Who is ewg

Overview

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American non-profit organization established in 1993 by environmental advocates Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization, EWG focuses on research and education in environmental health, toxic chemicals, and corporate accountability. The organization emerged during a period of growing public concern about environmental issues, positioning itself as a watchdog that bridges scientific research with consumer advocacy.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., EWG has grown from a small advocacy group to an influential organization with approximately 100 employees and an annual budget of around $15 million. The organization's mission centers on protecting human health and the environment by empowering consumers with information about toxic chemicals in everyday products. EWG's work spans multiple decades, with significant milestones including the 1995 launch of their first Dirty Dozen list and the 2004 introduction of their Skin Deep cosmetics database.

EWG operates through a combination of original scientific research, policy analysis, and consumer education initiatives. The organization maintains a strong digital presence with websites that receive millions of visitors annually, making complex scientific information accessible to the general public. Their work has influenced both consumer behavior and policy discussions, particularly around pesticide regulation, cosmetic safety, and drinking water contamination issues.

How It Works

EWG employs a multi-faceted approach combining scientific research, data analysis, and public education to advance its environmental health mission.

• Scientific Research and Database Development: EWG maintains several comprehensive databases that analyze product safety. Their flagship Skin Deep database, launched in 2004, contains safety ratings for over 100,000 personal care products based on ingredient toxicity data from nearly 60 scientific and regulatory databases. The database uses a scoring system from 1-10, with lower scores indicating safer products, and has been accessed by millions of consumers since its inception.
• Policy Advocacy and Legislative Work: EWG engages in direct policy advocacy at federal and state levels, focusing on chemical safety regulations. The organization played a significant role in advocating for the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which strengthened chemical safety regulations. EWG's policy team regularly testifies before Congress and submits comments to regulatory agencies like the EPA and FDA.
• Consumer Education and Digital Tools: EWG develops user-friendly digital tools to help consumers make informed choices. Their EWG Verified program, launched in 2015, certifies products that meet strict health standards, with over 2,000 products currently carrying this certification. The organization also provides mobile apps and online guides that reach approximately 10 million users annually through their digital platforms.
• Investigative Reporting and Public Awareness Campaigns: EWG conducts original investigations into environmental health issues and disseminates findings through media partnerships. Their 2009 study on drinking water contamination detected 316 pollutants in U.S. tap water, including 202 unregulated chemicals. These investigations often lead to national media coverage and public awareness campaigns that pressure regulators and manufacturers.

EWG's methodology typically involves compiling data from government sources, scientific literature, and manufacturer disclosures, then analyzing this information through risk assessment frameworks. The organization employs scientists, policy analysts, and communications specialists who work collaboratively to translate complex scientific findings into actionable information for consumers and policymakers. This integrated approach allows EWG to influence both individual purchasing decisions and broader regulatory frameworks.

Types / Categories / Comparisons

EWG's work encompasses several distinct program areas and initiatives that address different aspects of environmental health.

These different program areas work synergistically, with scientific research informing both consumer education materials and policy recommendations. The consumer education programs have the broadest public reach, while policy advocacy initiatives focus on systemic change through legislative and regulatory channels. Scientific research projects provide the evidence base for all other activities, ensuring EWG's recommendations are grounded in credible science. This multi-pronged approach allows EWG to address environmental health issues at multiple levels, from individual behavior to national policy.

Real-World Applications / Examples

• Food and Agriculture: EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists, first published in 1995, have significantly influenced consumer produce purchasing decisions. Updated annually using USDA pesticide residue data, these lists identify fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest pesticide loads. The 2023 Dirty Dozen found that over 90% of strawberry, spinach, and kale samples contained residues of two or more pesticides. These lists have been cited in numerous media outlets and have prompted discussions about organic versus conventional produce.
• Personal Care Products: The Skin Deep database represents one of EWG's most impactful consumer tools. Since its 2004 launch, it has grown to include safety ratings for more than 100,000 cosmetics and personal care products. The database's influence extends to product reformulation, with several major manufacturers changing ingredients to achieve better ratings. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that products with higher Skin Deep scores contained more chemicals of concern, validating the database's assessment methodology.
• Drinking Water Safety: EWG's Tap Water Database, first released in 2009 and updated regularly, provides contamination information for nearly 50,000 water utilities across the United States. Their research has identified widespread contamination issues, including PFAS chemicals in the drinking water of an estimated 200 million Americans. This work has informed both individual filtration choices and municipal water treatment decisions, with several cities implementing new filtration systems based on EWG's findings.

These applications demonstrate how EWG translates scientific research into practical tools that affect daily life. The organization's work has prompted product reformulations by major manufacturers, influenced grocery shopping patterns, and informed home water filtration decisions. By making complex environmental health data accessible and actionable, EWG has created measurable impacts on both consumer behavior and industry practices across multiple sectors.

Why It Matters

EWG's work matters because it addresses critical gaps in environmental health protection and consumer information. In a regulatory landscape where chemical safety testing often lags behind market introduction, EWG provides independent assessment of potential risks. The organization's research has highlighted concerning trends, such as the presence of untested chemicals in consumer products and the cumulative effects of low-level exposures. These findings have prompted important conversations about regulatory reform and corporate responsibility.

The organization's impact extends beyond individual consumers to influence broader systemic change. EWG's advocacy contributed to significant legislative achievements, including the 2016 Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act that modernized chemical regulation. Their work has also influenced state-level policies, with several states adopting stricter chemical regulations based on EWG's research. The organization's ability to bridge scientific research, policy advocacy, and public education creates a comprehensive approach to environmental health challenges.

Looking forward, EWG's work will continue to be significant as new environmental health challenges emerge. Issues like PFAS contamination, microplastics, and climate change-related health impacts require the kind of independent research and public education that EWG provides. The organization's digital tools and databases will likely expand to address emerging concerns, while their policy work will focus on implementing stronger protections. As consumers increasingly seek transparency about product safety and environmental impact, EWG's role as an independent information source becomes ever more valuable.