Resources
VPIRG’s 2011 Trouble in Toyland Report
November 22, 2011
In addition to our work to make all products safer, every year VPIRG releases our annual Trouble in Toyland report highlighting potential hazards in children’s toys. This year Trouble in Toyland, along with an interactive tool accessible via smart phone or computer at http://toysafety.mobi, will help parents and other toy-buyers avoid some common hazards this holiday-shopping season.
Toy Safety Shopping Tips
November 22, 2011
Take this Toy Safety Shopping Guide along with you when heading out on your holiday shopping trip. This brochure summarizes what to look out for including toxics, choking and noise hazards, and more.
Understanding the Environmental Health Implications of Tropical Storm Irene
October 14, 2011
Many challenging public and environmental health questions arose following Tropical Storm Irene. This fact sheet includes resources and information about mold, soil, water and air quality implications following the flood.
VPIRG & CLF Vermont Yankee case amicus brief
September 8, 2011
On September 6th, 2011 VPIRG, in partnership with the Conservation Law Foundation, filed an amicus (“friend of the court”) brief in support of Vermont’s case against Entergy’s lawsuit.
VPIRG report shows need for Consumer Protection Bureau
July 21, 2011
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes over enforcement of all major U.S. consumer laws July 21st. The agency was created in the wake of the Wall Street scandals that led to the Great Recession, and is tasked with protecting consumers from predatory lending and financial traps. Unfortunately, Wall Street banks have asked their friends in Congress to hamstring the agency by denying it a director. Now a new VPIRG report shows why we need this agency.
Vermont’s E-waste Recycling Program
June 30, 2011
On Friday, July 1st, Vermont’s new electronic waste (e-waste) recycling program will begin, providing free and convenient recycling of e-waste to Vermont residents, charities, schools, and small businesses. The recycling program, known as “Vermont E-Cycles”, was created by a VPIRG-backed law passed by legislators last year requiring manufacturers of electronics to finance the cost of collecting and recycling their discarded products. This type of “producer responsibility” program not only eases the financial burden carried by municipalities, but it also provides a powerful incentive for manufacturers to design their electronics to last longer and to exclude the toxic materials that make recycling so difficult and expensive.
S. 34 Mercury Lamps Fact Sheet
April 26, 2011
A guide to the Mercury Lamps Bill (S.34). S.34 would require manufacturers of mercury-containing lamps to establish a free and convenient recycling program for fluorescent bulbs. By financing the cost of recycling their products, manufacturers will have a powerful incentive to design their lamps to last longer and to exclude the toxic materials, including mercury, that make recycling so difficult and expensive.
Fact Sheet on Green Cleaning
March 28, 2011
Conventional cleaning products used in schools can contain a wide variety of harmful chemicals that have been linked to asthma, cancer, and other negative health effects. The potential for these chemicals to pollute indoor air and impair the health and comfort of students and staff cannot be dismissed.
Clean Heat: Comfortable Homes, Affordable Future
March 24, 2011
Over the past five years, VPIREF has released three major reports addressing the challenges and opportunities in determining Vermont’s energy future. These reports provided insights into the economic challenges and environmental impacts of energy use in Vermont and identified solutions that could help Vermont build a clean energy future.
Town Meeting Day: Find your Vermont Town Clerk
February 25, 2011
Town meeting is a rare instance of real, face-to-face democracy that only happens in special places like Vermont. Every year Vermonters gather to debate and make important decisions on everything from the roads we drive on to our energy future. We encourage everyone to attend their local town meeting and make their voice heard.
