With pilot programs in California, Colorado, Michigan, Washington, and British Columbia, and broader expansion on the horizon, the Oregon Environmental Council is working to make the program national by 2010.

"Research continues to link chemicals found commonly in consumer goods to childhood ailments and diseases such as cancer, asthma, and learning disabilities. These exposures can be particularly harmful to children unborn and up to six years old," said Andrea Durbin, Executive Director of Oregon Environmental Council. "We must ensure that environments where children spend significant amounts of time learning and playing, such as childcares, schools, and homes, are as toxin-free as possible to help prevent long- and short-term health impacts."

The Eco-Healthy Childcare program's primary tool is an easy-to-use 25-point checklist, available in English and Spanish, helping providers to self-audit their facilities for environmental health hazards. Childcare providers that comply with 20 of the 25 best practice points, including two required points related to cigarette smoke and pesticide use, qualify as eco-healthy. Once a provider has been endorsed as being eco-healthy, the program works with them to promote and highlight their childcare, creating awareness and consumer demand for these eco-healthy businesses.