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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

@mikeschade.bsky.social

400 followers 480 following 78 posts

Transforming the marketplace away from toxic chemicals and plastics and toward safer solutions. Fighting for a toxic-free future for all. Senior Director of Programs and Strategy for Toxic-Free Future - ToxicFreeFuture.org Opinions my own

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · May 20

The Home Depot led on phthalates 10 years ago—will it lead on PVC now? As shareholders meet this week, pressure is mounting to act on the poison plastic. Over 20,000 people are calling for change.

📖 Read our new blog: toxicfreefuture.org/blog/from-ph...

#ESG #HomeDepot #PlasticPollution #Plastics

From phthalates to the poison plastic: It’s time for Home Depot to lead again - Toxic-Free Future

A decade after phasing out phthalates in flooring, Home Depot can lead again—by phasing out toxic PVC and scaling safer materials like linoleum. Here's why it matters.

toxicfreefuture.org

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Beyond Plastics @beyondplastics.bsky.social · 2d

📊 Our new report exposes the 4-to-1 lobbying advantage industry giants used to block #NewYork's Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act. But 73% of New Yorkers support it. Who will #Albany lawmakers listen to? ➡️ bit.ly/prria-lobbying

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Beyond Plastics @beyondplastics.bsky.social · Dec 12

Despite leading the world in plastic pollution for 6 years in a row, @cocacolagb.bsky.social just quietly reneged on its promise to deliver 25% of its drinks in reusable bottles by 2030. UNACCEPTABLE! Contact the company's head of sustainability: bit.ly/coca-cola-re... #toxicplastic #planetorplastic

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

U.S. Right to Know @usrighttoknow.bsky.social · Sep 5

New research links #phthalates to tumor growth and reduced treatment success.

The EU restricts several phthalates from all uses while the U.S. has banned only a handful in children’s toys, and still allows them in food packaging and personal care products. usrtk.org/healthwire/p...

Phthalates in everyday products may fuel breast cancer, new study warns

Phthalates—common chemicals in plastics, personal care products, and food packaging—may drive the growth and spread of breast cancer, a new study warns.

usrtk.org

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Plastic Pollution Coalition @plasticpollutes.bsky.social · Aug 13

We are in the final hours of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, yet the newly proposed text hands the treaty to polluters.🌎❌

World leaders: send it back. 🚨Protect people and planet!✊

#PlasticPollutes #BreakFreeFromPlastic #INC #PlasticsTreaty

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Joseph Winters @jbwinters.bsky.social · Aug 13

The plastics crisis has gotten so bad that "the ability of future generations to enjoy a toxic-free environment conducive to a life w/ dignity is now compromised." Here's why legal experts are increasingly referring to plastic pollution as a human rights issue. @grist.org grist.org/equity/un-pl...

Plastic pollution is toxic and everywhere. Now, legal experts say it’s a human rights violation.

This week, they’re advocating for a U.N. treaty to safeguard people’s basic rights.

grist.org

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Break Free From Plastic @breakfreefromplastic.org · Aug 9

🚨Showing our collective power outside plenary🚨

Observers gather outside the plenary hall, telling delegates to fix the process, keep their promise, and end plastic pollution.

#INC52 #PlasticsTreaty #BeatPlasticPollution #BreakFreeFromPlastic

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Aug 8

📖 New book alert: Cleaning House by @lindsaydahl.bsky.social. This is a MUST-read on fighting the chemical industry and winning real protections for our health.

Lindsay is a longtime advocate, #ESG leader + @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social board member.

👉 bit.ly/3UVPeMY

#CleanBeauty #PublicHealth

Cleaning House

From the front lines of the movement for safer products, environmental health expert Lindsay Dahl takes us on her journey from skeptic to activist, exposing...

bit.ly

Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Mariah Blake @mariahblake.bsky.social · Aug 5

Big news: New Jersey has reached a $2 billion deal with DuPont and other companies to settle claims they contaminated the state with toxic #PFAS. NJ officials call it the “largest environmental settlement” ever awarded to a single state.
whyy.org/articles/new...

New Jersey reaches billion-dollar PFAS settlement with DuPont, Chemours, Corteva

The settlement resolves lawsuits pertaining to toxic chemical contamination at four industrial sites.

whyy.org

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Toxic-Free Future @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social · Aug 7

So great to present @ the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators National Forum with @defendourhealth.bsky.social & Breast Cancer Prevention Partners on reducing PFAS in our lives, and to share with other panelists how states like Washington are leading the charge to prevent #PFAS pollution.

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Aug 7

Toxic chemicals are fueling cancer and infertility worldwide.

Scientists now say this crisis is as serious as climate change.

And just like climate, it’s preventable—if we force corporations and governments to act.

Read this important @theguardian.com story: www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Chemical pollution a threat comparable to climate change, scientists warn

More than 100 million ‘novel entity’ chemicals are in circulation, with health impact not widely recognised

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Center for International Environmental Law @ciel.org · Aug 7

⚠️ Fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have flooded #PlasticsTreaty talks at a record high. They're working with petrostates to distract, delay, and drag the treaty toward the lowest common denominator.
#KickPollutersOut #INC5-2
👉 Read more: bit.ly/41wUn1L

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Center for International Environmental Law @ciel.org · Aug 6

😓The Trump administration is granting emissions exemptions to polluters.

💰Companies granted exemptions – like BASF, Formosa Plastics, Chevron Phillips & Shell – have spent $$$ millions on lobbying.

☠️Communities should NOT be sacrificed for corporate profits & dividends.

📖https://bit.ly/45rwWby

EPA Rollback: A New Era of Deregulation - Center for International Environmental Law

EPA grants sweeping air pollution exemptions to petrochemical giants, risking public health and aiding industry lobbyists.

bit.ly

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Aug 5

🧪 NJ's AG has secured a historic $875 million PFAS settlement with polluters.

#PFAS isn’t just an environmental crisis—it’s a multi‑billion‑dollar business risk. Brands exposed to these legacy chemicals may face significant financial liabilities. #ForeverChemicals

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/c...

Chemical Makers to Pay N.J. $875 Million to Settle ‘Forever Chemicals’ Claims

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Toxic-Free Future @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social · Jul 14

A new study finds that children are being exposed to toxic chemicals—before they even reach kindergarten.

🧸 From phthalates to flame retardants, these chemicals are in everyday products—and can harm kids’ health for life.

We’re working to change that with stronger protections and safer products.

Potentially Toxic Chemicals Are Reaching Toddlers Before Kindergarten, Study Finds

Before ever stepping foot inside a kindergarten classroom, young children nationwide are already exposed to a large swath of possibly toxic chemicals, new research suggests.

people.com

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Beyond Plastics @beyondplastics.bsky.social · Jun 14

Big corporations want lawmakers to protect their profits over your health. Whose side is your Assemblymember on: the chemical industry or children and families? Tell your Assemblymember to pass the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act! 📲Call now: bit.ly/people-over-...

Plastic is made with 16,000 chemicals, more than a quarter of which are known to be toxic to humans. Time to put people's health over plastic and chemical industry profits by passing the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act A1749 in the NYS Assembly. This critical legislation would ban the use of 17 of the most toxic chemicals in packaging, including lead, mercury, cadmium, PFAS chemicals, phthalates, bisphenols like BPA and BPS, furans, formaldehyde, halogenated flame retardants and more. Urge your NYS Assemblymember to vote YES on A1749 before the legislative session ends on June 17. Call now at: https://bit.ly/people-over-plastic

Time is running out to put people over plastic in NYS. Call today to urge your NYS Assembly to urge them to vote YES on Assemblywoman's Glick's Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act (A1749) now at: https://bit.ly/people-over-plastic

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Jun 13

Must watch!

Watch this powerful new video highlighting how the #vinyl plastics industry contaminated the historic African American community of Mossville Louisiana.

Mossville is a posterchild example of why we need retailers like #HomeDepot to phase out PVC in packaging and building materials.

The YEARS Project @theyearsproject.bsky.social · Jun 12

The #petrochemicalindustry came to Mossville, and Mossville paid the price. But two longtime friends are not going to let spills, explosions, or cancer stop them from fighting to protect the rest of their Southwest Louisiana home. Go to bit.ly/3HSNFw3 to learn more.

Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Jun 13

PVC is made with #vinylchloride—a known carcinogen.

So why is The Home Depot still selling products made from it in packaging and flooring?

🚫 Toxic plastics don’t belong in our homes.

New @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social blog: toxicfreefuture.org/blog/investo...

#BanPVC #PlasticPollution #HomeDepot

Investors warn The Home Depot: Toxic PVC is a business risk - Toxic-Free Future

Investors urge The Home Depot to phase out PVC, citing growing health, environmental, and financial risks of PVC in building materials.

toxicfreefuture.org

Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Jun 12

Investors are warning HomeDepot: PVC is a business risk.

☣️ Made with vinyl chloride (a known human carcinogen)
📉 Facing possible bans in NY, WA, and the EU
🧱 Safer alternatives exist

Time for #TheHomeDepot to lead.

#BanPVC #PVCFree #ESG #MindTheStore

Toxic-Free Future @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social · Jun 12

🗣️ Investors and community advocates are calling on The Home Depot to phase out toxic PVC plastic in packaging and building materials. The message is clear: protecting health and the environment is good business.

PVC is linked to cancer and environmental harm—and safer alternatives already exist.

Investors warn The Home Depot: Toxic PVC is a business risk - Toxic-Free Future

Investors urge The Home Depot to phase out PVC, citing growing health, environmental, and financial risks of PVC in building materials.

toxicfreefuture.org

Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Greenpeace International 🌍 @greenpeace.org · Jun 11

Today, the Seoul Judicial Court officially announced its ruling - a monetary fine - for the 5 Greenpeace activists and their peaceful protest on #PlasticPollution that took place over 6 months ago. We will be ecstatic to see the brave activists head back home hopefully in the coming weeks.

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Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future @mikeschade.bsky.social · Jun 10

Momentum is building for a strong global plastics treaty.

Big retailers and brands should get out in front of this by taking proactive action on plastics and toxic additives in plastics, including PVC, polystyrene, phthalates, organohalogen flame retardants, and other toxic plastics and chemicals.

Break Free From Plastic @breakfreefromplastic.org · Jun 10

🚨Today, +230 civil society organizations welcome the renewed commitment of +90 countries to forge a binding global treaty to end plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment by addressing the full life cycle of plastics 🌍✊
www.breakfreefromplastic.org/2025/06/11/n...

Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Friends of the Earth U.S. (Action) @foeus.bsky.social · Jun 10

Formosa Plastics’ petrochemical plant is poised to destroy St James Parish, Louisiana by spewing pollution.

So how is it possible that financial institutions are pouring billions of sustainability-linked loans into this corporation?

foe.org/news/uncheck...

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Toxic-Free Future @toxicfreefuture.bsky.social · Jun 6

“We applaud the new restrictions on PFAS in products. However, with PFAS in the blood of nearly every American, we need bold action—not half measures....The longer toxic ‘forever chemicals’ remain in use, the worse—and more expensive—the problem becomes.”

Washington state proposes new rule to regulate PFAS in 12 product categories - Toxic-Free Future

Washington proposes new rule to regulate PFAS in 12 product categories including apparel and cleaning products.

toxicfreefuture.org

Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) @healthandenv.bsky.social · Jun 5

PVC — the plastic in pipes, flooring, clothes etc — harms the environment and people's health.

That’s why 60+ orgs & 67,000+ people are calling on the EU to restrict PVC under REACH 🔗www.env-health.org/n...
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European Environmental Bureau🍃 @eeb.org · Jun 5

Dangerously toxic and found everywhere: this is PVC!

It harms our health and the planet at every stage.

The industry hides the risks, but the truth is clear ➡️ there’s no such thing as sustainable PVC.

#BeatPlasticPollution #BanPVC #REACH #WorldEnvironmentDay

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Reposted by Mike Schade, Toxic-Free Future

Beyond Plastics @beyondplastics.bsky.social · Jun 3

Plastic poses a huge threat to environmental justice communities - from start to finish. The @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social must put #PeopleOverPlastic by passing A1749 before they adjourn on 6/17. @speakercarlheastie.bsky.social @michaellesolages.bsky.social www.syracuse.com/opinion/2025...

Chemical industry sinks to new low to thwart NY packaging reduction bill (Guest Opinion by Alexa White)

Reducing plastic packaging will not raise food prices for low-income New Yorkers, contrary to industry talking points, writes environmental justice advocate.

www.syracuse.com

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