Did you know that Green Century offers sustainable investment options that allow you to align your investments with your values? Additionally, every dollar earned by Green Century for managing these investments supports our nonprofit owners and their important work in the environment and public health.
From coast to coast, spanning Massachusetts to California, Green Century’s nonprofit owners from MassPIRG to CalPIRG are supporting legislation, crafting public campaigns and taking other measures to halt toxic PFAS chemicals from tainting our drinking water and polluting our waterways.
PFAS, an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are groups of synthetic compounds found in many consumer products and industrial processes. These chemicals – used in lipsticks, cosmetics, frying pans and other items – are designed to create stain proof, water repellent and nonstick products. These substances, which are toxic at even very low level exposures, increase the risk of developing cancers, immunosuppression, liver disease, developmental and reproductive harm and more.
Photo credit: Engin Akyurt, Unsplash
Dubbed “forever chemicals”, PFAS are so pervasive that they can be detected in air, soil, human blood, and water around the world. In fact, at least 45 percent of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have some type of PFAS, according to a 2023 study by the U.S. Geological Survey. That means nearly half of us might be consuming PFAS through our drinking water every day.
Eleven states have taken action to limit PFAS in water supplies and CalPIRG supported legislation that required water districts to get PFAS out of the water supply. CalPIRG also wants to stop adding more PFAS into the environment and supported legislation that phases out unnecessary uses of PFAS in most consumer products in the Golden State. This bill, headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, would expand California’s current bans to cookware, cleaning products, food containers, dental floss, paint, and more.
Photo credit: Nigel Msipa, Unsplash
In the Bay State, MassPIRG is working to stop more PFAS pollution and supports a bill that would take action on common sense solutions, ranging from banning PFAS added to various consumer items; creating a state remediation trust fund to assist in the testing of the chemicals in water supplies, groundwater and soil; and other measures.
By investing with Green Century, you help support important public campaigns to keep our air, lands, and waters safe and clean. Please reach out today if you would like to learn more about Green Century at info@greencentury.com or call us at 1-800-934-7336.