In our drive to make items, including clothing waterproof, companies have been using a class of chemicals called PFAS, also known as the “forever chemicals.” Found not just in the items they were designed for, PFAS are also found in our drinking water and hundreds of items we never imagined. Some have been linked to certain cancers.
Now, two nonprofits have developed a phone app to help you determine what chemicals on your shopping list may be harmful. Clearya and Defend our Health have released a free phone app and browser extension to tell you what’s in what you buy.
Some states like California and Colorado have reporting requirements for harmful PFAS chemicals in your everyday products; others like Maine and Minnesota have phase out dates for when items containing PFAS cannot be sold. What about New Jersey, known for certain types of manufacturing? Perhaps it’s time to look at our state laws on PFAS.
Prayer for the Day
Your imagination cannot be confined, O Creator
By the boundaries and limits we set for ourselves.
Your love cannot be held prisoner, O Lord,
By the walls we create for comfort around us.
Your peace cannot be overcome, O spirit of Wisdom,
By the anxiety we often use to qualify our actions.
In the name of the One disturbs in order to give us peace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
You can’t shop your way out of this problem, but you can reduce your exposure by seeking safer products and voting with your wallet.
Taylor Moore, marketing director, Defend Our Health
Retailers also must play a role in ending this toxic trail of pollution. Market power is built on trust. Customers should be able to trust that the retailers where they shop sell products—especially those marketed for children—that are not laden with PFAS chemicals.
Mike Schade, director of Toxic-Free Future’s Mind the Store program
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving, make melody to our God on the lyre.
God covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth,
Makes grass to grow on the hills.
God gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
God’s delight is ot in the strength of the horse or in the speed of a runner,
But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear and whose hope is God’s love.
Psalm 147: 8-11