Arnika: Fighting Toxic Pollution and Waste Across Czechia

Founded in Prague in 2001, Arnika unites people fighting toxic pollution, waste, and the loss of wild rivers in Czechia and beyond. Its lab testing and advocacy helped establish the Czech Pollutant Release and Transfer Register and supported ratification of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants. A 2022 Arnika study of 41 children's toys and hair accessories found brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) in 37% of toys and 22% of hair accessories tested, some at hazardous-waste levels, prompting calls to close recycling loopholes for toxic e-waste. Arnika also runs river-protection campaigns such as 'For a Living Elbe' and extends its toxics and waste expertise to partners in Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Thailand.