Re: [greenyes] PVC Action: Tell MS and J&J to the PVC-Free Pledge.

["Mark Snyder" <Mark.Snyder@no.address>]

Hi,

Since the letter to J&J mentions PVC in both products and packaging, is
it possible that the reason the letter to MS focuses only on packaging
is perhaps because that may be the only way that MS uses PVC? 

As a software company, the primary "products" that MS makes are CDs
with their accompanying print resources, neither of which contain PVC
materials, as far as I know. Which would mean the writers of the "action
letter" to MS did a good job of keeping it relevant specifically to how
MS uses PVC.

Mark Snyder
Pollution Prevention Specialist
Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance

>>> <EarthGB@no.address> 12/22/2004 10:58:57 PM >>>

In a message dated 12/22/04 1:58:18 PM, chris.sparnicht@no.address
writes:

>Hi Greenyes Members,
>
>In coordination with the Center For Health and Environmental
>Justice's with BeSafe PVC campaign at
http://www.besafenet.com/pvc.htm,
>GRRN is hosting two action letters asking Microsoft and Johnson &
Johnson
>to "Take the PVC-Free Pledge!"


Dear Chris & Greenyessers,

A point of clarification:  I'm not defending PVC by any stretch, but I
noticed
a weak point in the MS and J&J letters I downloaded from the link
given
earlier.

One of the letters (I think the 1 to MS) only mentions PVC in
packaging, not 
products also.  Fact is, the lion's share of PVC (by weight) used in US
goes 
into products, mainly durable/semi-durable products like building
materials
(e.g., siding), electronics, auto parts, etc.  Not that much is used in
pkgs
anymore (if someone will remind me, I'll look up actual production
figures 
& send to the list after Christmas).

There's another rapidly growing PVC application that is most worrisome
& should be targeted, namely, children's toys.  I'm not referring here
to 
well-known use in teethers & other baby in-the-mouth items (which 
hopefully have now been discontinued, tho I wouldn't bank on it).  

Rather, I think, but haven't checked yet, that all these new
pre-schooler 
learning & handling toys (ala Leapfrog, building-block set-ups,
miniature
structures where kids move figures, cars, parts around, press buttons, 

etc) are just the sort of thing that would be made with heavily
plasticized 
PVC.

Also, things for pets to chew on, like hamburgers with the works,
which
I know are vinyl (PVC).

I would strongly encourage targeting the companies that make these
kinds of products, especially since youngsters are particularly
vulnerable
to PVCs & plasticizers, which they can absorb thru their skin in
addition
to any mouth contact.

Just wanted to add this info to the discussion.

Happy holidays,
Gretchen Brewer
Earth Circle
San Diego