Oregon Environmental Council

Toxic-free environmentsoec works to reduce peoples exposure to toxic chemicals found in the natural and built environment, especially children (who are particularly vulnerable) and people of color and low-income communities (who are disproportionately exposed). We promote safe, non-toxic products through public policy and through consumer-engagement programs that encourage companies to use safer chemicals. During the fiscal year ending march 31, 2024, we successfully advocated in the legislature to secure new and expanded protections for the health of all oregonians, including the toxic free cosmetics act to remove harmful chemicals from personal care products and modernizing the toxic free kids modernization act to regulate classes of chemicals used in kids products. We worked with environmental justice and workers rights partners to strengthen protections for outdoor and other frontline workers against climate-fueled extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Our advocacy helped pass legislation phasing out single-use plastic used in food containers (in turn limiting exposure to pfas), and reducing e-waste (and thereby lead, mercury and cadmium). We developed communications materials on plastics as a health, climate and waste concern. We also published and distributed a clean cosmetics buying guide, providing consumers with affordable options.