When it comes to animal testing, we’ve got just one word: Nope. We don’t like it. We don’t do it. And we think those still engaged in this barbaric practice should stop immediately if not sooner. There are plenty of technologies we can and do use instead to verify the safety of our products, and there’s no excuse whatsoever for torturing bunnies and others in the name of commerce, or anything else for that matter. Frankly, when it comes to animal testing, we’ve got an attitude. And now we’ve got an award to show for it.

For more than 150 years, most Americans with tooth cavities have received the same treatment: a so-called “silver” filling that dentists have used to seal the tooth and prevent further decay. But what most patients don’t know is that those fillings can contain high levels of mercury and may be causing more problems than they solve.

Is TV a pollutant? It might be. Studies have linked childhood television viewing with lower test scores, reduced cognitive development, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit childhood TV time to no more than one to two hours per day and keep younger children away from the tube entirely. Here are some ways to help keep the set turned off: Remove all TV sets from your children’s bedrooms and make them TV-free zones.

We live in a world that loves its computers. But we also need to be aware that most of the digital products we depend on are not so good for the environment. Computers, screens and laptops suck a lot of energy, and sometimes contain toxic materials. To learn how to choose products that are the most environmentally sound, here’s a web site that can help: Meet the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or Epeat for short. The site rates computers, computer screens and laptops on a series of environmental criteria, and gives each a rating.

We all take steps to keep our kids safe from the surprises life can throw at them. One area to be particularly vigilant about is common household chemicals, which often contain toxins. Kids are far more susceptible to these pollutants than adults, and children under 10 have the most risks to exposure.

When it comes to disclosing ingredients for cosmetics, the laws go less than skin deep. As a result, the makers of personal care products don't have to tell you all the ingredients they use. The Environment Working Group, (EWG) has taken the industry to task in a new report that lists the top nine chemicals to avoid in cosmetics and personal care products. Here’s the rundown in random order, and it’s not pretty: Mercury Lead Synthetic fragrances Animal parts Hydroquinone Nanoparticles Phthalates Petroleum byproducts Placenta and placental extracts

We've all heard about spring cleaning, but what about the season that comes before it? We're talking about winter housekeeping, and if you've never heard of such a thing, you're not alone! Most people aren't aware that the arrival of snow and cold brings with it the need for new approaches to maintaining our homes. During the winter months, our dwellings are bundled up against the cold. This is an ideal situation where energy consumption is concerned. But tight, well-insulated homes aren't letting much fresh air enter, and that's a situation that can rapidly lead to an unhealthy environment.

Lately, we've noticed that local dry cleaners around the country are touting a service called, "organic dry cleaning." Like anything with the magic "O" word attached, this sounds promising. Or is the consumer just being hung out to dry? The answer turns out to be a little bit of both. Most dry cleaners rely on toxic solvents to clean clothing, chiefly a chemical called perchloroethylene or perc, which used by more than 75% of all dry cleaners.

You've got a glow on your face, and some exciting news to share with family and friends. Congratulations! You're expecting, and if you’re like most moms-to-be, your nesting instinct is about to kick into overdrive.

At Seventh Generation, much of our thinking about the environment is based on the Precautionary Principle, an environmental philosophy created at a landmark 1998 conference of scientists, government officials, lawyers, labor activists, and environmental leaders at Wingspread in Racine, Wisconsin. The Principle offers a common-sense approach to environmental dilemmas and is based on a simple statement: