Texas Author Takes On Toxic Landscape
MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — Alexandra Allred is author of a new book, Damaged Goods, in which she dips into her years of experience raising three children – and battling corporate polluters in Midlothian, Texas – to write a story about pollution busting.
“When my son became ill, I was convinced the toxic waste being dumped near our home was the cause. When I brought my concerns to the local politicians, they introduced me to the loopholes that allow toxic waste to be dumped in our back yards. I hate loopholes.”
In addition to being a wife, mother, first U.S. Olympic women’s bobsled champion, 4thdegree black belt and accomplished author, Allred routinely travels to Washington, D.C. to speak before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and meet with senators regarding her concerns about toxic waste and the policies that allow it to fester.
“The competitive beast in me came out when certain senators refused to talk to me because they were taking money from the polluters,” states Allred. “It’s as if they believe selfishness and stupidity justify harming others. Hard to believe isn’t it? So, I had to write about it.”
The tension-filled Damaged Goods explores:
Public health and moral responsibility: how, in pursuit of profits, big business buys the right to make Texans sick every day.
How David felt when he saw Goliath: what we can do to stand up against big corporate polluters – and win!
The importance of laughter, friendship and perseverance in the face of a life-threatening struggle.
Protecting Mother Nature: our global obligation to create a clean earth for our children’s children and beyond.
About the Author:
Alexandra Allred is a pioneer in women’s bobsledding, and the first woman in the history of the sport to be named U.S. National Champion and Athlete of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee – while 4 ½ months pregnant. The daughter of a now-retired U.S. diplomat, Allred has been featured on/in ESPN, HBO Sports, Sports Illustrated, and countless book, magazine and newspaper profiles. She routinely travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with Senators, speak before the United States Environmental Protection Agency and lobby on Capitol Hill.
Damaged Goods is currently available for pre-order via The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House, and recently became available via all major online retailers as of October 11, 2012.
