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?
