You Should Know About the Environmental Working Group
10/05/23
Amid today's many environmental advocates, the Environmental Working Group stands out for its dedication to objectively measuring the hidden truths behind the products we use and the food we eat.
Founded by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles in 1993, EWG is perhaps best known for its annual "Dirty Dozen" list, which names the fruits and vegetables with the highest – and lowest – pesticide residues. The list has become an invaluable guide for parents, school groups and others searching for objective food-safety information, all while inspiring us to reconsider the practices of conventional farming and reminding us of the health risks of pesticide exposure.
"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," the company says. "We push industries to adopt our standards and stand against chemicals of concern. We educate consumers with actionable information and inspire demand for safer products."
Beyond the "Dirty Dozen," EWG investigates and reports on a wide range of environmental issues. Another mainstay is EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. As the cosmetics industry is often marred by complex ingredient lists and opaque labeling practices, this resource lets you scrutinize what goes into the products you apply to your body, helping you make better-informed choices.
Further, the EWG's Tap Water Database serves as a sobering reminder that access to safe drinking water is not guaranteed. This survey brings together water-quality data from across the United States and reports on the presence of contaminants, some of which exceed health-based guidelines. It's an exceptionally valuable font of information, one that argues for stronger regulatory oversight.
Based in Washington, DC, EWG's data-driven approach encourages consumers to question the status quo and demand greater transparency from corporations and regulatory agencies. In a world where misinformation and greenwashing are more present than ever, EWG's dedication to illuminating the often murky intersection of consumer products and environmental health remains an essential contribution to improving our – and our planet's – well-being.
“Our mission is simple,” the group proclaims: “To empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.”
–By Randy Svoboda