Environmental Working Group

Clean energy technology is making incredible strides, with rooftop and community solar helping to lower consumer costs and reduce carbon emissions. But why are these solar projects facing regulatory hurdles? It comes down to corporate interests and the priorities of monopoly utility shareholders. In today’s episode, Kenneth Cook talks to John Farrell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, to explore why clean energy advancements are being blocked and what we can do to support them.

Roughly half of the US population menstruates, using at least 10,000 menstrual products in a lifetime. But these essential items lack federal regulations to ban harmful chemicals or mandate ingredient labels. Studies reveal chemicals like phthalates, parabens, metals, and PFAS can be found in these products, potentially posing health risks. There are no studies that link chemical exposure from menstrual products to health outcomes, but research supports these substances have been linked to health harms. In the absence of federal action, 8 states have stepped up to regulate and disclose chemicals in period products. California and New York have taken proactive steps, proposing bills to limit PFAS and require ingredient transparency in menstrual products. Vermont and other states have also banned other harmful chemicals, setting a precedent for safer products nationwide. Here are some tips to minimize chemical exposure from menstrual products: ✅Support legislation promoting safety in menstrual product ingredients. ✅Contact brands to ask about their ingredients. ✅Avoid scented menstrual products, as they may contain harmful chemicals. ✅If using period underwear, wash before using. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7iRiuRN #MenstrualHealth #WomenHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #EWG

PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are increasingly being added to U.S. pesticides, and some have contaminated our waterways. These persistent chemicals are found in pesticides used on everyday foods like corn, wheat, kale, spinach, apples and strawberries, and even in products for our homes and pets. PFAS are linked to concerning health risks such as weakened antibody response to vaccinations and increased risk of infectious disease. Yet, our current regulatory systems are not adequately protecting us from these dangerous contaminants. It’s time for change. EWG is calling for stronger oversight, including no longer fluorinating pesticide containers, requiring full disclosure of all ingredients on pesticide labels and enhanced immunotoxicity testing for PFAS pesticide ingredients. Swipe through to learn more about the study and what can be done to protect our health and environment. #PFAS #EWG #Water #Pesticides

Tyson Foods, a major meat producer, has faced scrutiny for its wastewater practices. This wastewater, often discharged from their processing plants and factory farms, can harm local waterways and ecosystems, leading to pollution and health concerns for nearby communities. 🏞️💧 Tyson has even faced numerous fines and violations for failing to meet environmental standards, highlighting the ongoing issues with their wastewater management. EWG has worked to hold them accountable on other misleading environmental claims. What can you do? Stay informed, support clean water initiatives, and demand better practices from companies like Tyson. EWG is committed to exposing these violations and advocating for healthier practices. Swipe through to learn more about the impact of Tyson's wastewater. Together, we can push for a cleaner, safer environment. 🌍✨ #CleanWater #EnvironmentalJustice #EWG #TysonFoods #Pollution #CommunityHealth #WaterQuality #Sustainability Source: https://lnkd.in/e684hCX4 https://lnkd.in/e7Wg4iHv  https://lnkd.in/e7Wg4iHv

A cleaner, greener, and brighter future is within our reach. But often the path we have to walk is littered with discriminatory hurdles put up by the financial sector. From subsidies that suppress organic farming to everyday biases preventing the funding of new startups and innovative ideas from women and people of color, Wall Street often stands in the way of progress. In today's episode, Kenneth Cook talks with Robyn O'Brien, a bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur and investor. After earning her MBA from Rice University, Robyn went on to work as an equity analyst on Wall Street where she covered the food and tech industry. Now, she’s at the forefront of the fight for environmentalism, equality, and fair finance. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We gave 4 kids a taste test of Canadian Froot Loops, which are made without the synthetic food dyes found in the American version. The result? They loved them just as much and couldn't tell the difference! This just goes to show that we don’t need harmful dyes to make tasty, colorful cereal for our kids. Assembly Bill 2316, known as The California School Food Safety Act and introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), is making its way through the state legislature. This bill aims to safeguard children's health by banning six dyes linked to neurobehavioral issues in some children from being used in foods served in California schools. If you're a California resident, we encourage you to reach out to your senator and urge them to support A.B. 2316 to protect kids from harmful food dyes. In the meantime, here is what everyone can do to limit consumption of harmful food dyes: ✅ Check product labels. Artificial dyes must be listed among the ingredients of packaged foods, so study labels to avoid products that contain them. ✅ Consult EWG’s Food Scores database to find alternative products that don’t contain harmful food dyes. When you’re on the go, use our Healthy Living app to find products without toxic chemicals. ✅ Look for packaged foods that are certified organic whenever possible and within budget – they must meet strong standards that protect consumers from exposure to potentially harmful food additives. ✅ Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods when possible. Many contain concerning ingredients, including other food chemicals that could harm your health. Sources: https://lnkd.in/dv-Yb7eK https://lnkd.in/eaB8-zYD https://lnkd.in/eVcbySSH #AB2316 #FoodDyes #HealthyKids #EWG

There are plenty of foods you’d never suspect contain artificial food dyes but actually do… The presence of these colors is a problem, because research has long shown they are harmful, particularly for children. 🌈 Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5 and Yellow Dye No. 6 make up 90% of food dye used in the U.S. 🤔 The amount of synthetic dye used in foods has increased by 500% over the past 50 years! 🔍 Check those labels! Dyes aren't just in candy but in surprising places like yogurts, condiments, salad dressings, and even sometimes healthy snacks. 🥗🧃 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eaQ-xxD8 #FoodDyes #HealthyEating #EWG #FoodSafety #ArtificialColors #ReadTheLabel #HealthyChoices #FamilyHealth

🚨 Breaking News 🚨 The EPA has issued an emergency order immediately suspending all uses of the highly toxic weedkiller DCPA due to its significant health risks, especially for farmworkers and pregnant people. This weedkiller, sold in the U.S. under the brand name Dacthal, was classified as a “possible carcinogen” nearly 30 years ago. Yet it continued to be used in this country until now. This is yet another example of a chemical being deemed safe until the day it's banned. While the EPA’s decision is welcome news, it is long overdue. For years, EWG and other public health advocates have warned about the serious risks the weedkiller poses to vulnerable populations. Learn more about the EPA’s emergency announcement: https://lnkd.in/esTmyjPt #EPA #DACTHAL #AG #FARMING #CANCER #THYROID #BREAKINGNEWS

Iris Myers, EWG Senior Communications Manager, is here to explain the news around methylene chloride. The EPA recently banned methylene chloride in paint strippers due to serious health risks. Unfortunately, the FDA still allows it in food processing, including decaf coffee and certain spices. Stay informed: ask how your coffee and tea are decaffeinated, and choose organic products to reduce exposure. Make safer choices for a healthier future. 🌱💚 #EWG #MethyleneChloride #Health #Organic #SafeFood

Almost 1,000 of California's large confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are situated within just a mile of water sources used for crop irrigation. This proximity poses a significant risk to our nation's food supply. Contaminants such as E. coli and salmonella commonly found in animal manure can easily wash or blow into these waterways. California grows much of the country’s  fruits and vegetables, raising concerns about potential foodborne illness outbreaks that can affect consumers nationwide. Given California's pivotal role in the food supply, urgent regulatory action is essential. The FDA must enforce comprehensive testing of irrigation water to safeguard consumers from harmful bacteria, ensuring safer food for all! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaUYu5KE #EWG #CAFO #FARMING #ECOLI #FDA #FOODRECALL