To say this coming election is a big deal would be a vast understatement. It is one of the most critical elections in the history of the United States. And, saying that almost feels like we’re putting it lightly. There is so much at stake. For good reason, the primary focus has been the Presidential race and all of its twists and turns over the past few months. But–and this seems to get lost in the shuffle all too often–there are so many other races and issues that we need to be talking about and acting on.
One of those issues–which we discussed with Gretchen Dahlkemper, Director of Clean Air Moms Action on this week’s show–is climate change, and the environment that we’re damaging and leaving behind for our children.
In the video below, you’ll see Pennsylvania resident talking about some of the issues that are plaguing her community–including being overrun with well-pads and pipelines.
Making a change to our country’s policies when it comes to the environment, harmful toxins, and more starts with us. If we aren’t doing our research when it comes to who we’re electing for office and what they stand for, then we’re doing ourselves–and our kids–a grave disservice.
Moms Clean Air Force–a non-profit organization with 900,000 members nationwide and 45,000 members in Pennsylvania alone–and Clean Air Moms Action–the political activism arm of Moms Clean Air Force–are fighting for a safer climate, cleaner air and protection from hazardous chemicals we encounter in our daily lives. These are hugely important causes that everyone should be getting behind.
“First of all, sometimes being a good parent means being a good citizen” said Dahlkemper in an interview with us this week. “Citizenship doesn’t stop and start in the voting booth.”
Dahlkemper encourages all parents to get involved.
“The election is less than a week away. We’ve got a lot of simple nap-time actions. Nap-time activism. Share it on social media, volunteer at phone banks from your house–and your own computer and phone. You can do it in a few minutes.”
In addition to inviting folks to get involved from home, there are also canvas operations in Pittsburgh, the Philly suburbs, Center City Philadelphia. She is encouraging people to come out spend a few hours, bring your kids along, knock on doors, and encourage people to come out and vote on Nov 8.
If you weren’t aware, there was a major act passed in congress this summer. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act was passed unanimously with 60 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. Notably, the Lautenberg Act mandates safety reviews for chemicals in active commerce and requires safety finding for new chemicals before they are allowed on the market. The previous law was broken. In fact, under that law only a small fraction of the chemicals in cleaning products, clothing, furniture, and other products were ever reviewed for safety. Under that law our government lacked the ability to regulate even known dangers such as asbestos, lead and formaldehyde.
“Most parents assume our kids aren’t being exposed to toxic cancer-causing chemicals,” said Dahlkemper. “And they are. Exposed to tens of thousands of chemicals. That we don’t know if they’re safe or harmful. Car seats, clothing, sheets, there is no oversight in the government.”
Let’s take the health of our kids into account when we hit the voting booths on November 8th. Aren’t they worth it?
For more information on Moms Clean Air Force and Clean Air Moms Action, check out their social pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and use #CleanAirMomsVote to voice your support!
Disclaimer: We partnered with Clean Air Moms Action and Moms Clean Air Force for this post, but wholeheartedly agree with their messaging.
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