No one’s drinking water should be polluted for a rain jacket. But REI and other outdoor companies are using PFAS “forever chemicals” in their water-resistant gear.
My name is Mia Adcock, and I’m a college student from the Wilmington, NC, area. In 2017, my community learned that toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) had polluted the source of our drinking water, the Cape Fear River. The pollution was linked to a chemical company that had been discharging chemicals into our river for nearly 40 years—which shockingly continues today.
The corporation, Chemours, is making these chemicals so that they can be used to waterproof and stainproof everyday products—from rain jackets to tablecloths to comforters. People are buying these products every day. That’s why we need to take action right now.
Growing up, my family was active and healthy. We rarely ate junk food and almost always ate organic food in our home. So, you can imagine the frustration and outrage we felt when we found out that we had been drinking contaminated water.
Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals, even at very low levels, is linked to thyroid problems, fertility issues, asthma, and more. What’s more concerning is that these chemicals tend to linger and stay in our bodies. Because they are not known to break down, scientists call them “forever chemicals.”
I don’t want to support any business that uses these chemicals. But it turns out, as a frequent backpacker, I’ve been doing just that. I recently learned that the outdoor gear industry uses PFAS to waterproof many of its products. So I’ve been unknowingly supporting the company that poisoned our drinking water.
Before every backpacking trip, I head to REI to stock up on everything I need to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. Now, I’m in a conundrum. A new study found PFAS in clothing items purchased from REI, including REI brand products. Overall, nearly 75%of the products labeled stain- or water-resistant contained these chemicals.
This has to stop. We need leaders in corporate America to take a stand for future generations. And REI is just the type of company to do that. We know that alternatives are available, but so far REI has failed to take action.
That’s why I need your help – the only way companies like REI will act is we get enough people involved and raise our voices.
Will you join me in calling on REI to lead the outdoor industry away from using these dangerous chemicals?
It’s time for REI to help end the toxic trail of PFAS pollution. If enough of us call on the company to do the right thing, we can get them to listen!
