toxic chemicals

Hi REI,

I just gotta say, I've been shopping at REI for about six years, I love your equipment and the folks who work at your stores are extremely helpful.

I'm writing about PFAS chemicals used in outdoor gear.  This stuff is... well, to call it crap would be polite.  And the ironic thing is I've used your gear to go to places of amazing beauty and purity.

I am SO EXCITED to meet you! Wait, don’t run away! I’m not dangerous! I want to talk to you about something that IS dangerous: toxic PFAS in my humans’ clothes!

This Earth Day, take a moment to make your voice heard! Earth Day can be overwhelming. There is no shortage of troubling information about increasing climate change, and what that means for our communities and our health.

Connecticut became a national leader when we passed our priority PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) bill this year.

Connecticut’s legislative session is in full swing and we’re working hard on two important bills to reduce PFAS contamination. 

Last month, TJX—the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Home Goods, and Sierra Trading Post—announced on its website it is developing an expanded “Chemical Management” strategy. 

In a major victory for Clean Water Action and the Mind the Store campaign, McDonald's has announced a global ban on toxic PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)  in their food packaging by 2025.

There was a fire in my neighborhood (in Dorchester, MA) this week. I woke up at about 4:40 to popping sounds – wondered if they were fireworks (annoying at that hour but ok) or maybe gun shots (yikes). It didn’t sound quite like either. But quickly I heard sirens…lots of sirens...converging very nearby.

Introducing carbon nanotubes, a scientific wonder substance.  You may not have heard of carbon nanotubes (or CNTs), but they are probably already part of your life.  They may be in your cell phone or computer, where they are used as semiconductors, or part of your bike frame, where they provide strength without weight.  They could even be in your tires, helping improve handling on slick roadways.

On August 6^th, we co-released a report in conjunction with the Mind the Store campaign titled “Packaged in Pollution.” The report found that PFAS chemicals are used in food packaging and food service ware to repel grease and liquids so food wrappers for burgers, fries, sandwiches and molded fiber plates and bowls are likely culprits.