The Simple Truth

Taking the guesswork out of deciphering ingredients and shining a light on harmful toxins and pollutants

BY GAY BROWNE

II first heard about Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 1994, when I was building a “green home” in Pacific Palisades. However, it wasn’t until Earth Day 2005, when I launched my first green city guidebook series, Greenopia: An

Urban Dweller’s Guide Los Angeles, that I discovered the incredible and indepth resource that is EWG. Since that time, it has become the first and best source to get answers for all my environmental health and product questions.

Co-founded in 1993 by Ken Cook as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, EWG has been on the forefront of environmental health research since its inception. Its mission is “to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.” Cook, company president, and his large and diverse team of 50+ members have extensive knowledge about the environment, dangerous pollutants, and the unfortunate truth about many of the toxic ingredients found in mainstream merchandise today—from cosmetics to cleaning products . “We at EWG are doing everything we can to protect human and environmental health by providing consumers the resources they need to make informed choices through our various consumer guides. Every American has a right to consume products that are healthier and are less likely to cause harm,” says Cook. Cook and his team work tirelessly to “shine a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices, and

industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment.” Areas of focus include food and water safety; farming and agriculture; personal care products; household and consumer products; energy; family health; toxic chemicals; and regional issues. Whether on Capitol Hill or working directly in communities across America, EWG knows that the most important people are you and your family and works tirelessly from both sides— consumer education and with policymakers—to elevate the importance of environmental health in today’s increasingly toxic world.

The many EWG guides and their Healthy Living App have become an essential tool in my quest for clean and green living. “The EWG VERIFIED program goes beyond basic ingredient labels to hold companies on the cutting edge of making the healthiest products to an even higher standard. Our mark makes shopping even easier for overwhelmed consumers who want to quickly find a bottle of shampoo and other personal care products that meet our rigorous standards and that are better for their health,” states Jocelyn Lyle, EWG senior vice president for partnerships and development. Via the organization’s app, you can easily scan products to see their ratings, if a brand/product is VERIFIED and free from EWGs “chemicals of concern,” and have met their standards. “Earning the EWG VERIFIED mark isn’t easy, as anyone who has read our stringent criteria and our exacting transparency requirements can attest. EWG verification takes the guesswork out of deciphering ingredients so consumers can rest assured that the product has met EWG’s strictest standards for health,” adds Lyle. Who makes up the team at EWG, and how do they work? • Scientists who research toxic chemicals in food and water, farming and agriculture, energy, and other family health issues. • Attorneys who educate and inform elected officials around these issues. • Experts and analysts who know the importance of doing first hand research and interpreting the industry data. • Communications specialists, who present the facts in easy-to-use consumer guides. • Tap Water Database. Worried about what’s in your tap water? EWG has answers for you www.ewg.org/tapwater/. • Skin Deep® Cosmetic Database. Learn about potentially toxic chemicals in personal care and beauty products and which ones are truly “clean” and

“green.” www.ewg.org/skindeep/ • Sunscreen Database. There’s much to learn about what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to sun protection. This database includes safety ratings that help you choose the most ideal product. www.ewg.org/sunscreen/ • Consumer Guide for Parents and Caregivers. With tips sheets and videos, this guide arms you with vital information for making healthier decisions for your family. www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/for-parents-and-caregivers

• Guide to Leading a Climate Friendly Life. The way we eat has a direct impact on the climate, and there are steps everyone can take to re-imagine their diet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. www.ewg.org/sites/default/ files/2022-04/EWG_TipSheet_Meat-Climate_C02.pdf For more information visit www.ewg.org.