1980

Superfund legislation is created, in part thanks to the work of the “Mother of Superfund,” Lois Gibbs

1981

Lois Gibbs founds the Center for Health, Environment, & Justice

1983

CHEJ holds first Leadership Development Conference to strengthen the skills of grassroots leaders across the country

1984

CHEJ kicks off Landfill Moratorium Campaign—only one hazardous waste landfill has been built in the 25 years since CHEJ first opened its doors

1985

Toxic Merry-Go-Round Campaign is created to prevent new communities from being burdened with relocated waste

1986

Federal Right-to-Know law passed, providing citizens with access to information about the toxins stored and disposed of in their neighborhoods

1987

McToxics Campaign launched to end the use of Styrofoam packaging by fast food restaurants

1988

Kick Ash Campaign takes off, preventing dangerous incinerator ash’s reclassification as “special waste” and disposal in municipal landfills

1989

McDonald’s announces it will no longer use Styrofoam packaging

1991

CHEJ helps build base for First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit

1995

CHEJ launches the Stop Dioxin Campaign, resulting in a 90 percent reduction in dioxin emissions

1996

CHEJ helps establish “Health Care Without Harm,” which emerges as a distinct organization five years later

2000

Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign begins, helping to ensure our children are not unfairly burdened by toxins in their environment

2002

BE SAFE Campaign promotes precautionary ideas, encouraging citizens and policymakers alike to assume questionable products to be hazardous until proven otherwise

2003

Green Flag Schools program kicks off, involving students in making our schools safer and healthier places to learn and play

2004

PVC Campaign is launched, raising the public’s awareness of the health hazards posed by PVC and convincing businesses to incorporate safer materials in their products and packaging

CHEJ Celebrates 25 Years!