Groups Call on NYC to Comply with Green Purchasing Laws to Reduce Dioxin Releases

One of the Most Toxic Chemicals Known to Science. Broad Coalition of Organizations Urge NYC to Reduce Purchase of Toxic PVC Plastic Products, a Major Source of Dioxin.

What: Nearly a dozen leaders of business, health, labor, environmental and community organizations will testify at a New York City Council oversight hearing today, Friday, January 27th to urge the city to comply with existing green purchasing laws, and phase out purchasing of toxic products that needlessly endanger public health and the environment. The Committee on Contracts and Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management are holding the oversight hearing, titled "Examining the City's Compliance with Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Laws."

Groups are especially concerned about the lack of implementation of Local Law 120 of 2005, one of a series of laws to "green" NYC purchasing. The law requires NYC to reduce the purchase of products, like toxic PVC plastic, which release dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals on the planet. The dioxin-free purchasing rules were due by January 1, 2008, however, the Mayor's Office of Contract Services has yet to issue them.

Dioxin is a known "human carcinogen" (cancer-causing agent) and causes a wide range of non-cancer effects including reproductive, developmental, immunological, and endocrine disorders in both animals and humans. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic is associated with more dioxin formation than any other single product purchased by NYC agencies, when its entire lifecycle is considered. NYC agencies purchase many products made out of PVC, such as computers, notebooks and building materials. Safer, cost-effective alternatives are readily available for NYC agencies to purchase. Major corporations such as Wal-Mart, Target, Apple, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson and many others have policies to reduce or phase out the purchase of PVC.

When & Where: Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM at 14th Floor Committee Room, 250 Broadway, New York, NY

Who: Speakers will include David Levine, American Sustainable Business Council; Mike Schade, Center for Health, Environment & Justice; Stephen Boese, Learning Disabilities Association of NYS; Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein, pediatric neurologist; Peter Syrett, Architect, Perkins & Will architectural firm; Joel Shufro, New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health; Irene Van Slyke, Sierra Club New York City Group; Penelope Jagessar Chaffer, mom and director of the upcoming film, Toxic Baby; Ellen Weininger, Grassroots Environmental Education; and Ansje Miller, Center for Environmental Health.