Our plan for Toxic Free NC in 2013

by Fawn Pattison

It's a New Year like we’ve never known before.

In the wake of November’s election, 2013 ushered in the harshest political environment that North Carolina’s health and environment have ever known. The state legislature can and will inflict plenty of damage. But that doesn’t mean we should despair!

The state legislature does not lead social change – it only follows. Their job is to codify the change already taking place within our communities. That’s why Toxic Free NC always focuses our work where it matters most – in the communities around North Carolina where real change begins.

We’ll never cease to watchdog state government and speak out for health and justice, but our work doesn’t depend on them. Here’s our plan to keep moving forward in this harsh political environment:

• We'll work with folks like you to change city and county ordinances to bring healthy, pesticide-free food to more of the people who need it most. Local policies can promote local and organic foods, gardening, beekeeping and urban farming, and reduce pesticide pollution.

• We’ll continue to sweep though the child care sector – public and private – with a safer approach to pest control that protects our children from chemical harm.

• We’ll target the corporations that neglect our health and well-being with shoddy products that over-use hazardous chemicals, and we'll help you to be a savvy consumer.

• And most of all, we will keep building our base of power by bringing the voices and ideas that matter most – yours – into powerful collaboration with new allies around the state. Whether it’s helping your child care drop the toxic chemicals, or taking citizen lobbyist teams to Congress for federal chemical reform, we will use this time to keep getting smarter and stronger. 

Working together, we will continue to make real change on the ground throughout North Carolina. And when the state legislature’s iron is hot again, we’ll be ready to strike!

Now more than ever, we are so grateful to have you with us. And now more than ever, we need your help.Make a gift to Toxic Free NC and lend your support to make us even stronger. Even better, if you're not already a monthly donor, consider making a recurring gift so we can count on you to be with us every step of the way. When the going gets tough, we’re in it together. Please make a donation today.

P.S. Next week, we're sharing details about our community organizing plans for 2013. We're excited to share them with you. Stay tuned!