Your bottled water comes from pure mountain springs, right? Or a glacier, or pristine forest, untouched by human hands? More than half of all Americans drink bottled water; a third of us drink it regularly. And while you might not entirely believe the marketing hype, you kind of think you’re getting something better than what comes out of the tap.
But that’s not necessarily true.
NRDC conducted a four-year study of the bottled water industry, and a review of available information on bottled water and its sources. You might be surprised...
Could swimming at your local beach be hazardous to your health? Swimming in contaminated water can cause a range of diseases, including rashes, pinkeye, ear infections and respiratory ailments. NRDC's annual survey of beachwater quality found that the water at American beaches was unsafe for swimming a record number of days last year.
Across the country, there were more than 25,000 days of closings and advisories in 2006 at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches. But even beaches that meet federal health standards aren't necessarily safe because the EPA's outdated standards don't identify all of the types of contamination that can make people sick.
Slathering on the 45 SPF sunscreen this summer may not be enough to protect your skin and health. Not all sunscreens are as effective or safe as they seem and some sunscreens contain untested, potentially toxic ingredients. Looking at the label may not help -- a 45 SPF sunscreen may not offer any protection against skin-damaging UVA rays. And some new sunscreens contain nano particles, teeny tiny particles that are more easily absorbed by the skin and the body. But you won't find nano materials listed on the label either. Learn how to keep that healthy glow by choosing a safer, more effective sunscreen.
Whether it's the healthy glow of sun-kissed cheeks or a long-awaited holiday, getting on the beach and in the sun is often the first order of summer. But did you know that there are hidden environmental health threats on the sand and in the surf?
From seafood to beach water quality, here's what you need to know to protect your family's health this summer. And while you are keeping your family safe, NRDC is working to keep environmental pollution off your coasts and out of your water so you can enjoy the best summer has to offer.
You might have to spend an extra buck or two to buy organic fruits and vegetables. Is it really worth the extra cost? Science suggests that it could be, especially when you consider what you’re NOT getting when you buy organic produce — pesticides. Government tests show that conventionally grown fruits and vegetables can retain up to 13 pesticides even after washing and cooking. And scientists have shown that children age 5 and under eat an average of 8 pesticides each day.
Send this post to a friend