News Releases from Region 09

U.S. EPA Recognizes Los Angeles Firm as a 2016 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award Winner

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is presenting The Ashkin Group with a Safer Choice Partner of the Year award. They are one of 24 winners across 12 states, the District of Columbia and Canada being recognized for outstanding achievement in the design, manufacture, promotion and use of a range of cleaning and other household products that carry EPA’s Safer Choice label.

“Everyone wants products with ingredients that are safer for their kids, pets, communities and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Using technology and innovation to turn challenges into profitable opportunities makes our businesses stronger and more competitive, our families and workers healthier, and our environment cleaner.” 

EPA developed the new Safer Choice labels to make it easier for consumers and businesses to choose items that meet EPA's safer product standards. In addition to meeting stringent safety criteria, every product with the Safer Choice label has met high standards for performance. Safer Choice currently has around 500 formulator-manufacturer partners who make more than 2,000 products for retail and institutional customers. 

The Ashkin Group, a consulting firm working to green the cleaning industry, is being recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Supporter. The organization’s input has helped to enhance the Safer Choice program and encourage ingredient disclosure on product labeling. In addition, Safer Choice commends The Ashkin Group for its strong communication efforts to advance safer cleaning and worker health and its long-time support of the Safer Choice program. Finally, Safer Choice applauds The Ashkin Group’s promotion of the program in the Playbook on Green Cleaning in Sport Facilities; LEED certification; and in Version 1.0 of the Guidance for Leadership in Sustainable Purchasing document.

The following Northern California companies are also being recognized: Levi Strauss & Co. (San Francisco) as a Safer Choice Innovator; Albertsons Companies (including their Northern California Safeway stores) as a Safer Choice Retailer; and Clorox (Oakland) as a Safer Choice Formulator-Manufacturer.

When companies demonstrate a commitment to the health of their customers and the planet, consumers respond. Not only does the Safer Choice program put the power of choice into the hands of consumers, it actually incentivizes manufacturers to change the ingredients in their products – so they can meet the strict safety criteria the Safer Choice label demands. 

More on the 2016 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners can be found at www.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-choice-partner-year-awards. 

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