Environmental Working Group

Environmental Working Group: Keeping you safe from hidden health dangers

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Day 174 – Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment. EWG’s team of scientists, policy experts, lawyers and communications and data experts work tirelessly to reform our nation’s broken chemical safety and agricultural laws. So, our health and environment are protected.

The areas of EWG’s focus consists of the following:

  1. Food and Water – Whether you’re trying to decode labels at the grocery store or understand the health effects of toxic chemicals in your drinking water – EWG is here to help. 
  2. Farming and Agriculture – EWG pushes for common-sense farming practices that protect our drinking water and produce healthier food.  
  3. Personal Care Products – While other countries have taken action to protect their citizens from chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harm, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t even require the basic safety testing of ingredients in personal care products before they’re used. EWG is making sure you know what you’re putting on your skin.
  4. Household and Consumer Products – EWG helps find answers so you know what’s in the products you love.  
  5. Energy – EWG is working to advance the clean energy economy. They harness expert analysis and data-driven resources to show how clean energy protects our health and the world we’re leaving our children, while putting millions of Americans to work in good-paying jobs. 
  6. Family Health – With breakthrough research and expert insights you can count on, EWG takes the stress out of finding safe, healthy and toxic-free choices for your family.  
  7. Toxic Chemicals – EWG has spent decades working to get toxic chemicals out of the food we eat, the water we drink, the clothing we wear and the goods we purchase.
  8. Regional Issues – They spotlight how local government and industry activities in California and the Midwest may affect your health and your environment.  

The existence of the Environmental Working Group should give everyone a peace of mind. They are doing all the hard work for us. Be sure to check out their online database that scores tens of thousands of personal care products for human health and safety. Their consumer guides score cleaning products, food and drinking water and give advice on home products, all with the goal of empowering you to live a healthier life in a healthier environment.

Tomorrow, going over packaging myths.

Sunscreen: Protecting you and the planet

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Day 147 – When I thought about putting on sunscreen, I didn’t give much thought about the brand or what was in it. I just slapped it on and went about my day. However, this technique has become problematic with each passing year.

So, on this National Sunscreen Day, also known as “Don’t Fry Day“, I wanted to encourage everyone to wear sunscreen, but also consider a brand that is Earth friendly.

What is an Earth friendly sunscreen?

“Sunscreen ends up in the ocean and other waterways after you swim or shower it off. Common ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, nano titanium dioxide, and nano zinc oxide can harm coral reefs and sea creatures. That’s why in 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. And the Surfrider Foundation is campaigning for a federal bill that would ban those sunscreens from national marine sanctuaries.” – Sierra Club

It is clear that these chemicals are harmful to ocean life. However, it is unclear if these chemicals are harmful to us. Oxybenzone and octinoxate can be absorbed by the body and have shown up in everything from urine to breast milk. Personally, I do not need further studies to know I would rather not have chemicals in my body that are not supposed to be there in the first place.

A compiled a list from various sources of sunscreens that are good for you, the environment and your wallet.

  1. Raw Elements – Click HERE to read more about Raw Elements products.
  2. Bare Republic – Click HERE to read more about Bare Republic products.
  3. Think Sport – Click HERE to read more about Think Sport products.
  4. Badger – Click HERE to read more about Badger Balm.
  5. Coppertone Pure & Simple – Click HERE to read more about Coppertone Pure & Simple.
  6. Alba Botanica – Click HERE to learn about Alba Bontanica products.
  7. Wax Head – Click HERE to learn more about Wax Head products.
  8. Juice Beauty – Click HERE to learn more about Juice Beauty products.
  9. Banana Boat – Click HERE to learn more about Banana Boat reef friendly products.
  10. All Good – Click HERE to learn more about All Good products.

For more guidance when choosing a sunscreen, check out the Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreens.

I have All Good sunscreen on the way for our summertime needs. All Good is a B-Corporation, 1% for the Planet, Leaping Bunny Certified, Reef Friendly, Certified Organic Ingredients, Climate Neutral, Woman owner and founded company and use wild land farming techniques. WOW! Do I need to say more?

While you’re shopping for sunscreen this summer, don’t just keep your own safety in mind. Think about the bigger picture, as well.

Tomorrow, Costa Rica is making big changes and the U.S. needs to follow in their footsteps.