This week, EWG held a couple major events.
On Tuesday, Kourtney Kardashian joined EWG President Ken Cook on Capitol Hill to brief congressional staff and meet with members about EWG’s #BeautyMadeBetter campaign. The campaign seeks Congressional support to pass the first cosmetics safety legislation in 80 years. You can tell the Senate you support safer cosmetics here.
And yesterday, EWG celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding with its annual Earth Dinner in San Francisco.
EWG President Ken Cook giving a 10-year update to his keystone talk ‘10 Americans’.. #25YearsOfEWG pic.twitter.com/Ls1aEE58w3
— EWG (@ewg) April 27, 2018
As Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt prepared for two House hearings, we reacted to news that the White House’s confidence in him was waning due to his ever-growing list of scandals.
“We trust that Scott Pruitt’s days of chiseling the taxpayers and pandering to polluters are numbered,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “He should have been dismissed long ago.”
In other EPA news, the agency is welcoming comments on its upcoming ruling on Monsanto’s glyphosate – the herbicide in Roundup that was found to potentially harm human health. But it seems Monsanto’s voice is the only one that matters in this decision-making process. EWG is appealing to our supporters to raise their voices and sign our petition to the agency. EWG has also submitted formal comments to EPA, urging a full-scale science review of the weedkiller.
And as the farm bill fight ramps up, we touted a bipartisan Senate bill that would improve water quality in imperiled watersheds nationwide. On the House side, we broke down a recent Congressional Budget Office report that shows farm subsidy spending from the 2014 Farm Bill soared well beyond estimates – something the House and Senate should keep in mind as they fine tune this year’s farm bill.
EWG researchers also gave perspective on a recently released federally funded study that found ties between bisphenol A exposure and breast cancer. And we argued that as nuclear plants are shuttered across the country, renewable energy options should be put in their place.
For coverage on these developments and more, here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Cosmetics Reform Briefing with Kourtney Kardashian
ABC News: Kourtney Kardashian arrives on Capitol Hill to clean up cosmetics
"It all kind of snowballed," she described. Research prompted by her mother's friends led her to the Environmental Working Group, whose representatives have accompanied Kardashian during much of her visit to Washington.
The reality TV star was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to raise awareness for the need for tighter legislation around potentially dangerous cosmetic products.
NBC: Kourtney Kardashian Meets With Congressional Leaders About Cosmetics Reform
If you wanted to keep up with Kourtney Kardashian Tuesday you would have had to take a trip to Capitol Hill. The reality TV star teamed up with Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook on Tuesday to talk to congressional leaders about the importance of updating cosmetics legislation.
NBC: TODAY: Kourtney Kardashian lobbies Congress over cosmetics laws
Reality-TV star Kourtney Kardashian was on Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of an effort to reform laws on cosmetics. She has a new makeup line with sister Kylie Jenner.
FOX News: Kourtney Kardashian appears on Capitol Hill in a crop top to talk cosmetics regulations
The eldest Kardashian spoke alongside Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., the top Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and members of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), to urge lawmakers to approve more regulation on cosmetics and personal care products, the New York Times reports.
The Houston Chronicle: Kourtney Kardashian Visits Capitol Hill to Discuss Cosmetics Reform
On Tuesday, the elder Kardashian landed in Washington D.C. to address Congress about laws to regulate safety of personal care and cosmetics products. Kardashian is working with a non-profit called the Environmental Working Group in order to support and raise awareness of the Personal Care Products Safety Act. Both the non-profit and Kardashian are urging Americans to sign a petition supporting to act, which would require ingredients in these products to be screened for safety.
The New York Times: Ms. Kardashian Goes to Washington
On Tuesday, she will participate in a briefing on regulatory reform of the cosmetics industry, along with Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and members of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. After the briefing, they will take questions from congressional staff members.
The Washington Post: Cause Celeb: Kourtney Kardashian talks cosmetics safety on the Hill
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) giving the Food and Drug Administration more power to regulate ingredients used in cosmetics and other personal products. The Environmental Working Group, which is backing the bill, says the agency is currently hamstrung in controlling toxic substances that wind up in everything from deodorant to lip gloss.
Access Hollywood: Kourtney Kardashian Addresses Congressional Leaders About Cosmetics Legislation
Kourtney Kardashian is taking on Washington, D.C.! The reality star addressed congressional leaders on behalf of the Environmental Working Group, urging lawmakers to consider new cosmetics regulation first introduced through a bill by Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Susan Collins in 2017. Kourt is already an established beauty mogul, but could she have a political career in her future?
BuzzFeed: Kourtney Kardashian Just Lobbied Congress For Safer Beauty Products
And now, she's taking her pet causes to Washington, DC. This week she went with non-profit Environmental Working Group to Congress to have a briefing in support of the Personal Care Products Safety Act, which would help ensure better ingredients and more oversight for cosmetics.
E! News: Kourtney Kardashian Meets With Congressional Leaders About Cosmetics Reform
Kourtney Kardashian takes Capitol Hill! The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star teamed up with Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook on Tuesday to talk to congressional leaders about the importance of updating cosmetics legislation.
Entertainment Tonight: Kourtney Kardashian Heads to Congress to Discuss Cosmetics Reform
Kourtney Kardashian takes Washington, D.C. The 39-year-old Keeping Up With the Kardashians reality star joined Environmental Working Group (EWG) President Ken Cook at a briefing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to discuss the importance of cosmetics reform.
Allure: Kourtney Kardashian Reportedly Meets With Congress to Discuss Cosmetics Regulation Reform
Kourtney Kardashian is taking her talents to Capitol Hill. On Monday, the eldest Kardashian sister touched down in Washington, D.C., where she reportedly addressed Congress to discuss reforms to outdated federal cosmetics regulations. According to TMZ, Kardashian has teamed up with the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that does research and advocacy focused on corporate accountability and sustainable materials.
The Cut: New York Magazine: Kourtney Kardashian Went to D.C. to Advocate for Safer Beauty Products
She arrived with Ken Cook, president of the consumer protection and advocacy organization Environmental Working Group (EWG). If you’re thinking that she was there just to pay lip service, think again. According to her, it was she who reached out to the organization and not the other way around. Reprinted by Rue Now.
Elle: Kourtney Kardashian Takes Kongress for Cosmetics Regulation
The self-professed green beauty-lover is reportedly meeting with several members of congress to lobby for better regulation of beauty products. She's working with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which currently has a big #beautymadebetter initiative pushing for federal law to ensure stricter screening of personal care products made with chemicals linked to cancer, allergies, and other harmful effects. Existing legislation addressing safety standards of products has been unchanged since 1938.
Glamour: Kourtney Kardashian Is Pushing Congress for Stricter Cosmetics Regulations
While Kourtney Kardashian may have famously said she doesn't read the news on her family's long-running reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, she made some today in Washington, D.C., where she appeared with members of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) at a Capitol Hill briefing on cosmetics reform.
Harper’s Bazaar: Kourtney Kardashian Visited Congress To Discuss Cosmetic Regulations
The eldest Kardashian sister ventured to Washington D.C. and visited US congress to discuss the regulations surrounding ingredient use in cosmetic and personal products. According NBC reporter Jennifer Vasquez, Kardashian has teamed up with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and is hoping to help “update an 80 year old FDA law to help make beauty products safer.”
Health: Kourtney Kardashian Spoke to Congress About Cosmetic Safety. Here's Why She's Concerned
Kourtney Kardashian appeared before Congress yesterday to voice her support for increased regulation in the cosmetics and personal care product industry. The reality TV star and mom of three spoke at a briefing on Capitol Hill along with members of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.
Marie Claire: Kourtney Kardashian Is Lobbying Congress for New Cosmetic Laws
Kourtney, who has been a longtime supporter of natural and eco-friendly beauty products, is supposedly teaming up with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for the trip to Washington. Reprinted by Yahoo! Style.
Market Watch: Kourtney Kardashian comes to Capitol Hill to lobby for cosmetics bill
With a following of 62.6 million on Instagram alone, Kardashian’s voice on the Hill is something the advocacy organization Environmental Work Group hopes will get action on a bill proposed by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Republican Sen. Susan Collins. “She can reach people to the extent that EWG will never be able to reach, and our hope is that she will boost public awareness on this issue,” Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook said. Reprinted by MorningStar.
New York Daily News: Kourtney Kardashian met with Senate to discuss cosmetics reform
The eldest Kardashian sister has teamed up with the Environmental Working Group and group president Ken Cook for its new initiative, #BeautyMadeBetter, which aims to bring awareness to cosmetics reform, which hasn’t been revisited in 80 years. Reprinted by Los Angeles Daily News.
People: Kourtney Kardashian Wears a Crop Top to Address Congress About Cosmetics Reform
The eldest KarJenner, 38, addressed Congress today on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. during a briefing with the Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook in an effort to reform the laws that regulate ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products in the United States.
POPSUGAR: Kourtney Kardashian Just Got Very Political About Cosmetics Regulation
Kourtney Kardashian is having a very busy day. On April 24 — the launch date for her makeup collaboration with sister Kylie — the 39 year old headed to Washington DC to attend a cosmetics briefing with Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook, who is championing for updated cosmetics legislation.
Racked: Cosmetics Regulation Is a Joke. Can a Kardashian Fix It?
Kardashian was there as a guest of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which just launched a campaign called #BeautyMadeBetter to support better cosmetics safety regulations.
Kardashian attended a briefing this morning at the Russell Senate Office Building along with Ken Cook, EWG’s president.
Refinery29: Wait, What's Kourtney Kardashian Doing On Capitol Hill?
According to The Hill, Kourtney is joining the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in D.C. today to speak for the crucial need to update our national laws regulating cosmetic products — but not before launching a brand-new makeup collaboration with sister Kylie Jenner.
Teen Vogue: Kourtney Kardashian Visits Congress to Discuss Cosmetics Safety Reform
On Tuesday, Kourtney visited the nation's capital to attend a briefing with the Environmental Working Group to talk about product reform in the self-care and cosmetic industry. Congress hasn't passed any new regulations in over 80 years. Reprinted by Yahoo! Beauty.
W: Kourtney Kardashian Testified on Capitol Hill In a Crop Top
She wasn't just in town to sightsee, but also to testify for Senate staffers, teaming up with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group to make the case for reform at a briefing on the legislation surrounding ingredients used in cosmetics and personal products.
US Weekly: Kourtney Kardashian testified at Congress on behalf of clean beauty
The eldest Kardashian sister (who happens to be a bonafide expert in cosmetics — hello, it’s a family business) testified at a briefing for Senate staffers with the Environmental Working Group, which is backing a piece of legislation sponsored by Dianne Feinstein of California. The goal: to give the Food and Drug Administration more power to regulate ingredients used in cosmetics and personal products. Reprinted by AOL.
TMZ: Kourtney Kardashian Meeting With Congress To Talk Cosmetics
Our Kardashian sources say Kourtney will come face-to-face with several members of Congress Tuesday in hopes of helping to reform the laws that regulate cosmetics and other personal care products. We're told Kourt's teamed up with the Environmental Working Group for the trip.
TMZ: Kourtney Kardashian Bombarded For Selfies ... on Capitol Hill!
The eldest Kardashian didn't say much on her way to talk about regulating cosmetics and other personal care products, but couldn't resist the opportunity to get one pic in with a fan. The 39-year-old is there with the Environmental Working Group lobbying for environmentally-friendly cosmetic products.
Just Jared: Kourtney Kardashian Talks Cosmetics With Congress in Washington D.C.
Kourtney chatted with the Environmental Working Group, which is backing a piece of legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration more power to regulate ingredients used in cosmetics. Reprinted by Favorite Celebrities.
Perez Hilton: Kourtney Kardashian Stops By Capitol Hill To Discuss Cosmetic Safety Reform: 'It's Time For Congress To Do Its Job'!
The 38-year-old mother of three popped by Capitol Hill as part of a briefing with Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook. It's said that the oldest KarJenner partnered with the non-profit organization in the hopes of promoting the latter's #BeautyMadeBetter campaign. Kourt, along with Mr. Cook, hope to convince Congress to reform laws that regulate ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products! (Color us impressed!)
Yahoo! Entertainment: Here's the unexpected look Kourtney Kardashian wore to speak on Capitol Hill
Who says you need to have a wardrobe that’s all business at the United States Capitol? Not Kourtney Kardashian, who wore a crop top with her pants and jacket Tuesday during her appearance on the Senate floor, where she spoke in support of legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration more control over the ingredients in personal products and cosmetics — such as Kardashian’s new Kourt x Kylie collaboration with her little sister Kylie Jenner.
BPA and Breast Cancer
GOOP: Toxic Avenger: BPA Is Still in Food Packaging–and the Replacements May Be Just as Bad
To follow the news is to know that there are chemicals in our waterways and carcinogens in our food supply. But what and where and how much? That’s where things get murky. Which is why we tapped Nneka Leiba, the director of healthy living science at Environmental Working Group. In her monthly column, Leiba answers our most pressing concerns about toxicity, the environment, and the health of the planet.
Organic Authority: New Research Shows BPA Connected to Breast Cancer, FDA Skeptical
“This has been the FDA’s posture for more than a decade,” writes the Environmental Working Group in a press release. “Defending the safety of BPA exposures while independent scientists report BPA is toxic to the brain, thyroid and reproductive systems.” Final conclusions from the study are expected in August 2019.
Cellphone Radiation
Dr. Axe: Phubbing: The Latest Ugly Side Effect of Cell Phone Use
Even though cell phones are considered to emit low levels of EMFs, some studies suggest brains effects. Environmental Working Group conducted clinical research to evaluate the effect of cell phones on brain chemistry.
Cleaning Products
ChemicalWatch: SC Johnson reveals ingredients selection criteria
Nneka Leiba, director of healthy living science at the NGO, Environmental Working Group (EWG), said: "It is always welcome news for consumers when companies like SC Johnson take concrete steps to increase transparency and disclose more information about the chemical ingredients in their products."
Cosmetics
Hello Giggles: 14 K-beauty brands that the eco-conscious beauty lover needs to have on their radar
Aromatica was the first Korean brand to gain the stamp of approval from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). So when you treat yourself to the wonders of the Sea Daffodil Hydro Charge Mask, you can rest assured it’s ethically-sourced.
Well+Good: 11 earth-friendly beauty products that give back to the planet
On the philanthropic side, Juice Beauty’s providing support to non-profit Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and the Environmental Working Group.
Skin Deep® Cosmetic Database
Summit Daily: Celebrate Earth Day by protecting our water quality (column)
For more information on ingredients and products that pose risks to our health and water quality, visit the Environmental Working Group, at EWG.org, which has a great online database of personal care products that are safe for the environment, as well as an extensive list of substances to avoid.
EWG VERIFIED™
Each one of Biossance's products is plant based and verified by the Environmental Working Group — a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment that advocates for environmental health and non-toxic products.
Farm Bill
A responsible Farm Bill would incentivize healthy foods and responsible farming. Instead, the vast majority of the legislation's outlays are misguided and reward factory farming and large corporate mega-farms. The Environmental Working Group, a not-for-profit research organization based in Washington, D.C., has found a majority of insurance subsidies going to just 10% of farm businesses.
Successful Farming: Thatcher – Proposed Farm Bill Faces Headwinds
One recent trend Thatcher has witnessed is the combination of interest groups typically on opposite sides of issues. In this case, the Environmental Working Group – a traditionally liberal group fighting many ag issues – and the Heritage Action for America lobby – typically a supporter of conservative issues – have teamed up against the farm bill. According to Thatcher, both groups are looking to reduce spending in the crop insurance costs of the farm bill.
Successful Farming: Will the Harvest Price Option Be a Farm Bill Target?
Willett says that groups that have long opposed current spending on crop insurance, including the Environmental Working Group, the Heritage Foundation, and the American Enterprise Institute, seem to be working more closely to find opponents in Congress who might offer amendments to trim crop insurance spending. He believes the HPO is at greater risk than it was when the last farm bill was passed.
Nonstick Chemicals in Food
Mind Body Green: The Sneaky Culprit Preventing Weight Loss
Silent Spring Institute, the Environmental Working Group, and the Green Science Policy Institute teamed up with researchers at the University of Notre Dame and the Environmental Protection Agency to analyze more than 400 wrappers and containers from 27 fast-food chains throughout the country. Abouthalf the wrappers tested contained PFAS.
Nonstick Chemicals in Water
The New York Times: Opinion – States Are Doing What Scott Pruitt Won’t
Dr. Swanson’s experience is not uncommon. According to research from the Environmental Working Group and Northeastern University, at least 15 million Americans in 27 states have PFOA or PFOS in their tap water.
The Associated Press: Water exec: Uncertain mix of chemicals from consumer taps
A report released last week by Northeastern University's Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at the Environmental Working Group found PFAS chemicals at sites in 22 states, and small amounts in tap water in North Carolina communities ranging from Greensboro to Lillington and Nashville.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Eat This, Not That: These ‘Dirty Dozen’ Foods Have the Most Pesticides
According to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nearly 70 percent of conventionally-grown produce showed pesticide contamination. And the levels of impurities were partial to certain fruits and vegetables over others.
Motherhood: Green & clean: 5 healthier choices for you and the planet
The research shows that conventionally farmed produce that’s been heavily sprayed has negative effects on our health, fertility and hormones. Consider making the swap to organic produce where you can afford it. The Clean Fifteen, Dirty Dozen guide from the Environmental Working Group shows the 12 fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic and which 15 you can get away with buying non-organic. When in doubt, if it has a thicker peel, then it’s probably okay to buy non-organic.
Treehugger: 7 reasons to ditch packaged greens
Lettuce, spinach, kale and collard greens all score in the top 16 for chemical load in EWG’s annual ranking of pesticide residues. Conventional greens will likely have equal pesticide loads regardless if they’re pre-packaged or not, but there are other chemicals to consider as well.
EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens
National Geographic News: Here Are Some Alternatives to Reef-Damaging Sunscreen
Haereticus Environmental Lab publishes a list each year of what sunscreens are safe for the environment, and organizations like the Environmental Working Group also publish a safe sunscreen guide. Mineral-based sunblocks that use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer than the oxybenzone-containing alternatives.
Refinery29: Hawaii Is Trying To Ban The Sale Of Chemical Sunscreen — Here's Why It Matters
Need more sunscreen options? Hop on over to The Environmental Working Group for a longer list of other coral-safe options.
Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen – This sunscreen has a perfect score on EWG, and doesn’t contain any biologically toxic chemicals. It is water-resistant for up 80 minutes and is absorbed easily by your skin.
