ECOS® and Green For All Join Forces to Fight for Underserved Communities Impacted by COVID-19 Outbreak
[Apr. 8, 2020] –Cypress, Calif. – Green-cleaning pioneer ECOS®, the maker of safer, plant-powered laundry detergents and household cleaning products, is partnering with Green For All, a program of the non-profit group Dream Corps founded by civil rights activist Van Jones, to help vulnerable communities facing imminent and long-term impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As ECOS ramps up its production of hypoallergenic hand soap and other urgently needed cleaning products to meet unprecedented global demand, it is committed to ensuring that the needs of all communities, especially those most vulnerable economically, are met during this health crisis.
Green For All is a national program that is working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All works at the intersection of the environmental, economic justice, and racial justice movements to advance solutions to pollution that uplift low-income families and communities of color.
The COVID-19 outbreak poses additional challenges to these communities, which are impacted first and worst by crisis, climate change, income inequality, and pollution. ECOS and Green For All are working with lawmakers to ensure those who are impacted most by the COVID-19 outbreak and ensuing economic crisis are prioritized in emergency relief and long-term recovery policy solutions.
Underserved communities, including communities of color, are disproportionately exposed to air pollution that increases cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. These are two of the underlying health conditions that put people into a higher risk category if they come into contact with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These at-risk communities are the focus of advocacy efforts by ECOS and Green For All for immediate and long-term economic relief.
To support Green For All’s advocacy programs, ECOS is donating $1 for every 100-ounce or larger ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent it sells during the month of April 2020, up to $100,000 every year for two years.
“The health and wellness of people and the planet are at the very heart of what we do,” said Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, president and CEO of ECOS. “It’s always been our mission to make green cleaning accessible to everyone through safer, affordable products. We’re honored to partner with Green For All to help ensure that struggling families get the financial and community support they need during this crisis.”
“In the fight to make communities safer during this crisis, I am proud to see companies like ECOS partnering with programs like Green For All to step up for the people who are being hit hardest,” said Van Jones. “It’s that kind of innovation and empathy that our world needs most right now.”
“We are proud to partner with ECOS, a forward-thinking brand that understands the importance of equalizing access to clean, life-saving essential items during this time of drastic need,” said Michelle Romero, national director for Green for All. “The communities we work for are disproportionately impacted by toxic air pollution and other negative impacts of climate change, posing imminent risks to their health. ECOS’ support will enable us to amplify these voices and provide them with the resources and assistance they deserve while focusing on long-term stimulus solutions on building a green economy for all.”
ABOUT ECOS®
Family owned and operated since 1967, ECOS makes plant-powered laundry detergents and cleaners that are safer for people, pets and the planet. ECOS is a leader in sustainable manufacturing with the world’s first carbon neutral, water neutral and TRUE Platinum Zero Waste-certified facilities in the U.S. ECOS cleaners are thoughtfully sourced, made without formaldehyde or dyes, pH balanced, readily biodegradable formula and never tested on animals. The company has received many awards for its innovations in safer green chemistry, including the U.S. EPA’s coveted Safer Choice Partner of the Year award. ECOS, Baby ECOS, ECOS Pets and ECOS PRO cleaners are available at major club and grocery retailers and natural foods stores throughout the U.S., internationally and online. For more information and retail locations, visit ecos.com.
ABOUT GREEN FOR ALL
Green For All is a national program of The Dream Corps, founded by Van Jones in 2008 to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All ensures that as we transition to a clean energy economy, communities hit first and worst by pollution are not last and least to benefit from the solutions. Green For All advocates for policy solutions at the local, state and federal level that create more work, wealth, and health for low-income communities and communities of color. Learn more at greenforall.org.
Media contact: Madeline Luce, madeline@bluepractice.com, or Kristine Waldren, kwaldren@ecos.com.