Everyone deserves to live, work, and worship in healthy environments. OEC envisions a future in which every Oregonian can flourish regardless of their race, income, or background. That’s why we work with lawmakers, agencies, scientists, and health experts to phase out harmful toxic chemicals and plastics in consumer products – especially products marketed to vulnerable groups, like pregnant people and kids. We advance innovative, science-based policies that recognize the links between human health and the environment. We partner with industry leaders and businesses to create a strong green economy. We work alongside activists and labor coalitions to protect frontline workers from climate change threats like extreme heat and smoke. We collaborate with community organizations on green-cleaning workshops. Our work gives people the information they need to protect the environment and their health, affordably.

Some chemical threats are so prevalent they are found in almost every American’s body and blood. Harmful per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS are an example. These man-made “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment. PFAS build up in our bodies and are found in the blood of 97% of Americans. PFAS have now been linked to a wide range of health risks, including cancer. Similarly, microplastics – nano-sized toxic particles of plastic – have been found in the blood of 80% of people tested. Because of these contaminants , OEC passed policies to require the phaseout of PFAS in children’s products, cosmetics and foodware. We have also called upon outdoor retailers to remove PFAS from their clothing, and helped pass SB 543, a law banning polystyrene (aka ‘styrofoam’) foodware.

Additional Resources:

• What Are PFAS? (AKA "Forever Chemicals”)
• Forever Chemicals in Oregon? Not if We Stop Them! (2025 PFAS Bills)
• 101 Flyer: PFAS Phase-out Legislation 2025
• In-Depth: PFAS Phase-out Fact Sheet
• 2023 Win: Two Bills Cutting Plastic Pollution Go to Governor’s Desk
• Plastic: An Environmental Health Disaster
• Campaign Snapshot: Tell REI to Take Out Apparel with Toxic 'Forever Chemicals'

Children are far more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than adults. Yet chemicals proven to harm health – like lead, arsenic and mercury – are found in thousands of kid’s products. Children from lower-wealth communities are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of toxic chemicals and external pollution. It is unacceptable. That’s why we fought tirelessly to pass the Toxic Free Kids act, and have worked to keep it up to date with current science ever since.

Additional Resources:

• Modernizing the Toxic Free Kids Act

• Getting Toxic Chemicals Out of Children’s Toys and Clothing

 

OEC has advocated for sustainability since 1971, when we helped enact one of the nation's first bottle recycling bills. Our use of everyday products must continue to evolve in ways that cut down on waste. We need policies that preserve ecosystems, protect human health, and reduce climate pollution. To achieve this goal, OEC has helped pass recent laws to reduce harmful and toxic materials in our landfills, increase the collection of recyclable materials, and eliminate single-use waste.

Additional Resources:

• 2024 Win: Debrief  Video with Sen. Sollmon on Historic Right to Repair Law!
• Could Oregon be the 5th State to Pass a “Right to Repair” Law?

• 40 Years of Curbside Recycling in Oregon: What’s Next?

• OEC Was Instrumental in the 1971 Passage of the Bottle Bill

 

Cosmetics and personal care products are largely unregulated federally. The result? Harmful chemicals are being absorbed directly through our skin, washing down our drains and into our waterways. Safer alternatives are now more available (and affordable) because of innovations in green chemistry, and higher consumer demand and business investment. To build on this, we helped pass the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. This law bans the worst carcinogens and chemical classes from these products.

Additional Resources:

• Clean Cosmetics Buying Guide

• Personal Care Products Should Not Be Toxic

• 2023 Win! Oregon Lawmakers Act to Keep Toxic Chemicals Out of Cosmetics and Kids’ Products

 

The places where we live and work should shield us from the most harmful impacts of climate change and environmental health threats. With the signing of Governor Brown’s Oregon Climate Action Plan, OEC took action to keep Oregon workers safe from threats like wildfire smoke and excessive heat. Working with coalition partners, we passed the toughest rules nationwide on heat and smoke. In addition to passing policies that protect our health, OEC empowers individuals to reduce toxic chemicals in their homes, and in their daily cleaning routines. We offer educational resources and team up with community-based organizations to host workshops on non-toxic cleaning.

Additional Resources:

• Oregon Climate Action Plan: Tackling the Climate Crisis

• Final Oregon OSHA Rules Make Protections from Heat and Smoke Permanent

• Update: OR OSHA Publishes Final Rules Governing the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work

• Eco-Healthy Home Checkup

• Eco-Healthy Cleaning & Disinfecting For Children’s Spaces

 

Every Oregonian has the right to breathe healthy air. Despite our state’s reputation for lush forests, many parts of Oregon suffer from air pollution caused by black carbon, diesel, wildfires, and woodburning. People living in Multnomah County, home to almost half of Oregon’s population, face a higher risk of cancer from air pollution compared to anywhere else in the state. Ensuring clean and healthy outdoor air means taking action – like reducing diesel emissions in  transportation, transitioning to clean heating options, holding polluters accountable, and implementing measures to control pollution.

Additional Resources:

• Healthy Air - Factsheets and Solutions to Oregon's Toxic Air Pollution Problems
• Champions for Clean Air Across Oregon