Here I am featuring the non-profit organization, Environmental Working Group (EWG) and a few of their resources. They are my “Go-To” group for food, skin care, and environmental safety. -Elisa
The Environmental Working Group is “a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.” Their mission is “to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action” (www.ewg.org). I have been following their work and benefitting from their research for many years, and greatly appreciate their mission and dedication. When I have a question or concern about a product, I go to them. I rely on their Skin Deep Database which rates the safety of skin care products and cosmetics. The app, “Healthy Living,” has a built-in scanner so you can scan barcodes of skin care, cosmetic, and food products while you are in the store and get the information you need to make a good choice. They continue to expand their reach and their research, which is vitally important in this country when the EPA and the FDA are doing a minimal job of safeguarding our food and water supply, skin care products, and environment. We have to take responsibility for our own education and awareness, and make conscious, informed choices. EWG is one organization that is making that easier for all of us.
As much as we may try to eat whole foods, we live in a country in which pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals are used to grow and treat our food. We still use chemicals that are banned in Europe and other countries despite the known health risks. The EWG stays on top of these issues, publishing a shopping guide to help us choose clean produce. Here is a link to the page which covers food news and the Shopping Guide: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ . I encourage you to download the list as well as the mobile app so you can shop smart, eat clean, and live well! They have an abundance of valuable information on their website. Check it out and share it!