GoodGuide.com gives ratings for food, personal care products, toys, household cleaning supplies, paper, and pet food. Each item is given a score out of 10 based on its health impact, environmental impact, and social impact. The health rating is based on what ingredients go into the product, the environmental rating is based on the company's production processes, and the social impact is based on the company's operations with its workers and the community. Each product is accompanied with an explanation of why it received that rating. For example, Pop-Tarts, one of the worst breakfast foods according to this site, has a health rating of 3.0 due to its high sugar content, an environmental score of 5.4 for Kellogg's above average score in climate change, and a 5.1 social score for Kellogg's ethical policies and performance.
I was extremely curious as to what ratings the items in my room were scored as. So I made a spreadsheet of a few of the items, and here are the results:
| Product | Health | Environment | Society | Overall |
| Garnier Fructis | 7 | 7.6 | 6.6 | 7.1 |
| Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal | 10 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 6.6 |
| Nutrigrain Bars | 5.2 | 5 | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Raisin Nut Bran Cereal | 4.9 | 3.6 | 6 | 5.2 |
| Dove Deodorant | 5.6 | 4 | 7.2 | 5.6 |
| Benadryl | 7.2 | 8 | 8 | 5.6 |
I was pleasantly surprised to see Honey Bunches of Oats receive a health score of 10, but disappointed that the company was not as dedicated to preserving the health of the environment as much as its consumers. Also, I may have to find a healthier substitute for my Nutrigrain Bars.
I think GoodGuide.com can be a very important resource. It will make us aware of not only the safety and nutrition of our products, but also if the company that produces them is committed to the safety and health of the environment and society. So go take a look at GoodGuide.com! You might be surprised at what you find!
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