Marked by its iconic swoosh, sportswear giant Nike announced plans to eliminate the release of allegedly hazardous chemicals from the production cycle of all products in its global supply chain by 2020. Apparently, the decision was spurred by the anti-business NGO Greenpeace, which is concerned that toxic chemicals are winding up in Chinese rivers upon being expelled from large manufacturing sites.
Martin Hojsik, coordinator of Greenpeace s toxic water campaign, had this to say about Nike s new plans: By committing to clean up its dirty laundry, Nike is showing real winning form, but Greenpeace will need to take a close look at its implementation plan before we know whether Nike has the makings of a true champion and if it is really serious about eliminating hazardous chemicals from its supply chain.
To which ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross responds: We already know that the Greenpeace policy on water toxics is based solely on a political and ideological agenda having nothing to do with the health of the Chinese, or anyone else for that matter. And as for Nike? They should be ashamed to kowtow to such an anti-business organization, he says.
Though the specific hazardous chemicals in question were not cited, ACSH s Dr. Josh Bloom is highly skeptical that they would in fact contribute to any adverse health effects.