AHT’s top priority for 2008 is to pass the Safer Alternatives Bill (S-2481) which will create a program in Massachusetts to replace toxic chemicals in consumer products and industrial uses with safer alternatives whenever possible. The bill has passed the Massachusetts Senate. To help pass it in the House, people all around the state, like yourself, are inspiring their legislators to support the bill by sharing their personal stories. Here’s how you can help:

First: Visit the Safer Alternatives Bill action page for your Representative.

There, you can write a personal postcard, make it even more personal with a photo, and see the messages and photos that other people in your community have posted.

Second: Help us find others to do the same!

• Ask your friends to visit their Representative’s page and send a message for safe products
• Collect other people’s stories (and photos) on postcards
• Host a Healthy Products Party with the new DVD Contaminated Without Consent at your home, school, place of worship, etc.
• Volunteer to be the local coordinator for your district.

Third: Delivering the postcards

Make sure all the postcards get to the right Representatives and are delivered in a powerful way. Join others in town to meet with the Representative locally and bring all the postcards. If you have postcards from other Representatives, get them to the right place. Get the details.

Looking for something you don’t see in this article? Check the quick summary of all the ways you can help pass the Safer Alternatives Bill in the House.

Posted in Get Involved, Initiatives & Campaigns on Apr 15, 2008

Three Representatives, Jaime Eldridge (D-Acton), Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington), and Thomas Conroy (D-Wayland) have initiated a letter of support for the Safer Alternatives Bill that will be soon be delivered to Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi. These three Representatives have asked their colleagues in the House to sign on to the letter.

So far there are 46 signers. AHT’s goal is to get 100 signers before delivering it to Speaker DiMasi. (more…)

Posted in Initiatives & Campaigns on Apr 10, 2008

Toxic lead has been added to many products made for children and even babies! Lead has been added to vinyl baby bibs, “rubber” ducks, bath books, car seats, lunch bags, and more!

Even very low levels of lead can damage the developing brains of young children. Infants and children suck on many items and frequently put their hands in their mouths. The toxic lead builds up in their bodies.

In March 2008 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued new regulations banning the sale of children’s jewelry containing dangerous levels of lead. At the same time, DPH committed to drafting a second set of regulations covering lead in other products to which children are exposed, such as toys.

The new regulations will go into effect in June 2008. Under the regulation, the sale of children’s leaded jewelry will be banned in all venues in Massachusetts, including Internet and catalogue sales. They will apply to jewelry marketed to or intended for use by children under 14 years of age.

Thanks to all of you who attended DPH public hearings on this issue and signed our on-line petition! We’ll keep you posted as more action is needed.

Posted in Initiatives & Campaigns on Mar 19, 2008

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Posted in Press Room on Feb 7, 2008