Giving Compass' Take:

• In this Exponent Philanthropy post, The Fine Fund's Carolyn Fine Friedman discusses her work to eliminate toxic chemicals from humans and the ecosystem.

• Even smaller foundations can show significant results. The Fine Fund used modest, catalytic grants to generate real-world action through precise coordination and strategic collaborations.

• Here's more on why looking after the environment is a collective responsibility.

I am a funder of environmental health issues, but I also have a personal stake. In 2006, I had my blood tested for toxic chemicals. Despite my best efforts to avoid chemicals in what I eat, where I live, and the products I use, the blood test found that I carry a body burden that includes lead, mercury, and phthalates — chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, thyroid problems, and more. It’s hard not to wonder if those results explain some of the symptoms that have plagued me over the years. But I also know that the burden I shoulder is much less than that of low-income families and people of color who are disproportionately impacted by the toxic exposures in their neighborhoods, on the job, and in their homes and schools.

That is why I have been so inspired by the changes I’ve seen in the retail industry recently, brought about by a combination of grass roots advocacy, in-depth expertise, and companies who seem genuinely interested in doing better. Last year I had a ringside seat, through some of my grantees, as a multi-year effort by the Mind the Store campaign and the Healthy Building Network resulted in The Home Depot becoming the first building products retailer to eliminate twelve toxic chemicals from four product categories. These included some of the very chemicals found in my own bloodstream.

Read the full article about The Fine Fund catalyzing change for a healthier environment by Carolyn Fine Friedman at Exponent Philanthropy.