CEPN is thrilled to welcome the reengagement of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell with the Network. TURI collaborates with businesses, community organizations and government agencies to reduce the use of toxic chemicals across industry sectors. TURI, a founding member of CEPN, will contribute its ongoing efforts in helping the electronics sector transition to safer alternatives to toxic chemicals, aiding CEPN and its members to reach its goal of zero exposure of workers to toxic chemicals.

TURI’s work in identifying actions companies and communities can take to protect workers and public health is very closely aligned with CEPN’s efforts to unite diverse stakeholders including technology suppliers, brands, labor and environmental advocates, governments, and other leading experts to understand, address, and eliminate workers’ exposure to toxic chemicals in electronics production.

TURI is charged with reducing the use of toxic substances throughout Massachusetts by training industry professionals, sponsoring academic and industry research into finding safer alternatives to toxic substances, awarding grants to businesses and community groups for programs that reduce toxics and conducting laboratory and field-based performance testing of safer chemical alternatives.

Kenneth Geiser, Professor Emeritus, former TURI director and past distinguished university fellow at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, was instrumental in forging the CEPN’s mission and identity. Before his retirement, he contributed a lifetime of expertise in the science, unshakable perseverance for the purpose of safer chemistry and a demeanor that welcomes and respects all the perspectives it takes to address a complex global problem.

Baskut Tuncak was named TURI’s new director in November 2021. An attorney, chemist and researcher, he served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights from 2014 to 2020.

Pamela Brody-Heine is scheduled to present at the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry & Engineering conference in Reston, Virginia on June 7. Pamela will participate in a panel discussion on Sustainable Chemistry in Electronics, highlighting the progress that collaboration unlocks in protecting workers from toxic chemicals in the electronics supply chain.

The GC&E Conference is the longest-running global conference dedicated to green chemistry and engineering. The theme of the 26th annual event is: Thinking in Systems: Designing for Sustainable Use.

The hybrid in-person and virtual Conference will feature more than 40 sessions covering a variety of timely topics, daily keynote speakers, poster sessions, dedicated networking time, workshops, and opportunities to engage speakers, exhibitors and attendees. Find more information and register at the conference website.

CEPN will join SPLC’s deep dive series on June 15, participating in a panel titled "Procurement to Accelerate the Safer Chemicals Revolution," exploring how procurement and supply chain leaders can encourage suppliers to adopt safer chemistries to protect workers as well as reduce climate impacts, protect community health and the health of product users.

A multidisciplinary panel from CEPN will bring together voices from industry, assessment frameworks, worker advocacy organizations and ecolabels to share a behind the scenes look at this work, how it could apply to other categories, and how purchasers can ensure better chemical safety in the electronics they buy.

CEPN Senior Director Pamela Brody Heine will join SPLC and speakers from Dell, a Toward Zero Program Signatory, Electronics Watch, TCO Development, and Clean Production Action for a panel discussion of the power procurement has to influence the journey toward eliminating worker exposure to hazardous chemicals.

This virtual event will kick off with a keynote by Dr. Paul Anastas, the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment and Director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University. Anastas is one of the world’s leading proponents and practitioners of Green Chemistry. He is credited with establishing the field of green chemistry during his time working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the Chief of the Industrial Chemistry Branch and as the Director of the U.S. Green Chemistry Program.

The deep dive series takes place from June 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Join to:

• Get insights into how process chemicals are used in the electronics supply chain
• Understand current initiatives aimed at protecting workers and driving safer substitutions
• Get practical tips on using procurement to drive chemical safety and safer substitutions

Find more details and register here.

The Center for Sustainability Solutions is seeking a senior manager to develop and implement fundraising strategies for the Center and its networks.

For 40 years, Green America has harnessed economic power – the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace – to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. We are working to create an economy that works for all people and our planet, and we are searching for a dynamic development professional to join our team.

The Senior Manager of Foundations and Corporate Giving is an exciting new position created to lead the management, cultivation, and stewardship of the Center’s foundation and business supporters, grow the pipeline for both revenue streams, and manage a portfolio of more than $2 million in active grants.

Find more information and apply at the Green America jobs page.

CEPN is a network within Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions.