Despite U.S. PIRG Education Fund calling out Amazon and other online retailers for allowing price gouging in their online websites at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a new analysis shows that the problem is still serious. Six months later, U.S. PIRG revisited whether Amazon had lived up to its promise of tackling price gouging. Read more →

The WD-40 Co. is recalling about 130,000 bottles of WD-40 mildew stain remover. Pressure can build up inside the bottle and cause it to fall over and leak, posing a risk of skin irritation. No incidents or injuries have been reported. This recall involves includes only the 16- and 32-ounce bottles of X-14 mildew stain remover. The recalled bottles have a lot code between 20052 O and 20127 O, which can be found on the back of the bottle. Read more →

Some people are using grocery delivery services to limit their exposure to the coronavirus. Consumer Reports recommends these steps whether you buy groceries yourself or if you have them delivered: Wash nonporous containers. Wash your hands, counter, and other surfaces you’ve touched after you put away the groceries. Wash produce with soap and water. Read more →

Two weeks ago, I went to my local co-op to stock up on food due to the possible need to stay home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I bought two weeks’ worth of food. Then, I heard that older people may need to stay home for more than two weeks. So I set out for Costco for a shopping trip. I spent $262. Costco was out of hydrogen peroxide, which I use to wipe chemicals off things. In addition, it was out of medium-size disposable gloves, so I bought two boxes of large. I bought eggs, chicken thighs to freeze, carrots, beets, cheese, pine nuts, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and a large bag of “power” greens. Since I normally don’t buy Costco’s large sizes, I was looking around for something for dinner. I bought a large plastic container of shrimp. Read more →

For some reason, the Super Bowl this year seemed to be so violent and sexist. I'm not a football fan, but I watch the Super Bowl every year to comment on the ads to see if they continue to be violent, sexist, and ageist. This year, the game itself and the ads this were so violent, with dozens of ads for violent TV shows and violent movies. It was discouraging. After being blasted with all the violent ads, it hard to even concentrate on the others to see if there was anything worthwhile. Read more →

STIHL is recalling about 16,400 RE 90 pressure washers. The pressure washer nozzle can disconnect from the spray wand when under pressure during use, posing an injury hazard. STIHL has received seven reports of the nozzle detaching from the spray wand during use. No injuries have been reported. This recall involves the spray wand supplied with STIHL RE 90 pressure washers. The pressure washer is gray and orange with “STIHL RE 90” printed on the front. The recalled spray wand is 15-inches long and attaches to the spray gun.  Interchangeable nozzles connect to the spray wand. Read more →

Norwex is recalling about 58,000 rubber brooms. The broom handles can break in half, exposing a metal inner rim, posing a laceration hazard to the user. Norwex has received 41 reports of the broom handle breaking during use, including six reports of minor injuries to user hands or fingers.  Read more →

With thousands of vehicles in a Monday storm, which released a month’s worth of rain in an hour, flood damaged vehicles in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area could run in the hundreds. Because of the computerization, electronics, and sophisticated safety technology found in today’s vehicles, it’s critical that you avoid getting stuck with one of these lemons. Read more →

Do you want to have a Fourth of July that’s fun yet safe? Check out these tips from the Environmental Working Group. Holiday barbecue Before you head to the grocery store, check out the EWG’s resources on the healthiest foods, the cleanest produce, and the safest and most humanely produced... Read more →

As summer begins, millions of Americans are enjoying more outdoor activities. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to keep safety in mind around pools and at the beach, on the playground, when cooking on the grill, when mowing the lawn, and while riding on bikes, scooters, and ATVs... Read more →