2009-2010 VPIRG Legislative Scorecard
August 4, 2010
CleanEnergy, Report, ConsumerProtection, Democracy, HealthCare, HealthyEnvironment, VTYankee
VPIRG produces a scorecard of key votes at the conclusion of each legislative biennium. You can use this year’s scorecard to find out how your representatives in the Vermont House and Senate voted on VPIRG-backed legislation to promote clean energy, reduce exposure to toxins, make health care more accessible and affordable and protect our democracy.
(If directed to a page with garbled text, please scroll to the bottom to download.)
Vermont Body Burden Report
February 11, 2010
Report, HealthyEnvironment
The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Vermont - a coalition coordinated by VPIRG - released a study that tested the bodies of Vermonters from all walks of life for toxic chemicals. The results? Vermonters are no safer from toxic chemicals than anyone else in the country. In fact, dozens of chemicals showed up in the bodies of all of the participants, many at levels suspected of causing health problems.
Over Exposed: The Impacts of bisphenol A on Public Health
December 14, 2009
Report, HealthyEnvironment
Bisphenol A (BPA), found in the 1930s to be a synthetic estrogen, is now a high-volume production chemical used to make epoxy resin and polycarbonate plastic. Approximately 7 billion pounds of BPA are produced globally each year for use in baby bottles, dental sealants, compact discs, water bottles, food cans, and a large variety of other items.
Pollution in People: Cord Blood Contaminants in Minority Newborns
December 14, 2009
Report, HealthyEnvironment
Laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group have, for the first time, detected bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic component and synthetic estrogen, in umbilical cord blood of American infants.
Safer Alternatives to Deca
December 2, 2009
Fact Sheet, HealthyEnvironment
Alternatives to Deca are not only available, but are cost effective as well. According to reports written by the states of Illinois, Maine, and Minnesota, there are affordable alternatives to Deca for consumer electronics, residential upholstered furniture, and mattresses. In fact, many of these alternatives are already being used in the marketplace. For instance, Washington State estimates that roughly 57% of televisions and 95% of computer products do not contain Deca.
Trouble in Toyland 2009
November 24, 2009
Report, HealthyEnvironment
In addition to our work to make all products safer, every year VPRIG releases our annual Trouble in Toyland report highlighting potential hazards in childrens' toys. This year Trouble in Toyland, along with a new 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.
Safer States
September 21, 2009
Links, HealthyEnvironment
SaferStates is a network of diverse environmental health coalitions and organizations in states around the country that share a bold and urgent vision. We believe families, communities, and the environment should be protected from the devastating impacts of our society’s heavy use of chemicals. We believe that new state and national chemical policies will contribute to the formation of a cleaner, greener economy.
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition
September 21, 2009
Links, HealthyEnvironment
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition (ETBC) promotes green design and responsible recycling in the electronics industry. Our goal is to protect the health and well being of electronics users, workers, and the communities where electronics are produced and discarded by requiring consumer electronics manufacturers and brand owners to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products, through effective public policy requirements or enforceable agreements.
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
September 21, 2009
Links, HealthyEnvironment
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is a groundbreaking and growing coalition of diverse groups. The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign wants to reform the nation's chemical safety law using common sense principles and current science.
Protecting Vermont’s Children from Poor Indoor Air Quality: A Report Card on Act 125
September 11, 2009
Report, HealthyEnvironment
Introduction Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is essential to providing safe and healthy learning environments for children. Harmful chemicals found in cleaning supplies, pesticides, and other products can negatively impact the health of students. A growing awareness of this problem has resulted in the implementation of IAQ and “healthy schools” reform policies in states and school districts across the country.
