Spending time outdoors is wonderful and great for your health. But the outdoor gear industry has a dirty secret. Many popular outdoor brands use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to waterproof their products—from jackets to boots. The production, usage, and disposal of these products pollute people and the planet.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to harmful health impacts like cancer. And these chemicals now pollute the drinking water of at least 1 in 20 U.S. residents and have been found in human breast milk. PFAS has also been found in wildlife including polar bears and orcas.

Buying a rain jacket or a pair of gloves from REI shouldn’t pollute our drinking water, put a newborn at risk, or harm wildlife. As a co-op committed to sustainability and one of the top outdoor retailers, REI is the perfect company to lead the industry away from these toxic chemicals. If enough of us come together, we can convince REI's CEO, Eric Artz to be a leader and only sell products without these chemicals. Send your letter today to join us and our friends at Toxic-Free Future in urging REI to drop all products made with PFAS.