It’s estimated that over 98% of Americans have PFAS (also called forever chemicals) in their blood. Clothing and textiles are partly to blame—and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has led the charge to change this.
At Ridge Merino, we believe what you put on your body matters as much as what you put in it. From day one, we’ve prioritized using natural fibers in our clothing so you can feel good whether you’re in the mountains or moving through daily life.
That philosophy led to our long-time partnership with Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), an organization that works to protect people and the planet from all sorts of harmful chemicals linked to breast cancer.
About Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
BCPP is a national science-based policy and advocacy group that focuses on preventing breast cancer by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals and other environmental exposures in our everyday environment.
Since 1992 BCPP has been leading research, education and policy change to remove harmful substances from the products we all use. Here are just a few of their impressive accomplishments:
- 2005 - California Safe Cosmetics Act passed - this major state law addressed toxic chemicals in beauty products
- 2012 - US FDA ban on BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups
- 2017 - California Cleaning Product Right to Know Act passed
- 2021 - California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act passed - banned certain toxic chemicals in food packaging
- 2022 - California bills banning PFAS (forever chemicals) in clothes and cosmetics signed into law
- 2024 - California Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act (AB 2300) passed - banned the manufacture, sale and use of DEHP in IV bags and tubing in California
See more of their victories. BCPP also publishes consumer guides for safer shopping and safer home and living.
Working Together to Reduce Chemical Exposure
We’ve partnered with BCPP for nearly 10 years because their mission directly aligns with ours. We make clothing from natural, renewable fibers like Merino wool, and we use synthetic fibers as minimally as possible while creating high performing, high quality clothing.
We avoid chemicals as much as possible, and most of our products are OEKO-TEX 100 Certified, meaning they’re free of harmful substances.
Our contributions to BCPP help fund their advocacy and policy work. We support their efforts to ensure that safer, cleaner options become the standard, not the exception. Their work benefits everyone: outdoor enthusiasts, families, individuals and future generations who deserve a world free from toxic chemicals.
BCPP increases awareness of these issues, but their impact goes far beyond awareness. They’ve helped pass landmark legislation to regulate harmful chemicals, influenced major companies to reformulate products and created resources that help people make safer choices every day. Their campaigns and policy wins have directly reduced toxic exposures in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.
Every Ridge Merino purchase contributes to that mission through our partnership with 1% For The Planet. You’re contributing to BCPP’s mission by buying natural fiber clothing, and you’re contributing to creating a healthier environment for all.
“Ridge Merino has been a valued partner in advancing our mission to prevent breast cancer by reducing toxic chemical exposure. Their support has directly helped fuel our research and advocacy efforts, and their longstanding commitment to natural fibers helps bring our message to life.”
- Suzanne Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
BCPP’s Climb Against the Odds
One of BCPP’s annual fundraising events is their Climb Against the Odds—a guided group trip to the summit of Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-foot peak in Northern California. Participants from all walks of life commit to fundraising for BCPP and attempting to reach the summit together.
Ridge Merino has long supported the Climb Against the Odds by outfitting the mountain climbers with Aspect Merino wool base layers to keep them comfortable in the variable conditions throughout the climb.
And in 2024, Ridge’s marketing manager Paz Mendelevitch participated in the climb, raising funds for the organization and reaching the Mt. Shasta summit. Read about his trip and what he took away from the experience.
All are welcome to apply for the team. No mountaineering experience is necessary and all are welcome, but physical training is required.
Join Us in Supporting BCPP
With every Ridge purchase, you’re helping support BCPP and our other partner organizations. You can also support BCPP on your own through one-time gifts, monthly donations, workplace giving, stock or car donations or by getting involved with one of their events.
