The recent incident involving Kaiser Permanente's improper disposal of medical waste, including pharmaceuticals, has hit close to home. This is just one example of how our medication can negatively impact our environment. Furthermore, many opioids are being flushed down toilets and into our water systems. If it is inevitable for our medication to enter our environment, we must strive to make ones that will not harm such an environment.

The current state of affairs is alarming and calls for a drastic change in the way we produce and dispose of medications. We need more research into creating eco-friendly and green medications that will lessen the negative impact on water pollution and health effects.

According to a study by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS), 80% of streams in the US have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs (Source: USGS). This not only affects aquatic life but also poses potential risks to human health as these substances find their way back into drinking water supplies.

We urge lawmakers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions alike to increase funding towards this cause. By investing in eco-friendly medication research now, we can prevent further damage to our precious ecosystems while still ensuring access to necessary medical treatments.

Please sign this petition if you believe in a future where medicine heals us without harming Mother Earth.