Washington Toxics Coalition protects public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution. For 27 years, WTC has lead the way towards a toxic free legacy by promoting alternatives, advocating at all levels of government for sensible policies, conducting original research, and empowering communities through education and coalition building.

 

In the last 18 months alone, WTC has:  played a pivotal role in banning toxic flame retardants (PBDEs), passed the Children’s Safe Products Act, which sets American Academy of Pediatrics-approved limits on lead, cadmium and toxic phthalates allowable in toys sold in Washington State; launched Safe Start for Kids and Healthy Toys.org, online resources for parents seeking safer alternatives; secured an agreement from Bellevue School District to reduce pesticide use on school grounds by implementing Integrated Pest Management; won the Department of Ecology’s “Quicksilver Champions” award for playing a critical role in Washington State meeting its goals for reducing  mercury releases into the environment. 

 

Highlights of work this summer include: helping lead the national effort to get toxics out of toys; supporting local, organic farmers through our Healthy Kids/Local Farms initiative; developing a wiki, IPM-opedia, that will serve as the source for  information on the latest chemical-free farming, gardening, and landscaping methods. 

 

 

Guiding Principles

* We believe that all people and other species have the right to a healthy environment, free from pollution.

* We believe in the right to know about toxic chemicals used, released, or disposed of in communities.

* We advocate precedent-setting policies based on the precautionary principle and pollution prevention.

* Our positions are developed from a careful review of science and grounded in public policy that promotes a toxic free environment.

* We advocate policies and practices that will sustain the earth now and for future generations.

* We believe that manufacturers of products containing toxic chemicals must be financially accountable for the end-of-life management of those products, and the eventual substitution of non-toxic materials for toxic components.

* We believe that government agencies and elected officials must be accountable to the public and make decisions using democratic processes.

* We strive to assist communities disproportionately impacted by toxic pollution.

* We believe that a strong organization is grounded in group decision-making processes and practice consensus-based decision-making to reflect those values.

* We believe that all species should have the opportunity to reach and attain their full biological potential.