Bills to Watch in 2012 – Environmental Health
Our advocates are following these bills and we’ll keep you posted on opportunities to take action. Find the bill language by clicking the title.
Toxics & Environmental Health
Legislative Preview: What’s on the Docket for 2012?
We continue to work toward building a clean, renewable, reliable energy future for our state. VPIRG is working to pass a bill ensuring that a greater portion of your electricity comes from renewable sources. And, with 50% of Vermont’s electricity already coming from clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, our goal, of an additional 30% more by 2025, is well within our reach.
VPIRG’s 2011 Trouble in Toyland Report
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
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.
VPIRG Releases 26th Annual Trouble in Toyland Report
Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, according to the Vermont Public Interest Research Group’s (VPIRG’s) 26th annual Trouble in Toyland report.
The report reveals the results of laboratory testing on toys for lead and phthalates, both of which have been proven to have serious adverse health impacts on the development of young children. The survey also found toys that pose either choking or noise hazards.
Understanding the Environmental Health Implications of Tropical Storm Irene
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.
The facts on post-Irene toxics
VPIRG’s Environmental Health Advocate, Charity Carbine-March, pulled additional resources and information about environmental health implications of mold, soil, water and air quality following Tropical Storm Irene.
VPIRG Launches Redeem to Rebuild!
Redeem to Rebuild is a state wide bottle drive to raise money for Vermont farms that suffered losses due to Tropical Storm Irene. All donations will benefit the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund – established by the Vermont Community Foundation in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. This fund will provide grants to farms of all sizes throughout the state that were unfortunate victims of Tropical Storm Irene.
VPIRG organizes bottle drive to support local swim team
Our state’s Bottle Bill program has not only proven to be an amazing tool for recycling, but it also provides a resource for community groups, like the Waterbury Rapids Swim Team, who depend on bottle drives to help fund their programs. While 5 cents might not seem like a lot, it adds up for community groups across the state.
Vermont’s e-waste recycling program begins
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.