Alternatives Spring 2008

Upcoming Events

2008 Auction for Action (Seattle, from Oct 16, 2008 05:30 PM to Oct 16, 2008 09:30 PM)

2008 Auction for Action Fundraiser. This year our annual celebration and dinner will take place on October 16th at Fisher Pavilion in the Seattle Center.

Holiday Party 2008 (The Chapel at the Good Shepherd Center, from Dec 04, 2008 06:30 PM to Dec 04, 2008 08:30 PM)

Join WTC Board and Staff Thursday, December 4th, 6:30 - 8:30pm in the Chapel at the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford to celebrate our work and honor our volunteers and supporters! This event also serves as our annual member meeting.

Press Releases

These are our press releases

One in Three Children's Toys Tested Found to Have Significant Levels of Toxic Chemicals

In response to the overwhelming demand for information about toxic chemicals in toys, the Washington Toxics Coalition, Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, and the Michigan-based Ecology Center, along with partners across the country, today released the 2nd annual database of chemical ingredients in toys. The database is available at www.HealthyToys.org.

Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals Found in Teenage Girls

Teenage girls across America are contaminated with hormone-altering chemicals found in cosmetics and body care products, confirms a new study released today by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in partnership with the Washington Toxics Coalition.

New Federal Toy Safety Standards Based on Standards First Developed in Washington

Taking its cue from Washington State, Congress is poised to pass legislation setting the first-ever national standards for lead and the plasticizers known as phthalates in toys and child care articles.

Vinyl Shower Curtains Dangerous for Health and Environment

New Report Reveals Laboratory Evidence of More Than 100 Chemicals Released From PVC Shower Curtains Sold at Major Retail Outlets

Congress Follows Wahington State's Lead on Chemical Reform

“Kid Safe Chemical Act” Proposes New Chemical Regulations; Core Elements from Cutting-Edge State Legislation Missing

Doctors, Nurses, Parents, and Others Cheer House Passage of Toxic Toys Legislation

Doctors, nurses, parents, consumer advocates, and environmental groups cheered last night's passage of the Children's Safe Products Act of 2008 (HB 2647) by the House of Representatives. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 95-0.

Dangerous Ducky and Other Toxic Toys

Results from new testing released today by the Seattle-based Washington Toxics Coalition for the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition show high levels of phthalates, toxic compounds that have been linked to potential harmful health effects, in popular children's toys.

Diverse Coalition Voices Support for Toxic Toys Bill

 

Consumers Respond With Overwhelming Demand for More Information About Chemicals in Toys

 

Popular Holiday Toys Contaminated with High Levels of Toxic Chemicals

Lead, Cadmium, and Other Harmful Chemicals Found in Popular Children's Toys - Leading Environmental Health Groups Release Testing Results Today at www.HealthyToys.org

First It Was Thomas. Then Elmo and Dora. Who's next?

Legislature Ensures Washington a Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

The budget passed this weekend by the Washington State Legislature substantially increases funding for research and teaching on sustainable agriculture at Washington State University. State legislators approved at least $400,000 in additional funding for WSU’s Biologically Intensive and Organic Farming (BIOAg) program, sending a strong message that they support sustainable farming.

Washington State Legislature Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants

The Washington State Legislature has passed the nation's first ban on all forms of the toxic flame retardants known as PBDEs. The Senate passed ESHB1024, sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina), by a 41 to 8 margin at noon today.

Doctors and Nurses Urge Legislators to Eliminate Toxic Flame Retardants

Doctors and nurses from around Washington are saying "the science is in hand" on the toxic flame retardants PBDEs and are urging quick passage of a bill to ban all forms of the chemical. A letter signed by 300 Washington State physicians, nurses and other health professionals cites harmful health impacts from PBDEs including learning and behavioral disorders, memory impairments, disruption of thyroid function, reproductive effects, and cancer.

X-Ray Testing finds PBDEs and lead in everyday consumer products

Today experts from the Washington Toxics Coalition revealed that a new high-tech test for toxic chemicals found PBDEs and lead in numerous everyday home and office items including high concentrations of toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) detected in nearly every TV tested.

Settlement Agreement Will Protect California Red-Legged Frogs From 66 Toxic Pesticides

A U.S. District Court Judge today signed a settlement agreement between the Center for Biological Diversity and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will protect the threatened California Red-legged Frog from 66 of the most toxic and persistent pesticides authorized for use in California.

Judge: Bush Administration Pesticide Rules for Endangered Species Are Illegal

A federal judge in Seattle today overturned new Bush administration rules that made it easier for pesticide makers to ignore the effects of their products on endangered plants and animals. The court set aside the administration's rules, and restored prior standards that provided greater protection to protected wildlife and plants.

Widely Used Toxic Flame Retardant Banned in Televisions and Computers Sold in Europe

A ban on all new TVs, computers and all other electrical and electronic equipment containing the toxic flame retardant deca-BDE (deca), went into effect in the European Union on July 1, 2006.

New Consumer Pesticide Warnings Will Protect Salmon

June 6, 2006 - Home and garden stores up and down the West Coast will warn consumers of the dangers to salmon posed by seven common pesticides.

Washingtonians Test Positive for Toxic Chemicals

Today a diverse group of Washingtonians gathered together for the first time to react to results from recent lab testing of their blood, hair, and urine, which detected from 26 to 39 toxic chemicals in each of their bodies.