Target: Jim Fitterling, CEO, Dow Chemical Company
Goal: Provide relief to small towns suffering effects of toxic waste emanating from Dow Chemical Company facilities.
Just a decade ago, the Dow Chemical Company was found to be one of the largest producers of noxious waste in America. Building another playground, a new parking lot at a local state park, or other construction projects sponsored by the company in affected communities aren’t going to reverse decades of “dumping,” leakage, and accidents directly attributed to Dow-owned factories across the United States. Rather than avoid accountability with empty promises and local beautification projects, palpable plans to benefit the impacted communities are necessary and long overdue.
Despite occasionally making national headlines for these alleged catastrophes, factories owned by Dow Chemical continue to hemorrhage poison that eventually ends up in protected lands or waters. Emissions from their smokestacks pollute our already suffering environment by further contributing to the negative effects of climate change.
In the rare instance Dow has been involved in civil litigation for environmentally-related scandals, remunerations are almost exclusively made to large government entities through obscure settlements. That’s not good enough. The small towns unequivocally afflicted not only need, but deserve, to gain from Dow’s culpability. Trying to distract the public by funding local pet projects doesn’t heal the wounds caused, and those yet to come.
Looking back, it’s clear that large enterprises like Dow historically evade responsibility for the detriment they cause, but together we can advocate for tangible transformation. Demand by signing this petition that Dow publicly assume liability to the people, not the government, and provide a worthy action plan to right the decades of wrongs. Such measures certainly don’t happen overnight, but meaningful steps can be taken to alleviate the damage done and ensure a greener, healthier future for generations ahead.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Fitterling,
Average Americans in small towns are suffering the environmental consequences of toxic waste exposure from your company’s factories. While you may have settled with various government agencies or affiliates in the past, little to none of those reparations trickle down to the community level. We understand that as a result of these settlements, promises and incremental changes may be instituted administratively, but what everyday people need most is direct support from those in the position to assume responsibility and facilitate community action.
Please let us know you’re just as serious about the health of the towns that support your company as you are about the Dow Chemical Company itself. A public statement and declaration of intended actions is required to restore faith in rural America during a time when it’s become abundantly clear that good health is true wealth.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Kathryn Koch
Companies like Dow Chemicals own politicians. Don’t expect much.
True Dawn, but these companies are killing humans, wildlife, animals, our food systems and our oceans. The only exception seems to be the desert. Pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and so much more are created but there is no over sight. These companies are devout to the bottom line without care for the environment. They along with BigOil, Coal, Big AG, Big Pharma … Big everything! We the people have little say in what affects us, our families, and our way of life. Many take their lives due to circumstances they see as beyond their control. Between the GOP and these companies maybe death is better. These CEO’s may never serve time in prison but they are guilty of murder many times over. What a legacy. How proud they must feel.