Ohio mom Amanda Rowoldt could have just driven away when she saw black smoke billowing from a plant in the distance, but she didn't. She took a video of the plume, which became a catalyst for change against dangerous pollution in her community.
Her story was highlighted in the Environmental Defense Fund's Vital Signs newsletter, which explained that upon cracking her window to take the video, Rowoldt became nauseated and dizzy and developed a headache. She thought about just returning home to her children but couldn't ignore the pollution.
Rowoldt ultimately showed her video to a local official, which led to an Ohio EPA investigation into Freepoint Eco-Systems. EDF explained that the company — which is now under scrutiny for releasing a number of known carcinogens, including styrene, dioxins, and furans, into the air — is an "advanced recycling facility," which essentially means it burns plastic.
"Environmental experts say it's not recycling at all and produces dangerous air pollution," the organization said.
In addition to cancer, the chemicals that Freepoint Eco-Systems released can lead to many other health issues. For instance, dioxins are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems as well as damage to the immune system, and they can interfere with hormones, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Rowoldt isn't the only mom taking a stand for her community when it comes to pollution. For instance, a Michigan mom is cleaning up trash and encouraging others to keep their neighborhoods clean by dressing like a clown. Lois Gibbs, another mom, became an activist for public health amid toxic pollution in her Niagara Falls, New York, neighborhood in the late 1970s and 1980s. Parents across the country, including Rowoldt, are coming together via the Moms Clean Air Force, a 1.5-million-strong coalition fighting against pollution, toxic chemicals, and global warming.
You can find even more good news stories, including articles on global warming solutions, news, and actions you can take, in the Vital Signs newsletter.
Rowoldt encouraged others to take action if they see pollution.
Got a ductless mini split? Swap your outdated remote for a smart controller to elevate your cooling experience Klima is a smart thermostat and controller that's very different to a traditional Nest or Ecobee. It’s designed specifically for ductless heating and cooling — like room A/Cs, window A/C units, and mini split heat pumps — regardless of brand or age. Klima helps you save on energy bills and make your life easier by automatically regulating your home’s temperature to exactly how you like it. You can even control your A/C from your phone and monitor usage no matter where you are. Learn more → |
"Never underestimate how much power you have," she told EDF.
|
Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes — always 💯 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
