Our History
For over four decades, Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) has been at the forefront of advancing environmental health, gender equity, and public awareness across Canada. From grassroots advocacy and educational campaigns to national conferences and community partnerships, WHEN has worked to empower individuals with knowledge about the connections between health and the environment.
This timeline highlights key milestones in WHEN’s history, showcasing the organization’s growth, impact, and continued commitment to creating healthier communities and a more sustainable future.
The WEED Foundation Hosts a Landmark Conference
In May 1989, the Women and Environments Educational and Development (WEED) Foundation hosted a landmark conference titled "Women and Environments: Charting a New Environmental Course". This conference took place at the University of Toronto and focused on environmental issues affecting women, and the development of solutions to environmental problems. Future WHEN co-founder Liz Armstrong later described the conference, organized by Miriam and Rosalind Cairncross, as “the spark that ultimately led to WHEN” and also where she first met Dorothy.
The Article That Started It All
An article titled, “The Green Consumer: Exposing Sanitary Products” appeared in "Women, Environment & Urbanization in the Third World" (Vol. 13, No. 2, 1992) as part of a broader focus on green consumerism and women’s health. This article critically examined the health and environmental impacts of disposable sanitary products, drawing attention to concerns around production processes, including bleaching, and the broader ecological consequences of consumer choices. It also announced the launch of "Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women’s Sanitary Products", a book that further expanded on these issues and contributed to public awareness of the hidden risks associated with these products.
"Whitewash" Book Launch
The book, “Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women’s Sanitary Products and Disposable Diapers”, was co-written by Liz Armstrong and environmental lawyer Adrienne Scott. The two were inspired by a dynamite keynote speech at the ’89 WEED conference by the UK feminist & environmentalist Bernadette Vallely, who was co-author of The Sanitary Protection Scandal.
Bella Abzug and the Tampon Hat
American lawyer, politician, and feminist activist Bella Abzug joined WHEN’s early efforts surrounding the launch of “Whitewash”. Known as “Battling Bella,” Abzug was a prominent leader in the women’s movement and co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus alongside Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisholm, and Betty Friedan. At the launch, she wore a striking hat made from discarded tampon applicators collected along the shores of Cape Cod, drawing attention to the environmental impact of menstrual waste.
WHN&E is Co-Founded
Women’s Network on Health & the Environment (WHN&E) was founded in Toronto by Liz Armstrong and Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg, organizational members of WEED.
"Mapping and Mobilizing" Conference
WHN&E organized the "Mapping and Mobilizing: Women’s Health and Environmental Justice" Conference. There, they examined the barriers to inclusion and participation of marginalized and isolated members of communities in the environmental movement.
"Exposure: Environmental Links to Breast Cancer" is released
Produced by WHEN and directed by Canadian filmmaker Francine Zuckerman, “Exposure: Environmental Links to Breast Cancer” premiered at the first World Conference on Breast Cancer in Kingston, Ontario. Released in multiple languages, the Spanish version was especially significant in addressing the impacts of pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide exposure in agricultural regions across Central and South America and California. The documentary was accompanied by educational resources including the “Environmental Health Multipliers Facilitators Guide” and “Environmental Links to Breast Cancer” (1997). "Exposure" later won Best Health Documentary at the New York International Independent Film Festival in 2001 and was broadcast on CBC Newsworld, TVO, the Women’s Television Network, and several international outlets.
Canadian Carbon Dioxide Reduction Initiative
WHEN launches a Canadian Carbon Dioxide Reduction Initiative to address the relationship between climate change and human health. Their intention was to get participants to reduce their personal carbon dioxide emissions.
Video Verde
WHEN organized a well attended monthly environmental health film festival called "Video Verde" from Fall 1999 - Spring 2000 in collaboration with the International Institute of Concern for Public Health and the Sierra Club, Ontario chapter.
WEED/WHN&E officially becomes WHEN!
WEED/WHN&E officially became WHEN! WHEN stands for: Women’s Healthy Environments Network.
"Training Trainers" Workshop
WHEN hosted the "Training Trainers" Workshop, an initiative that prepared participants to become “environmental health multipliers” by leading discussions and raising awareness about environmental health issues. Beyond encouraging personal lifestyle changes, the workshops promoted a broader community health approach centered on education, advocacy, and collective action.
"Toxic Trespass" Documentary is Released
WHEN released the documentary,"Toxic Trespass", following filmmaker Barri Cohen’s investigation into the impacts of environmental toxins on children’s health. Through interviews with doctors and scientists, the film explored links between pollution, disease, and the effects of environmental contaminants on DNA across generations. The documentary was accompanied by a 66-page resource guide developed for educators, health professionals, parents, activists, and community members interested in prevention and environmental health advocacy. “Toxic Trespass” later won the Canadian Screenwriting Award for Best Documentary from the Writers Guild of Canada (2008), received an Honourable Mention in the Science and Technology category at the Columbus Film and Video Festival (2008), and won Best Health and Safety Documentary at the Canadian Labour International Film Festival (2009). The film was also nominated for the Golden Sheaf Award for Best Documentary at the Yorkton Film Festival (2009). .
Dorothy's Deputations on Behalf of WHEN
In 2008, Dorothy Goldin Rosenberg (MES, PhD), WHEN’s Education and Outreach Coordinator, presented deputations on behalf of WHEN to both the Ontario Drinking Water Advisory Council (ODWAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Her presentations addressed concerns surrounding tritium in drinking water and the proposed life extension of the Pickering B nuclear reactor, highlighting the environmental and public health impacts of nuclear exposure.
Eco-Pampering Event
WHEN partnered with Anarres Natural Health and the South Riverdale Community Health Centre to host a “Day of Eco-Pampering” event. Participants learned about the history of toxins in everyday products and took part in do-it-yourself demonstrations on how to make natural alternatives at home.
Cancer Prevention Challenge
“The Run, Walk & Roll for Cancer Prevention” began in 2004 with strong community enthusiasm and volunteer support despite having no formal funding. The initiative raised funds for the book “Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic” and supported the early development of “Prevent Cancer Now” , a Canadian cancer prevention organization. From 2004 to 2008, events were primarily held during Ottawa’s Race Weekend, with additional events in London and Windsor. Growing national interest in cancer prevention later led to the initiative evolving into the “Cancer Prevention Challenge” in 2009.
Eco-Fair Toronto
WHEN co-hosted an Eco Fair in Leaside for World Environment Day alongside Live Green Toronto Community Animators. The event promoted environmental awareness, community engagement, and sustainable living practices.
Five Myths About the Birth Control Pill
WHEN hosted a talk by Amy Sedgwick exploring the environmental and long-term health impacts of hormonal birth control, while also raising awareness about highly effective non-hormonal contraceptive options. That same year, WHEN released the "Air Quality Action Guide: Let’s Clean Up the Air Around Our Kids’ Schools!" to promote healthier school environments and reduce children’s exposure to air pollution.
Connect Beauty Conference
WHEN partnered with Fashion Takes Action to host four annual “Connect Beauty” fundraising events focused on raising awareness about toxic chemicals in beauty products, promoting safer non-toxic alternatives, and encouraging eco-conscious fashion. In 2009, WHEN also hosted “Connect Home,” expanding these conversations to include healthy and environmentally conscious living spaces.
Matrons of Honour
WHEN welcomed seven “Matrons of Honour” to the organization, each offering testimonials in support of WHEN’s mission and advocacy work. As notable leaders and community figures, their endorsements helped strengthen public awareness and support for the organization.
Evolution of Cancer Prevention Challenge & Educational Initiatives
WHEN launched the Cancer Prevention Challenge to shift focus toward cancer awareness and prevention, addressing the gap created by the majority of funding and attention being directed toward cure and recovery. In 2012, we partnered again with Anarres Natural Health to deliver two workshops on creating organic glycerine soaps, mineral makeup, and lip balms. In 2013, efforts centered on promoting individual prevention through education on environmental health risks, including hazards in air, water, and homes, as well as critical discussions on ingredients in vitamins and issues such as pink-washing. In 2015, Caras All Natural Products pledged support by donating $1 from every product sold to the Cancer Prevention Challenge Campaign from April through November.
Wanna Be Toxic Free
WHEN launched the “Wannabe Toxic Free (WTF)” program to inspire individuals to take action toward creating healthier homes, workplaces, and communities by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. The program included a series of educational initiatives such as “Clean Air at Home”, “Fashion Is Toxic, But What’s the Haulternative?”, “Small Changes Make a Big Difference: The Importance of Non-Toxic Products to Our Health & the Organic Solution”, and “How to Detox Household Products”.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Recognition Award
WHEN proudly received the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Recognition Award during the UN’s 72nd Anniversary Ceremony at Toronto City Hall on October 21, 2017. WHEN was recognized for its outstanding efforts in advancing action toward Sustainable Development Goal #6: “Clean Water and Sanitation” and Sustainable Development Goal #11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
Asbestos Ban
WHEN, alongside other organizations, helped to keep pressure on the federal government to ensure a total ban on asbestos. These efforts and recommendations were due to the important research and organizing of CELA and partners in their in-depth analysis of the details of the proposed asbestos management plan.
Advancing Environmental Justice, GBA+, and Policy Action
WHEN began Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) to address gaps in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) regarding action on toxic substances. During this year, WHEN joined more than 80 Indigenous, environmental, and health organizations in calling for improved nuclear waste management. WHEN also participated in “Protecting Water for Future Generations: Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring” to support stronger protections for water and ecosystems.
Talc & Toxic Free Beauty Campaign Launch
WHEN launched the Talc & Toxic-Free Beauty Campaign to raise awareness about the potential health concerns associated with talc in cosmetics and personal care products, including links discussed in research around respiratory effects and ovarian health. The campaign aimed to educate communities about hidden ingredients in everyday beauty products, promote safer and non-toxic alternatives, and encourage greater transparency and accountability within the beauty industry.
Championing Environmental Rights & Vulnerable Communities
WHEN strengthened its environmental justice advocacy through national policy engagement, coalition-building, and community education initiatives. WHEN submitted comments to Health Canada on the definition of vulnerable populations, participated in the bi-national Great Lakes Summit to provide recommendations to the Canadian government, and hosted a symposium on environmental rights featuring speakers including Maude Barlow, Dianne Saxe, Vanessa Gray, Beze Gray, David Boyd, and Olivia Chow. WHEN also endorsed the Green New Deal for Canada, joined the national coalition supporting the initiative, and hosted a town hall discussion for more than 150 signatories.
Advocating for Canadian Environmental Protection (CEPA) Modernization & Public Health Education
WHEN joined partners including the David Suzuki Foundation and the Canadian Environmental Law Association to advocate for progress on Bill C-28 and the modernization of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Through reports including "No Consequences: Toxic Exposure, Weak Enforcement, and Environmental Racism" and "Clean Up Your Act", WHEN highlighted the urgent need for stronger environmental protections and accountability. During this period, WHEN also hosted the 19 to Zero network of experts to provide community members with accessible information and answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Reform
WHEN advocated for an intersectional approach to toxics regulation during the reform of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Representatives from WHEN testified before the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources to present recommendations focused on strengthening environmental health protections and advancing environmental justice.
Wanna Be Toxic Free Fair at Trinity College
WHEN partnered with the Trinity College Integrated Sustainability Initiative to host WTF: Awareness, Agency & Collective Action. This interactive event and fair featured sustainable businesses, grassroots organizations, educational booths, panel discussions, environmental art, guided mindfulness practices, a silent auction, and live music. The initiative aimed to inspire awareness of the connection between human and environmental health, highlight the social injustices of environmental degradation, and encourage collective action toward systemic change.
GBA+ Certified
The entire WHEN team recieved their GBA+ Certification. GBA+ is now a key component of training at WHEN.
30 Years of WHEN
WHEN celebrated its 30th anniversary with a fundraising birthday gala at the Urban Economy Forum. The event brought together past and present WHEN members, Matrons of Honour, a keynote address by Ingrid Waldron on environmental racism, and a special performance by Josii Yakecan.
Right To a Healthy Environment (RTHE) Consultation
WHEN collaborated with Finance, Engage, Sustain and Shake Up The Establishment to gather youth and community feedback on the RTHE Draft Implementation Framework under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Through five in-person consultations across major Canadian cities, an online rural consultation, internal consultation, national survey, and digital campaign, the initiative amplified youth voices in environmental policy development and advocated for meaningful community engagement in shaping environmental justice initiatives.
Wanna Be Toxic Free: Fashion Edition
WHEN hosted the “WTF Fashion Edition” event, featuring an educational panel, a clothing swap with The GoodSwap, and a mending workshop with The Shared Bag. The panel included speakers from Threading Change and Fashion Takes Action, and focused on the harmful impacts of the fashion industry on environmental health, with particular attention to public health and vulnerable communities. The event also shared strategies for reducing individual exposure and consumption, while advocating for stronger corporate and government accountability to address toxins and environmental harms within the fashion industry.
