This week EWG released a lab testing analysis that found detectable levels of pesticides known to cause harm in dozens of fruit leather strips and dried fruit. The chemicals were found in all 26 samples of non-organic fruit leather tested and half of the non-organic samples of dried fruit.
“These results confirm what we already know – choosing organic produce can help lower your pesticide exposure,” said Sydney Evans, EWG science analyst. “This holds true whether the produce is dried or fresh.”
On Thursday, ethereum, the world’s second largest cryptocurrency, made its long-awaited “merge” to a proof of stake consensus mechanism, which uses 99.95 percent less energy. This move leaves bitcoin as the largest cryptocurrency using the outmoded climate-polluting proof of work consensus mechanism.
The developing fetus faces a threat from the presence of the harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their umbilical cord, a new EWG science review finds.
A newly published peer-reviewed study by EWG scientists took a deep dive into agricultural pesticide use in California’s Ventura County. The study found that the highest concentration of pesticides and the related toxicity risks for humans occur most in areas with more people of color and limited resources.
“This peer-reviewed study is further evidence that communities of color are shouldering the biggest burden of pesticide exposure,” said Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., an EWG toxicologist and co-author of the paper.
Throughout the summer EWG has tracked news reports of algae blooms across the nation, with occurrences topping 400 stories at this point in the season. We also highlighted the risk these blooms pose to our furry friends – with, according to press reports, dogs dying in at least two locations this summer because of poisoning from algae outbreaks.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Ethereum merge
Reuters: Analysis – As ether makes energy-saving software switch, will bitcoin follow?
Brune is part of a coalition of green groups - including Greenpeace and the Environmental Working Group - calling on bitcoin to execute a similar energy-saving code change. Reprinted by National Post; Fin 24; Afro News; Zawya; The Star; 5 additional media outlets
“We urge Congress and the administration to move swiftly to improve monitoring and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions and electricity use, and to set energy efficiency standards that all digital assets must meet,” Environmental Working Group Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber said in a statement. Reprinted by Tech Telegraph
CoinDesk: Environmental Groups to Spend Another $1M on Ads for Bitcoin Code Change After the Merge
“Ethereum’s energy-efficient ‘merge’ leaves bitcoin as lone cryptocurrency climate polluter,” wrote Environmental Working Group (EWG) in a Thursday statement, which along with Greenpeace USA, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and other small environmental organizations launched a campaign to change the bitcoin code earlier this year. Reprinted by MSN; Markets Insider
CoinDesk: White House Crypto Mining Report Draws Praise From Advocates and Critics Alike
On the other side of the debate, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been advocating to change the Bitcoin network code to reduce its energy consumption, also praised the report. Reprinted by Yahoo!;Markets Insider; Wealth Advisor; Coinstack News
Environmental Working Group, Greenpeace has launched a petition dubbed “Change The Code; Not The Climate” campaign, calling on Fidelity investments to pressure Bitcoin to follow the energy-efficient proof-of-stake consensus.
Forbes India: Post Ethereum-Merge, environmentalists call for Bitcoin to follow Ethereum's lead
In a notice that came right after the Ethereum Merge took place, the US-based EWG (Environmental Working Group) stated that it would start a $1-million campaign to prompt Bitcoin into “going green” like Ethereum, and halt the use of an “outdated” system like PoW.
Some miners have already switched to 100% renewable energy sources by getting behind the Crypto Climate Accord while groups like Greenpeace USA and Environmental Working Group are trying to persuade the Bitcoin community to change the code itself.
Page One: Environmental Groups Budget $1M for Bitcoin Code Change Ads After The Merge
The Environmental Working Group (EWG)along with Greenpeace USA, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, and other small environmental organizations launched a campaign to change the bitcoin code earlier this year.
The Star: As ether makes energy-saving software switch, will bitcoin follow?
Brune is part of a coalition of green groups – including Greenpeace and the Environmental Working Group – calling on bitcoin to execute a similar energy-saving code change.
Tokenist: Why the $1M Campaign to Change Bitcoin’s Code Will Likely Bear No Fruit
Greenpeace and the Environmental Working Group to increase their existing attack on Bitcoin on the heel of Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake (POS). Following Ethereum’s upgrade to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, Bitcoin remains the most prominent cryptocurrency using the energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus model.
Fruit leather testing report
WebMD: Fruit Leathers Have Detectable Pesticides: Report
Many brands of fruit leathers, a popular children’s snack, have detectable levels of pesticides, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve human health and the environment. Many dried fruit snacks also have detectable pesticide levels.
EcoWatch: New EWG Testing Reveals Fruit Leather’s Secret Toxic Ingredient
But a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released Thursday revealed that these dried-fruit pancakes have a secret ingredient: pesticides. The environmental and public-health watchdog tested 37 organic and conventional fruit leathers from 10 brands including 365 Whole Foods Market, Bear, Bob Snail, Good & Gather, Stretch Island, That’s It and Trader Joe’s and found that all 26 conventional leathers tested positive for pesticide residues.
News Concerns: Fruit Leathers Have Detectable Pesticides: Report
Many brands of fruit leathers, a popular children’s snack, have detectable levels of pesticides, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve human health and the environment. Many dried fruit snacks also have detectable pesticide levels.
Ventura County pesticide exposure study
“This peer-reviewed study is further evidence that communities of color are shouldering the biggest burden of pesticide exposure,” said Alexis Temkin, an EWG toxicologist and lead author of the paper published online this month in the Science of the Total Environment journal. Reprinted by MSN.
In California’s Ventura County, increased agricultural pesticide use and related toxicity risks for humans occur the most in areas with more people of color and limited resources, according to a new study by Environmental Working Group scientists. Reprinted by Verve Times and News Concerns.
In California's Ventura County, increased agricultural pesticide use and related toxicity risks for humans occur the most in areas with more people of color and limited resources, according to a new study by Environmental Working Group scientists. Reprint of EurekAlert news release.
AFOs in Western Lake Erie Basin
Bridge Michigan: Farms in 6 southeast Michigan counties are major sources of Lake Erie toxic blooms
A study by the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago and the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group identified 775 CAFOs in the western Lake Erie basin in 2018, 230 more than in 2005. The growth has been exponential. Reprinted by The Bullvine
Algae blooms
Wisconsin Watch: Testing the waters: How groups monitor toxic algae in the absence of state testing
A 2021 Environmental Working Group (EWG) report identified 39 news reports written about an algae outbreak in Wisconsin in the previous decade. But 29 of those locations were not tested by the state for microcystin, the nonprofit research and advocacy group found. Reprinted by Great Lakes Now, Channel 3000 and MSN.
California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear plant
High Country News: The divide over Diablo
Those who want it to close on schedule: Friends of the Earth, NRDC, Environment California, Mothers for Peace, Union of Concerned Scientists, Environmental Working Group, Sierra Club California and various other environmental and anti-nuclear organizations.
California PFAS legislation
About Lawsuits: California Bans Toxic PFAS Chemicals From Cosmetics, Certain Textiles
As of June 2022, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified 2,858 locations in the U.S. that have confirmed PFAS water contamination in public and private systems. Of those include hundreds of military installations with confirmed PFAS water contamination.
Inside PFAS Policy/Inside EPA: Groups Urge Newsom To Sign PFAS Bills Amid Fears Of Industry Lobbying (subscription)
But the Environmental Working Group (EWG) charged in a Sept. 14 statement that the company is urging Newsom to veto the bills, fearing in part it will limit use of its chemicals known as hydrofluoroolefins, or HFOs.
California rooftop solar
Capitol Weekly: ‘Federal Inflation Reduction Act’ is big boon to California
Bill Allayaud, head of California Government Affairs for the Environmental Working Group, says that the utility companies are weaponizing the Inflation Reduction Act at a time when we should be incentivizing more people to go solar.
Cosmetics regulation
The New Yorker: Johnson & Johnson and a New War on Consumer Protection
If a cosmetic product is life-threatening, the agency cannot recall that product or suspend production; it can only encourage a company to do so. “These are some of our most broken laws,” Scott Faber, who leads government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization, told me. Reprinted by Reader Supported News
Skin Deep® cosmetics database
Everyday Health: Is This Onion Water Hack the Secret to Healthy Hair?
And even if you’re not allergic, be sure to thoroughly wash the onion water out of your scalp to prevent irritation. (It’s unlikely, but not impossible, that it could irritate your skin, according to the Environmental Working Group.)
EWG VERIFIED™: Cleaners
NBC News: 12 best eco-friendly laundry detergents, according to experts
Though any ecolabel is a good option, two they recommended looking for when shopping for eco-friendly laundry detergent are the EPA’s Safer Choice Standard and the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Verified mark. Reprinted by Reporter Wings and AOL.
EWG VERIFIED™: Cosmetics
Observer: 20 Best Smelling Deodorants for Men in 2022
Each & Every deodorant has been verified by EWG as excellent. It’s free of aluminum, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, parabens, baking soda and phthalates. Plus, it has a wonderful lemony aroma!
Farm subsidies
According to farm payment watchdog the Environmental Working Group, from 1995 to 2020, Kansas farm subsidies totaled $24.6 billion, with more than 80% of that going to commodity payments and crop insurance ($13.3 billion for commodities, $6.3 billion for crop insurance, $2.02 billion for disaster relief, $3.04 billion for conservation).
WBEZ Chicago: Darren Bailey’s tax returns show years of feast – and famine – on the farm
Darren and Cindy Bailey have been the consistent beneficiaries of federal farm subsidies totaling $3,540,410 between 1995 and 2020, according to the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by E-News.
Glyphosate
Newsweek: Is Oat Milk Really Bad for You? Experts Debunk Social Media Myths
“Glyphosate, also known as "Roundup", is often sprayed on oat crops to speed up drying at harvest. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently reported high levels of glyphosate residue in many popular oat-based products.” Reprinted by MSN; Verified News Explorer Network; Europe Breaking News
Jonas Philanthropies
She also helped launch Jonas Children’s Environmental Health, which supports initiatives at the Environmental Working Group and the UCSF School of Medicine.
Nitrates
Wisconsin Examiner: Clean Wisconsin joins legal battle between DNR and Kinnard Farms
An analysis done by the Environmental Working Group and Clean Wisconsin found that direct medical costs for nitrate contamination in drinking water range from $23-80 million per year in Wisconsin.
Nutrition
Mashed: The Secret Behind How Magic Spoon Tastes So Sweet
While you may suspect your beloved breakfast cereals of being less-than-nutritious, you may be shocked to learn just how much your bowl of flakes, o's, or pillowy squares has in common with a candy bar. For example, an Environmental Working Group study revealed that Kellogg's Honey Smacks, Malt-O-Meal's Golden Puffs, and Mom's Best Cereal's Honey-Ful Wheat are all “more than 50% sugar by weight.” Reprinted by Verified News Explorer Network; MSN; From Press
PFAS
Choose cosmetics and other personal care products without “PTFE” or “fluoro” ingredients. Any that claim to be water-resistant likely are made with PFAS. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group maintains a database to help identify which shampoos, dental floss, makeup and other personal care products do and do not contain PFAS and other toxic substances. Reprinted by Reporter Wings; Honest Columnist
PFAS destruction method
Chicago Sun-Times: Northwestern professor takes on ‘forever chemicals,’ and he just might win
“It’s promising, and we definitely need more research into these advanced destruction techniques,” says Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group, a Washington advocacy organization.
PFAS in drinking water
Officials from across the political spectrum are targeting a small number of companies, including 3M, DuPont and its spinoffs, that made most of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are now ubiquitous in water, soil, and even human blood. One nonprofit, the Environmental Working Group, estimates 200 million Americans are drinking water known to be laced with PFAS. Reprinted byMSN; News Break; Good Word News; Honest Columnist
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
By Angela Price: I Don’t Know About You, but I Love This Time of Year!
The EWG puts out a yearly list of the “Dirty Dozen” which are items you should really try to buy organic and then the “Clean Fifteen” which are items that are not heavily sprayed with harmful toxins and are okay to buy non-organic.
Jackson Hole News & Guide: Jackson's first vegan restaurant has something to say and is here to stay
“We make sure to buy anything on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ organic,” Ryan said. The Dirty Dozen is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that have been deemed most pesticide-rich by the national nonprofit Environmental Working Group. Pesticides can be linked to birth defects, cancers and neurotoxicity, among other adverse health effects, in a wide variety of species.
Real Everything: Safer Swaps for Clean Cosmetics and Better Beauty
You’ve heard of EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen? How about one for better beauty choices? I pulled a dozen top Bestsellers, evaluated safety ratings and have 15 swaps to suggest!
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Alive: Sunscreen Shopping Know-How
Choosing a sunscreen from an aisle that is chock-full of products can be overwhelming. To narrow your focus on the best options, look for a sunscreen that is approved by a reliable scientific body, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Medium: How to Effectively Reverse Aging and Look Ten Years Younger
For example, the Environmental Working Group has found that oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, and nanoparticles are toxic to the body when applied topically or ingested.
Tap Water Database
Globe Gazette (Mason City, Iowa): What's killing in North Iowa: Cancer
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization which includes a Tap Water Database, analyzes data from tap water throughout the United States for pollutants. The database also shares information about each pollutant and what its scientists consider unhealthy amounts of exposure.
Go Banking Rates: 39 Supermarket Buys That Are a Waste of Money
Unless you live in an area where tap water is not safe (you can look these details up on EWG’s Tap Water Database), buying bottled water is nothing but a waste of money and plastic. Reprinted by MSN and AOL.
Water World: High arsenic found in NYC housing complex’s water
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the arsenic levels were found at the Jacob Riis Houses in the East Village of New York City and the problem has lasted for more than a week.