Newsletter October 10, 2019
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Looking for tools to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns? SDG Indicator 12.4 specifies the need to “achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle” by 2030. The recent UN Global Chemicals Outlook II report illuminates why SDG 12 matters to people and planet, and defines pathways and highlights tools to meet SDG Indicator 12.4. See how GCO II highlights the Chemical Footprint Project and GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals, retailers are using CFP, and learn more about GreenScreen:
- Global Chemicals Outlook II calls out Chemical Footprint Project and GreenScreen
- Ahold Delhaize, second-largest grocery retailer in the world, commits to the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP)
- Rite Aid signs on to the Chemical Footprint Project
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) hosting GreenScreen webinar on October 28
For more details on chemical footprinting and GreenScreen, join us for this year's BizNGO Annual Conference in Boston December 10-11.
Global Chemicals Outlook II calls out the Chemical Footprint Project and GreenScreen
The UN Environment Programme’s Global Chemicals Outlook II – From Legacies to Innovative Solutions: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a comprehensive review of why SDG 12 matters to people and planet, and offers practical solutions to achieving SDG Indicator 12.4. In a not so stunning finding, the report states, “The global goal to minimize adverse impacts of chemicals and waste will not be achieved by 2020.” And concludes with a call to action: “Solutions exist, but more ambitious worldwide action by all stakeholders is urgently required.”
GCO II references the Chemical Footprint Project, GreenScreen, and research by our Executive Director, Dr. Mark Rossi in chapters on Risk Management Decision-Making (Chapter 4), Assessment of Chemical and Non-chemical Alternatives (Chapter 5), Sustainable Supply Chain Management (Chapter 6), and Sustainability Metrics and Reporting (Chapter 7). For example, see:
“Many tools exist to assist companies in finding safer and greener chemicals to use in their supply chains. One example is the much-used GreenScreen®, a globally recognized tool that identifies hazardous chemicals and safer alternatives (GreenScreen 2018). The Chemical Footprint Project (CFP) is an initiative of investors, retailers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and health care organizations that aspire to support healthy lives, clean water and air, and sustainable consumption and production through the effective management of chemicals in products and supply chains” (Box 4.1 page 431).
Ahold Delhaize commits to the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP)
Ahold Delhaize’s bold new chemicals policy commits the world’s second-largest grocery retailer’s USA division to participate in the CFP Survey in 2020 as well as: restricting chemicals of concern, including PFAS; verifying chemicals of high priority are removed; and collaborating with suppliers to address root causes of contaminants. Ahold Delhaize’s stores are spread across the U.S. and include Food Lion, Hannaford, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop. In agreeing to participate in the annual CFP Survey, Ahold Delhaize commits to reporting to a third party framework on its organizational progress to safer chemicals. Read the Mind the Store Campaign's blog here.
Rite Aid signs on to the Chemical Footprint Project
Rite Aid just became the fifth retailer signatory to the Chemical Footprint Project. Signatories are retailers, investors, institutional purchasers, and NGOs that encourage manufacturers and brands to participate in the annual Chemical Footprint Project survey. Rite Aid joins CVS Health, Staples, Target, and Walmart as retailer signatories to CFP. Other signatories to CFP include investors with over $2.78 trillion in assets under management.
Upcoming ECHA Webinar: October 28, 2019, 9:00 AM Eastern
We invite you to join us and the European Chemicals Agency for a Question and Answer session on GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals. Hear presentations on the value and functionality of GreenScreen from Brian Penttila, Assessment Specialist at the Washington State Department of Ecology; Paul Ashford, Managing Director at Anthesis, LLC; and Shari Franjevic, GreenScreen Program Manager at Clean Production Action. Brian will bring a government perspective to the conversation, Paul will give insight to the European angle, and Shari will give voice to the chemical perspectives within the United States. Click here for more information and registration.
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2019 BizNGO Annual Conference
This year's BizNGO Annual Conference will take place in downtown Boston at the Non-Profit Center from December 10-11th. Join us as we bring together a unique community of business and environmental leaders for the chance to collaborate, share, and act on our collective efforts to advance healthy materials and a safer chemicals economy.
Click here for ticket and event information.
This event is for BizNGO members only. If you are interested in becoming a member contact Kayla. For information about sponsorship opportunities contact Ellen.
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We are proud to provide tools for a safer chemicals economy.
Cheri Peele
Senior Research Associate