An Alliance for a Healthier World

Who We Are

Safer States is a national alliance of environmental health organizations and coalitions from across the nation working to safeguard people and the planet from toxic chemicals, and to ensure availability of safer solutions for a healthier world. Led by state-based organizations, the alliance seeks government and corporate action that lead to safer chemicals and materials, and protection of public health and communities by transitioning away from harmful chemicals and holding chemical polluters accountable.

Safer States is a fiscally sponsored program of Toxic-Free Future and is governed by a Steering Committee of representatives from seven states (currently Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Washington).

Our Allies

Our Mission

The Safer States alliance works to safeguard people and the planet from toxic chemicals and spark innovative solutions for a more sustainable future by building partnerships, supporting the grassroots and leading strategic policy campaigns. We use our collective power to win policy and market action for transformative change. By aligning our policy aims with similar asks of national corporations, we can eliminate the production and use of toxic chemicals and materials and increase the availability and use of safer solutions.

Our Vision for a Healthier World

Clean Air, Water & Healthy Communities

Everyone has access to clean air and water while living, working, and playing in healthy environments.

Environmental Justice

Polluters are held accountable, toxic chemical exposures are prevented, and resources are allocated to clean up pollution.

Responsible Corporate Leadership

Companies are incentivized to develop safe consumer products that do not contain toxic chemicals.

Safer Solutions

Chemicals, materials, products, and processes are safe for human health, the environment, and the climate.

Our History

Safer States was founded in 2005 by Clean Water Action-Massachusetts, Defend Our Health (then Environmental Health Strategy Center), and Toxic–Free Future (then Washington Toxics Coalition) to support state chemical policies that would serve as models for and propel reform of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Safer States allies promoted and won state and corporate policies that, along with active campaigning for federal reform, led to key improvements in the 2016 update of TSCA.

Recognizing the power of state leadership and the need for further government and market policy reform, Safer States allies have continued our collaborative work. Together we are demonstrating that states have the power and are leading the way toward safer chemicals and materials.