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Leading Mattress Manufacturer CEO Testifies in Support of Stronger Regulation of Toxic Chemicals before U.S. House Subcommittee

Leading Mattress Manufacturer CEO Testifies in Support of Stronger Regulation of Toxic Chemicals before U.S. House Subcommittee

Published 03-12-14

Submitted by American Sustainable Business Council

Today, Barry A. Cik, Co-founder of Naturepedic, a manufacturer of certified organic mattresses and bedding products for adults and children, testified in favor of stronger regulation of toxic chemicals before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce, Environment and the Economy Subcommittee, which is looking into the issue. He spoke as a representative of the American Sustainable Business Council, of which his company is a member, and on behalf of a coalition called Companies for Safer Chemicals.

Cik said, “Our consumer products are, for the most part, not regulated regarding toxic chemicals. Industry produces 250 pounds of chemicals every year for every man, woman, and child in this country, and there are over 80,000 chemicals available for industry to use, with very little regulation or oversight for any of it. 

“It is not responsible to leave it up to industry to work these issues out.  Industry stopped polluting our lakes when the law told them to stop. Industry stopped adding lead to gasoline when the law told them to stop. Industry will only stop adding toxic chemicals to consumer products when you – who make the laws – tell them to stop.”

He also said, “When there is a level playing field, there is innovation. When the gasoline companies were told to eliminate lead, they stopped crying and found innovative ways to make gasoline without the lead. It’s no different with any other toxic chemicals. When you tell manufacturers to stop using toxic chemicals, they will innovate and produce better consumer products.

“The public is increasingly becoming educated about the risks of consumer products containing untested toxic chemicals. Consumers deserve access to transparent information and full disclosure regarding the products that they buy. Consumers do, in fact, believe that if it wasn’t safe, the government wouldn’t allow it to be sold. The public expects you – the U.S. government - to provide a level playing field where no manufacturer is permitted to use inappropriate chemicals in consumer products.”

Cik testified at a hearing of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce, Environment and the Economy Subcommittee, which is chaired by John Shimkus (R-IL). Shimkus introduced a proposal to reform toxic chemicals regulations on February 27, this year. Cik and ASBC and the Companies for Safer Chemicals coalition do not believe Shimkus’s proposals go far enough in reforming the 38-year old Toxic Substance Control Act.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Business owners and executives from across the country are available for comment.

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 200,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 325,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org

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American Sustainable Business Council

American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is a national coalition of mission-driven businesses, social enterprises and sustainable business networks working to create a vibrant, just and sustainable economy. What unites us is a deep belief that we must move to a new economy that is grounded in principles of sustainability and equity.

The Council represents over 55,000 businesses and enterprises and more than 150,000 executives, owners, investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is comprised of partners, which are organizations that represent businesses and social enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, executives, owners and investors committed to building a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy.

ASBC promotes policy change by educating and informing the business community, policy makers and the media about the business case for change, and by engaging the leaders of businesses and enterprises in building broad support for the policies America needs. We work on a range of policy areas, including: financial reform, health care, chemicals policy, climate change and business taxes.

We believe that the policies that will lead us to a sustainable and just economy are also good for business and good for America. Making the right commitments and investments will produce more and better jobs, build strength in key technologies, and make the U.S. more independent and secure.

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