Exposure to toxic chemicals should not be "just part of the job". Exposure to toxic chemicals through the use of consumer products should not be just part of life. And the release of toxic substances into our environment should not be just business as usual.
In fact, there is no question what workers and consumers want: safer, more sustainable products that help us to avoid the continued build up of toxic substances in our environment – and in our bodies. And that makes toxic reduction a good – and growing — business. Whether it is manufacturing safer substitutes, formulating toxic-free products or developing safer processes, this is an area with great job potential.
Through its highly successful Toxic Nation campaign, Environmental Defence is working to protect Canadians from exposure to toxic chemicals found in the consumer products that we use daily. Numerous studies show that no matter where you live, how old you are, or what you do for a living, Canadians are contaminated with toxic chemicals. You can view the studies at www.ToxicNation.ca.
Recently Environmental Defence succeeded in getting the toxic chemical Bisphenol A banned from baby bottles after studies showed that it leached from the plastic into the formula when heated. Canada is the first country to take this action.
The USW has similarly brought the issue of lead contamination in children’s toys and other common household items into the public spotlight with its successful Get the Lead Out: Stop Toxics Imports campaign. Protecting children from the devastating effects of lead exposure means stemming the flow of trade from countries like China, that have weak or non-existent environment and health standards. Coupled with a faulty regulatory and trade system at home, Canadian families are at risk. You can find out more at www.stoptoxicsimports.org.
Ontario has recently introduced the Toxics Use Reduction Act, a law that will help to protect our kids and our communities, while making current workplaces safer and creating new economic opportunities. Over the next few months, we will have the opportunity to ensure that this new Ontario law is strong and an effective framework to protect Ontario workers and citizens.
The Massachusetts’ Toxics Use Reduction Act, upon which the Ontario Act is modeled, led to a 64% reduction in toxic waste and also saved companies more than $14 million. Passed more than 15 years ago, the Toxic Use Reduction Act has helped Massachusetts manufacturers reduce their toxic chemical use by 40 percent, toxic byproducts by 71 percent and toxic releases to the environment by 91 percent. Instead of making products or processes more costly, the act has actually resulted in reduced costs for companies, not to mention healthier workplaces. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “operating cost savings alone more than offset the direct costs for companies to reduce toxics. This was without factoring in health, productivity or environmental cost savings.” Working with and disposing of toxic substances is costly and requires great care, so finding safer substitutes or simply avoiding the need to use toxics in the first place can have great bottom line results.
The European Union has also created a strong framework for reducing the use of toxic substances. The new European law is already being felt in Canada, where companies that export to Europe are looking to reduce toxic use to protect their market access and to meet growing consumer demand.
Green chemistry is one way to ensure that products and processes are designed to reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances. The federal government recently awarded $9.1 million to GreenCentre Canada, a new Centre of Excellence at Queen’s University, which will focus on the development of green technology solutions for traditional chemical and manufacturing processes.
Blue Green Canada is an alliance between the United Steelworkers (USW) and Environmental Defence to advocate for working people and the environment in key areas of global trade, the use of toxic chemicals in commercial activity, the creation of green manufacturing jobs, and in the development of strategies to address climate change. We welcome your thoughts - info@bluegreencanada.ca
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