“Taking action” is key to fundamental change in all aspects of our lives. However, taking action to effect positive changes to protect our bodies and our environment from toxic chemicals can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. Especially when trying to effect change on the federal level. San Francisco Department of the Environment Program Director Debbie Raphael offered the following inspiring story to prove that change can definitely happen, but it doesn’t have to begin at the top!

The city of San Francisco became the first city in the USA to ban phthalates in children’s toys in December 2006. The ban prohibits the sale, distribution and manufacture of baby products containing any level of bisphenol A and certain levels of phthalates. These toxic chemicals, which are used to harden or soften plastics, can leach out each time a baby sucks on a favorite doll or gnaws on a cool teething ring, scientists say. A small number of human studies, and a large number of animal tests, suggest that these chemicals interfere with the hormone system.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma from San Francisco took the same idea to the California State Assembly and on January 1, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a similar ban for the State of California. Also, California state senator Dianne Feinstein heard of the San Francisco ban and introduced a bill in congress that won approval by broad, bi-partisan approval and an official ban took effect on February 10, 2009!

Debbie’s point was that, although it may be frustrating waiting on the federal government to make broad changes regarding protecting us from toxic chemicals, creating change on the local level is much easier. “The world is changed by people who show up,” Debbie said. And it is much easier to show up to your local city hall then the US Capitol and you have more of a chance of actually meeting with a decision maker. Debbie encouraged us to join local environmental organizations that are working to create change locally.

Another huge piece of advice from Debbie: “Shop Locally!” Debbie and Mindy both urged us to spend our money locally whenever possible. It is much easier to change the buying habits of your local market when the owner of that market knows what you want and that you shop there often. Owners like to keep customers coming back and are open to suggestions on merchandise they should carry. Mindy advises “Every time you buy something, you are voting with your dollars. Buy something that contains toxic chemicals or has wasteful packaging and that store will continue to stock those items. Buying non-toxic, sustainable products ensures that you are sending a message to the store owner that you want more green products.” Great advice to incorporate into your everyday life! Thanks Mindy and Debbie for inspiring us to “Take Action” against toxic chemicals. We would love to hear what local environmental organizations inspire you. Please let us know in the comments section below.

Dharma is always searching for additional ways to green our offices (and our lives!). Winning Green America’s “Green Business Leader of the Year” award in 2009 reinforced our mission of expanding the ways in which we reduce our footprint and of supporting our broader community. We had the opportunity to do both last month when the San Francisco office of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) invited us to attend a moderated conversation hosted by Whole Living magazine. The guests: Whole Living columnist, author and green guru Mindy Pennybacker and San Francisco Department of the EnvironmentProgram Director Debbie Raphael. The goal: To share ways to limit the amount of toxic chemicals we consume and to provide feedback on how we can all get involved in creating change in our communities.

Mindy writes the “Ask Mindy” column in Whole Living magazine and has just released a new book titled Do One Green Thing, Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices. Mindy came up with the title of the book during a conversation with a friend who was feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices she felt she had to make in order to reduce the influence of toxic chemicals in her families life. Mindy’s advice? “Do one green thing. Once you have made that change, then do another. Soon you are well on the road to detoxifying your life.” Most of Mindy’s tips should come as no surprise to any self-respecting eco-warrior.

Here they are in reverse order:

10. Say no to bottled water and non-recyclable plastics.
9. Use compost and organic fertilizers in your garden.
8. Use green cleaning and personal care products.
7. Use a nontoxic sunblock.
6. Reduce runoff when washing your car.
5. Drive alone less, use public transportation, carpool, bike & walk more.
4. Properly inflate your tires.
3. Use propane/gas or natural charcoal to fire up the grill.
2. Turn off lights and avoid air conditioning.
1. Most importantly, join others in your community to TAKE ACTION!

This is just a short list of some basics. We would love to hear your favorite eco-tips. Please share them below in our comments section. Also, check in for part 2 of our post when Debbie Raphael shares with us the inspiring story of the San Francisco phthalates ban.