An Activist’s Journey Leading the Clean Living Movement

After Lindsay Dahl graduated from college, she was seeking a job in the environmental non-profit space. Despite being passionate about climate change, she landed a role in consumer safety. Soon after, she was invited to meet with one of the top environmental organizations in Minnesota. They hoped she’d support their advocacy efforts to remove toxic chemicals from baby products. Kids weren't on Lindsay’s radar. Still, she said ‘yes’ and returned to her office for a late night of research. Her discoveries changed the course of her life—and yours. 

Lindsay’s research revealed that toxic chemicals that are added to consumer products—from skin care to pans to mattresses—negatively impact our health. Studies link these toxic chemicals to asthma, immune system damage, cancer, infertility, and more. 

Since that fateful meeting, Lindsay has been the lead strategist for the passage of over 30 laws to advance consumer safety, protect public health, and address climate change. She’s also established new standards for businesses through her leadership at Beautycounter and Ritual, where she is currently Chief Impact Officer.  

I’ve always appreciated Lindsay’s discerning approach to activism. Our first conversation was the catalyst in prioritizing clean products for my family (a gift I’m forever thankful for). Still, her new book, Cleaning House, offers an even deeper awakening: Products made with harmful chemicals don’t just influence your family’s health. They can have severe implications for other families and the planet. (Chemical exposure for those who live in fenceline communities, where these chemicals are made or trash is incinerated, can lead to debilitating health outcomes.)

This is the heart of Cleaning House and the next chapter of Lindsay’s advocacy. 

“We’ve made so much progress in the consumer marketplace," she shared. "Now, we need to have a more global and public health view, versus an individual wellness lens. If we stop at: You can shop your way out of this. There's a lot of communities that don't have the time, resources, or financial ability to purchase safer products. It leaves those who can't afford to relocate in a position where they're being overly burdened with toxic chemical exposure, which is unjust.” 

Thanks to Lindsay, this topic is dear to my heart. Our intention for this conversation was to inform and empower you to make decisions that are healthier for your family, other families, and the planet. So, we did a deep dive on… 

• The health implications of the toxic chemicals in our everyday products  

• Tips to shop safer for your family  

• A behind the scenes look at the regulation, and the corporate malfeasance that occurs when it’s weak 

• Lindsay and her colleagues’ extraordinary reform efforts 

• Steps you can take to advance this movement 

Despite the challenges of activism, Lindsay is the most hopeful she’s ever been. I hope her wisdom will be as perspective-shifting for you, as it is for me.