MASSPIRG

CONTACT:

44 Winter Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-292-4800
www.masspirg.org

Janet Domenitz, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

MASSPIRG is well known as the state's largest public interest watchdog; it is funded by membership dues. The MASSPIRG Education Fund (MEF), founded in 1979, is the research and public education arm of MASSPIRG; its work is funded by government and foundation grants, conference fees, and personal donations.

Over the years, MEF has earned respect for its solid research, constructive and practical problem-solving, and for working with responsible authorities to gain effectiveness in pursuing its aims.

Since its seminal 1988 report, "Up In Smoke" which targeted the excessive use of incineration to dispose of residential and commercial trash, MASSPIRG and MEF have been leaders in the "reduce, re-use, recycle" movement in Massachusetts.

In the early 1990s, MEF co-authored two reports with MIT economists on environmentally sound packaging. In 1996, MEF co-authored with the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility a report entitled "Generations At Risk," which linked certain chemicals such as those used in the manufacture of PVC plastic, with damage to human endocrine and reproductive systems.

Its "Green Grocer" Project is geared toward reducing or eliminating the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic packaging of grocery store items. Donations will support further research, technical assistance, public education, and community outreach.

(1997: NATURE: Environment: Energy, Toxics, Waste Recyling)