Issues: Energy

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All Documents in Energy Tagged consumer products

Efficient Appliances Save Energy -- and Money
Consumers get lower utility bills, and we all get a cleaner environment.
Guide

Energy efficient appliances are good for consumers and the environment. They won't solve our energy problems by themselves, but there are many reasons why they are a step in the right direction.

Energy Use in Consumer Products and Opportunities for Energy Savings
Index

Home energy consumption will rise unless manufacturers take steps to improve energy efficiency for electronics such as big-screen televisions, cable boxes and digital video recorders. NRDC studies measure the energy use of commonly owned electronics to see how much energy could be saved through product innovation. This index of NRDC information by product category presents research on energy saving options and policy recommendations.

Improving Appliance Efficiency
Index

This index collects NRDC documents outlining policies and practices that will promote appliance efficiency.

Documents Tagged consumer products in All Sections

Harmful Pet Products
FAQ

Answers to questions including: How can I tell which pet products contain dangerous chemicals? Which products should I buy? How can I tell if my child or pet has been harmed by these pet pesticides?

Pet Products May Harm Both Pets and Humans
Products intended to kill fleas and ticks can also poison pets and the people who handle them.
News

Americans purchase and apply to their pets a vast array of toxic chemicals intended to kill fleas and ticks. Though consumers may assume that these products have been tested rigorously for safety, the truth is that the poisons in many of these products are not safe, either for pets or humans.

Poison on Pets II
Toxic Chemicals in Flea and Tick Collars
Issue Paper

Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on products designed to kill fleas and ticks on household pets, especially dogs and cats. While some of these products are safe, others leave harmful chemical residues on our pets' fur and in our homes. These chemicals are highly hazardous to animals and humans, can damage the brain and nervous system, and cause cancer. The April 2009 paper Poison on Pets II details a first-of-its-kind study by NRDC showing that high levels of pesticide residue can remain on a dog's or cat's fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on an animal. Residue levels produced by some flea collars are so high that they pose a risk of cancer and damage to the neurological system of children up to 1,000 times higher than the EPA's acceptable levels.

Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners
NRDC testing finds hormone-altering chemicals in common air fresheners.
News

Over the past few years, air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with promises of a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. The labels do not mention, however, that many of these products also release potentially hazardous chemicals.

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For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.