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GreenerChoices.org | Newsletter | September 2006
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Expert • Independent • Non-profit
Recommendations & Ratings on Greener Products & Services
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September 2006 Newsletter
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Get the latest Green Ratings, information and advice on choosing appliances that can save money and the environment at the same time. |
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Did you know? Today’s Refrigerators are significantly more energy-efficient than those made before 2001? Conserving electricity not only saves you money, but also reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
For information and advice on several other appliances and products we cover, click here
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Concerned about global warming?
The good news is-you can help make a difference. The decisions you make everyday on appliances, home energy use and transportation can affect global climate change. Find out which products have the biggest impact, along with some simple, everyday actions you can take, in our Climate Change section.
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What you should know about pressure-treated wood commonly found in wood playgrounds, decks, and sheds.
Do you have wood that's been pressure-treated with chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, a known carcinogen? Find out how you can tell, and what you can do about it. We've researched the risks and identified precautions and alternatives.
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Green tip of the month - How to find real organic personal-care products
Unless a product contains primarily certified organic agricultural ingredients, it may not be worth paying more for. Most personal-care products, which include shampoos, conditioners, lotions and other skin-care products, contain a mix of ingredients. While the USDA claims that organic-labeled personal-care products follow the same standards as food, we've found indiscriminate use of synthetic ingredients and violations.
Here's what to look for when shopping for personal-care products:
1) Check for the USDA seal, found only on products containing at least 95% organic ingredients.
2) If there's no seal, look for the labels, "100% organic", "organic" (contains at least 95% organic ingredients), or "made with organic ingredients" (contains at least 70% organic ingredients).
3) Finally, check whether "organic hydrosol" (water in which something organic, such as a lavender leaf, has been soaked) is the first ingredient-even 100% organic products may not be worth paying extra for if they're mostly water.
Just because a product has the word, "organic" or "natural" in its name doesn't necessarily mean it's safer. Only 11 percent of ingredients found in personal-care products, organic or not, have ever been screened for safety. For more information, including a list of ingredients to avoid, visit Greener Choices' Personal care products section.
For help interpreting 100+ other eco-labels on food and personal hygiene products, household cleaners, wood and paper, check our sister site, Eco-Labels.org
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Copyright © 2003-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission.
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