Living Product Expo 2016

TRACK: Social Equity + Supply Chains

It is an unfortunate fact that the environmental toxins pervasive in our buildings often have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable populations. Pregnant women and children under two suffer the greatest impacts from exposure, yet our hospitals and healthcare products, even ones that them heal, are commonly made with toxic inputs themselves. Affordable housing projects are often constructed of substandard materials, while the production and disposal of toxic substances have historically been co-located next to lower income communities. Retooling our manufacturing industries to remove risks from toxic chemicals is not only critical for protecting the environment and public health, it is a social justice imperative. Three organizations, funded by the visionary JPB foundation, are working together across different markets to ensure that efforts in green chemistry and sustainable design benefit our most vulnerable populations. Join this panel discussion to learn how we can all contribute to creating a healthy materials economy for all.