I traveled in from Boston, which proved to be nothing compared to the people who made their way to our nation’s capital from places like Alaska, California, and Montana. I’ve been to both Safer Chemicals Healthy Families Stroller Brigades and I have not one regret for making the trips.
This year I had the privilege of meeting some pretty spectacular people with some pretty unbelievable stories. Hopefully over the next few weeks I’ll be able to share a few of those stores with you. One thing that struck me about the journey to DC was that each of us arrived with our own story and reason for being there, but we were brought together for one common goal – to let Congress know that we mean business and the time for toxic chemical reform is NOW.
Over 200 moms, dads, cancer survivors, nurses, and advocates gathered at the U.S. Capitol to ask Congress for real reform of our toxic chemical laws.
Nursing pillows and car seats are doused in toxic flame retardants. Toxic chemicals are found in children’s jewelry. Early puberty, childhood cancer, infertility, learning and developmental disabilities are rising at alarming rates. There is no legislation in place to protect us. Companies aren’t required to test the safety of the chemicals in their products. This needs to stop.
I think we did our job while we were in DC, and we did it well. A BIG thank you to Lindsay Dahl and the rest of the Safer Chemicals Healthy Families team and coalition for making this event a tremendous success.
Here are a few highlights from the day.
New friends
The Massachusetts delegation rocked. What an inspiring group of women. Here I am with Cheryl Durr Patry who is on the steering committee for The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, and is the founder of Medfield Green Moms and Madeleine Doggett who’s a student leader from Northeastern University and feels so strongly about these issues that she’s interning with Clean Water Action.
And our other Massachusetts representative joins us in this photo outside the Senate office building. Eugenia Gibbons leads a strong mom network in greater Boston and brought her amazing 1 year old Sylvie with her. She also brought a friend along and I borrowed her child for this photo.
Old friends
Another thing that makes this trip so special is connecting with friends. Seeing Shane from Environmental Booty always makes me smile.
It was great to catch up with Filmmaker Penelope Jagessar Chaffer and her darling daughter.
Catching up with Anne Brock from Flour Sack Mama is always a highlight (photo courtesy of Anne)
Actor Jessica Beals spoke .
We had an opportunity to meet with Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office, Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III’s office, Senator Markey and Congressman Capuano to discuss the issues.
So nice to finally meet Molly Rauch from Mom’s Clean Air Force and see Anneka and Ronnie (not pictured), also from Moms Clean Air Force.
After a successful visit to DC I’m now back home celebrating a Red Sox World Series win and getting ready to trick-or-treat with my kids!
Enjoy the rest of your week. Any big plans?
What a treat to spend a couple days with you! Thanks for taking time away from your family for this event. I can’t wait to hear how the MA meetings went!
Thanks for ALL you do Lori.
Lindsay recently posted..Corporate sustainability roundtable discussion
Lori, you are one of the most incredible mom activists I know…and I know a lot! I also had an amazing experience with the NY delegation. Their stories both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Lindsay and her team knocked this event out of the ball park…and so did the Sox. Congrats to all!
Ronnie recently posted..Going Somewhere
We desperately need toxic chemical reform now. Activism is necessary! Nothing is going to change without consistent, aggressive action on our part. The work you are doing is so important for all of us. I am so happy that you participated in the Safer Chemicals Healthy Families Stroller Brigades in the U.S. Capitol to ask Congress for real reform of our toxic chemical laws. Thank you for all that you are doing!
Deborah Davis recently posted..A Few of My Favorite Things: 12 Delectable Pumpkin & Apple Recipes You Will Fall For
Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of families. Hope your Halloween was wonderful.
Thanks so much Marsha. Halloween was wonderful. My favorite holiday and the weather cooperated! Hope yours was awesome too.
Thanks so much for your support Deborah. I truly appreciate it. You’re right-it’s going to take a lot of work on our part to cause change. We have a long road ahead of us, but seeing who’s on the journey with us is so incredibly inspiring.
Thank you Ronnie. That means so much to me coming from YOU! You are a rock star in my world :). So glad you were in DC for the Brigade. Yes, Lindsay was amazing yet again. And the Sox…..let’s just say Boston is giddy!
Always a treat to spend time with you Lindsay. As Ronnie said, you really did knock this one out of the park. Coordinating so many people and making the event fulfilling and rewarding for all. Not an easy task and you mastered it. Thank YOU Lindsay for everything.
So much inspiration wrapped up in one action-packed day! I always run out of time to talk with everyone and wish I could spend an entire week sharing stories. The combined credentials and experiences are impressive, to say the least. How could Congress not listen?
Anne recently posted..Stroller Brigade Snapshots
I agree Anne- a powerful bunch. Hopefully Congress will listen!
Thanks for all the hard work and activism over the years! Keep spreading the good word!
Great, powerful initiative! I’d like to take the opportunity to ask for parents and homeowners in general for your help in participating in my dissertation study survey about housing and the environment. Your help will be very appreciated! Link is at the bottom of description. Thank you!
Housing and the Environment
Informed consent: The purpose of the study is to find out what are the most common residential green features. You qualify to answer the survey if you: a) own a residence (house, coop apartment, duplex, condo, mobile home, town house); AND b) have added at least one environmentally-friendly/green feature to it. Examples of green features are: fluorescent light bulbs, non-toxic paint, repurposed furniture, high efficiency heating and cooling, low flow faucets and shower heads, and double/triple insulated windows.
It is quick and will take approximately 6 minutes of your time. You will be asked to indicate which green features you have added to your home. There are also a few demographics questions and questions about your overall opinion of environmental issues and homes in general. Your participation is anonymous.
Participating in this study does not present any risks beyond those experienced in everyday life. The data will be stored and secured at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in a locked room.
Your decision to participate is voluntary. You can stop at any time. You do not have to answer questions you do not wish to answer. Refusal to take part in or withdrawing from this study will incur no penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the researcher at [email protected].
You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to participate in this study.
If you agree to participate in the study, please open the Qualtrics link below
https://missouri.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e3a11zZTgDMuzJ3