Have you ever wondered about what’s in your shampoo? Body lotion? Sunscreen or food? Your one-stop detective for the ingredient list on your products is the Environmental Working Group.
EWG was founded in 1993 with the mission to “empower people with breakthrough research to make informed choices to live healthy lives in healthy environments.” Its team of scientists works diligently to spotlight harmful industry standards and outdated government legislation, constantly educating consumers with the latest education and research results. EWG’s latest poll, for example, relates to the chemical Paraquat, which is banned in 70 countries but still allowed in most states–though Vermont just banned it.
Areas of focus include food and water; farming and agriculture; personal care products; household and consumer products; energy; family health; toxic chemicals; and regional issues.
How does the ewg.org site work? Simply type in a product and EWG will rate it from 1-10.
This year, the organization reviewed 2,700 sunscreens based on ingredient safety and balanced protection and even marked favorites as EWG Verified. Sorry, Banana Boat didn’t make the list.
The same process occurs for cleaning products, body products, food and more.
A favorite feature is the annual “Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen” lists, which reveal the most pesticide-heavy produce and the least. This year, you’ll find spinach as No. 1 and potatoes as No. 11 on the dirty list, and pineapples and avocados leading the way as safer to buy nonorganic.
EWG.org contains heaps of information on daily-use chemicals, drinking water, carbon footprint, cancer prevention, healthy living and so much more.
Recycle Utah, your community non-profit drop-off recycling center, provides these weekly tips. Visit their website for more information — www.recycleutah.org.