Chicago Bans BPA in Kids Products
Chris Campbell | 
May 14th, 2009 | 
Photo courtesy of EnviroBlog
Chicago has made a stand for children (and green parents). Today, March 13th, Chicago became the first American city to ban BPA from products geared toward children 3 and under. The City of Chicago’s action follows similar leadership by the state of Minnesota, and the county of Suffolk in New York.
Canada banned BPA from use in baby bottles and “will take action to limit the amount of bisphenol A that is being released into the environment” in 2008. Japan started a program of voluntary compliance in 1998 that drastically curbed BPA exposure for all ages by changing the lining in canned foods and using alternatives other than polycarbonate tableware in schools, but they have not passed a full-out ban. The EU has considered bans on BPA, but currently has not passed a ban and has taken a similar stance on the issue to that of the FDA.
In the US, the FDA maintains that BPA is safe, including for young children: “Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects. However, we will continue to consider new research and information as they become available.”
Another US government agency, the National Toxicology Institute, however sparked much of the BPA concern after they published a report stating: “In the case of BPA, the NTP and our expert panel expressed ’some concern’ for potential exposures to the fetus, infants and children. There are insufficient data from studies in humans to reach a conclusion on reproductive or developmental hazards presented by current exposures to bisphenol A, but there is limited evidence of developmental changes occurring in some animal studies at doses that are experienced by humans. It is uncertain if similar changes would occur in humans, but the possibility of adverse health effects cannot be dismissed.
Chicago’s ban is a voluntary one. Retailers will have to police themselves. Violators could lose their business license and be fined up to $500.
“The Chicago City Council is not going to wait and it is sending a strong message, not only to the FDA, but to other jurisdictions, other communities, saying it is time to move forward, it is time to protect our children,” says Alderman Manny Flores who sponsored the bill (from Chi-Town Daily News article).
Special Thanks to Green Mama for writing this great article.
Chicago Green Events March 2009
Chicago Department of Environment News and Opportunities: March 2009
- Saturday, March 7: Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility Open
- Thursday, March 19: Greening Your Office Seminar
- Sunday, March 22: UNICEF Water Walk
- Saturday, March 28: Earth Hour 2009
- Register for Spring 2009 Chicago Conservation Corps Leadership Training
- Chicago Conservation Corps Student Clubs is Recruiting Teachers for 2009-2010
Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility Open
- Saturday, March 7, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- 1150 N. North Branch St.
In February, the City celebrated the millionth pound of material collected at our Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility. More than 18,000 Chicagoans have brought materials to the facility. Take your unwanted paints, chemicals, and computers to the Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility, 1150 N. North Branch (two blocks east of the Kennedy at Division St.) For more information and a complete list of accepted materials, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment and click on “Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility” on the right-hand navigation bar.
Greening Your Office: Tips on How to Make Your Workplace Eco-friendly
- Thursday, March 19, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
- Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
- Pre-registration required: greenofficechallenge@cityofchiago.org.
Join us for a free brown bag lunchtime lecture to learn how to make your workplace earth-friendly. Topics include waste reduction, energy conservation, green transportation, property management engagement and how to start a “green team.” While this lecture is geared towards Green
Office Challenge participants, all are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Email greenofficechallenge@cityofchicago.org and include your name, workplace address, phone number and email address. www.chicagogreenofficechallenge.org. Please note: This event will
also be held on April 23 at the same time and location.
Chicago Conservation Corps Spring 2009 Training Series
- Reserve a seat at an upcoming orientation
- Call (312) 743-9283 or email conservation@cityofchicago.org
You care. Do Something. We’ll Help. The Chicago Conservation Corps is recruiting for its Spring 2009 Environmental Leadership Training Series. Learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change, then lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources. Past projects include a compact fluorescent lightbulb distribution, hosting a green cleaning course, and starting a recycling program at a church or
school.
Orientation details: Wednesday, March 11 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649
Saturday, March 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Monday, March 16 – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
Reserve a seat at an orientation by calling (312) 743-9283 or emailing conservation@cityofchicago.org. Visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/C3 for application details, requirements and spring training dates.
Chicago Conservation Clubs (C3) is Recruiting Teachers for the 2009-2010 school year
- reserve a seat at an upcoming orientation – Orientations will be held April 14, 15 and 16
C3 is seeking passionate teachers who want to make a difference in their school community. Start an after-school environmental service club with your students. Access curriculum, materials, training workshops, and more from the Chicago Department of Environment. Earn a stipend and
CPDUs for your efforts.
To learn more about the program and attend an orientation on April 14, 15, or 16, contact us at conservation@cityofchicago.org or call our hotline at 312-743-9283. All teacher applications are due May 1. To apply, you must be a Chicago Public School teacher (8th – 12th grade) and attend an orientation. Program includes three evening teacher workshops to be held over the course of the 2009-2010 school year.
Water Walk
- Sunday, March 22 at the Field Museum
- Registration at 9:00 a.m., walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
You are invited to participate in UNICEF’s Tap Project Water Walk, a one mile walk for young people (all ages) and their families, schools and communities to help raise awareness and support for children
worldwide who suffer from a lack of readily available clean water. For more information and to register, visit www.tapproject.org.
Event details:
Sunday, March 22
Registration: 9:00 a.m.
Walk start: 10:00 a.m.
Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Earth Hour 2009
- Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- www.earthhourus.com
From Amman to Warsaw to Chicago, the skylines of 74 cities in 62 countries will darken for one hour as individuals, businesses, government buildings, schools and major landmarks turn off non-essential
lighting in what will be the largest climate event in history; demonstrating the carbon emissions reductions possible through a simple flick of a switch. Chicago is one of the U.S. cities participating, join the effort. Visit www.earthhourus.com for more information.
MOSS Chicago Sustainable Fashion Show
The Museum of Sustainable Style features clothing, accessories and furniture that inspire and respond to current form and function necessities, without compromising our environmental abilities to meet future needs. This event is part of the Chicago fashion week and was put together by the eco-friendly fashion boutique in the Fulton Market area, Pivot.
Curated by Pivot, a Chicago boutique devoted to sustainable fashion, the first installation of MoSS opens October 2–5, 2008 for Fashion Focus Chicago and features local designers. GreenWerks is excited to be a part of the MOSS Chicago event. We were able to put together the seats and some display boxes for the fashion show and panel on Saturday. Make sure you stop by this exciting showcase of sustainable design and its Free Admission! Special thanks to Anthony from AS Painting and Decorating for helping us put together the boxes for this event.
Panel discussion on Saturday, Oct 4 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reception to follow
When: Oct 2—Oct 5 2008, Open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Brickermade Studio 1109 West Fulton Market Chicago, Illinois 60607
How to improve gas mileage-
With gas prices hitting record highs and fuel costs as high as $4.65 a gallon in Lincoln Park, here are a few suggestions we found to help improve your MPG!
Lighten the Load- Removing excess things from your trunk and back seat can increase your MPG with every 100 pounds removed.
Drive 55- Because wind resistance increases expontially with speed the typical engine loses 1% fuel economy for every mile faster than 55 and double that over 60. Keyword here is “typical”
Roll the windows down- In-town driving will increase fuel economy, but at higher speeds it will increase the drag will reduce the fuel efficiency.
GreenWerks recommends investing in technologies such as hybrids and Toyota Prius. Current oil futures only showing the price of fuel in this country rising with no coming down in sight. The current market predicts prices for seven years out and is showing a steady increase over the next few years. We are looking forward to seeing the new line of plug-in, hydrogen and other next generation vehicles.
- Source Chicago Tribune Redeye
Chicago Green Festival
The Chicago Green Festival is just over a month away and we are all excited here at the office. This two day event held at Navy Pier is an excellent event to learn about green organizations in Chicago. They have green seminars and workshops from various eco-friendly experts. More than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products.
You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a fair trade pavilion, yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.
Chicago Green Festival is May 17 & 18, 2008
Show Hours
Saturday 10AM- 8PM
Sunday 11AM- 6PM
Venue and Address
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago
PS. You can pick up discount 2 for 1 coupons at GreenMaker Supply in Chicago. (They are located at 2500 N Pulaski) GreenMaker is a green building supply that has just about everything you need to go green. See you there!
Green Home Design Center- Grand Opening!
Come and celebrate the Grand Opening of Green Home Design Center the day after Earth Day (April 23rd). Come and enjoy good company with wine and appetizers. Party begins at 5pm till 8pm, the Green Home Chicago Design center is located at 213 N Morgan, Suite 1D, Chicago, IL and you can call them directly at 312-432-9400, if you have any questions. We hope to see you at this green home party! See you then…
Picture is worth a thousand words…
This picture says it all. Amsterdam considers bike lanes as a joke and this picture fully illustrates that message. I know that this is how some Chicago bicyclists feel riding on the street of Chicago. I wish Chicago would add more bike paths for this cheap easy transportation.
Facebook- GreenWerks
Technorati - GreenWerks
Google Shared Items
Twitter - GreenWerks
Delicious - GreenWerks
SlideShare - GreenWerks
Flickr - GreenWerks
YouTube - GreenWerks
Digg - GreenWerks
LinkedIn
StumbleUpon - GreenWerks
MySpace GreenWerks
RSS - GreenWerks
