From Our President: Greener Choices Ahead

Our work begins by listening to you. That’s why we’ve increased our coverage of sustainability issues, so you’ll know more about products and services that don’t harm your health or the environment.

Since 2009, CR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of consumers on environmental issues, and our January 2022 nationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of you believe your actions can help protect the planet, with a majority saying you’d purchased various types of eco-friendly products, including efficient appliances.

People want choices that fit their lifestyles, values, and budgets. It’s why we created CR’s Green Choice designation, so you can learn which vehicles produce the cleanest emissions and which washing machines use less water and energy. And it’s why this month’s cover story, “45 Ways to Save More and Waste Less at Home," focuses on sustainable options around your home that will also help cut costs.

Personal actions matter, but a clear majority of Americans agree that businesses and government must also play a role in creating systemic change—and CR is pushing to make that happen. Recent CR testing exposed the amount of dangerous PFAS chemicals in food containers, and after learning about our investigation, several companies publicly committed to reducing the amount of PFAS in their packaging. In addition, we organized thousands of consumers to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to limit truck and bus pollution and submitted recommendations for new emissions standards. And CR will soon release the largest survey to date on electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels.

Together, we will strengthen our consumer-powered movement to improve the marketplace for both people and the planet.