 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Expert • Independent • Non-profit
Recommendations & Ratings on Greener Products & Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get the latest Green Ratings, information and advice on choosing appliances that can save money and the environment at the same time. |
 |
Did you know? A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that indoor air can be more seriously polluted than the air outside. Vacuuming frequently with a vacuum that cleans well with low emissions can help to reduce dust levels and other particulate matter. |
|
For information and advice on several other appliances and products we cover, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you want to save energy for free? Here are five easy things you can do:
1. Turn down the heat during winter. Lower the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees when you're sleeping or out of the house; a 10 degree decrease can cut your heating bill by as much as 20 percent. |
|
|
2. Let the dishwasher do the work. Don't bother pre-rinsing dishes. Consumer Reports has found that this added step can waste 20 gallons of heated water each day.
3. Put your PC to sleep.
Keeping your computer and monitor in sleep mode
can
cut your energy use by as much as 80 percent. To find out how to put a
PC with Windows XP to sleep, click here (for other versions of Windows, click on the link and search the site for that version); to put an Apple computer to sleep, click here.
4. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. It can save up to 10 percent in water-heating costs compared to a 140 degree setting.
5. Don't overdry your laundry. Clothes will need less ironing and hold up better if you remove them when they're just a bit damp. Or better yet, consider using a clothesline or drying rack. Hanging even some of your clothing items can help you save energy.
For more tips on saving energy for free, click here. To order Consumer Reports' "Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs" - a definitive guide jammed with easy-to-follow research straight from Consumer Reports' testing, research and survey experts, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you wondering how much fish you can safely eat?
Eating fish has both benefits and risks. Some are a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and are low in saturated fat. But some may also contain significant levels of environmental contaminants. For help deciding what's best for your diet, visit the Making the right choice section on our fish page. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Green tip of the month - Choosing eggs with meaningful eco-labels
Some eco-labels commonly found on eggs - including "free range" - don't necessarily mean much, while others are backed up with clear, independently verified standards. Here are a couple of the most meaningful eco-labels you can look for the next time you're shopping for eggs:
Free Farmed
What it means: Eggs come from chickens that are treated in a humane manner with access to clean and sufficient food and water, and a safe and healthful living environment. To learn more about this label, click here.
USDA Organic
What it means: Organic eggs come from chickens that are fed organic feed, and are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. To learn more about this label, click here.
For help interpreting 100+ other eco-labels for food and personal hygiene products, household cleaners, wood and paper, check our sister site, Eco-Labels.org. |
|
|
Copyright © 2003-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703. No reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission.
|
|
|
|
