For quite a while I was a supporter of the Environmental Working Group. However, I had an experience with the organization that had led me to question my support.

Environmental Working Group reviews a number of consumer products including sunscreens. They are particularly well known for their sunscreen reviews. Several months ago, during a discussion with a couple of dermatologists, I brought up the subject of Environmental Working Group sunscreen reviews. They both felt that the research basis for these reviews was not at all convincing. I was surprised to hear this. I have a scientific background and said that I would look into this with the organization.

Unfortunately, all of my efforts to communicate with the Environmental Working Group were frustrating leading me to question the organization's commitment to transparency. I wrote a message explaining my interest in exploring the science behind their sunscreen recommendations and was told that it would be forwarded internally to the appropriate person. 6 weeks later I had received no response. I sent the message again, this time receiving no response in 3 months. I was not able to find any additional avenues of communication with the organization.

My experience with the Environmental Working Group was what I had anticipated. I have reluctantly concluded that the the organization is unfortunately far from transparent. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to justify supporting them.

I have worked in the Senate, for an environmental non-profit, and in the private sector on agricultural sustainability issues for over 15 years. This group more than most I've worked with has made a living off of enraging people without delivering any results in return. They do not know how to be good partners, with their own community or those on the business side they seek changes from. EWG seems to make its money from getting people mad, perhaps that is the space it intends to occupy, but don't confuse that with making change - you can't make change if you can't build trust.