Submitted to Easton Patch:

Clean Water Action, a national environmental organization, has awarded Kristi Marsh of Easton the John O’Connor Grassroots Leadership Award.  The award will be presented at Clean Water Action of Massachusetts’ 17th Annual Benefit on Oct. 1 at Garden in the Woods in Framingham.

“This year marks the tenth anniversary of the death of one of New England’s most courageous and spirited environmental leaders, in whose honor we make our awards each year,” says Cindy Luppi, Co-Director of Clean Water Action’s New England offices. “John O’Connor pioneered effective community organizing techniques. He valued grassroots leadership and mobilized local involvement in our own backyards. We congratulate Kristi for acting in his spirit.”

Kristi Marsh is an advocate for protecting our health from toxic chemicals.  She is a mother of three and a breast cancer survivor who has worked to educate women and families about the harm to our health caused by toxic chemicals in personal care products and other everyday exposures.  She founded “Choose Wiser” to educate and inspire women to speak out for safer chemicals and products through her newsletter, facebook page, and videos that she produces herself.  She has developed her own dynamic, inspiring workshop which she has presented to hundreds of people including Easton residents and health care providers at Boston area hospitals. 

“Kristi is a superstar advocate and a dynamic spokesperson who constantly pushes herself to do more for our greater good,” said Mia Davis, National Organizing Director for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, who will present the award.

“It is an honor to be a John O’ Connor Award recipient and to be recognized for my quest to educate fellow women on environmental health,” said Marsh.  “It was through Clean Water Action’s tremendous presence in Massachusetts, along with their fellow partners, that I no longer felt like a lone stay-at-home mom on a quest. Instead, I know I am part of a growing movement­-one that is pushing to eliminate dangerous chemicals from our homes, not just for myself, but for our children and communities.”

Marsh believes that everybody wants to live a more healthful life and provide that for their children. Through her presentations, she seeks to “wake up what already exists.” Through her workshops, along with ChooseWiser.com, blog and Facebook, she shares simple steps on how to create change, demonstrating it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to make a difference.

This is not the first honor that Kristi has received; in 2010 she was the winner of the 2010 Picture of Health award from Prevention Magazine.