Articles by Shannon Van Hoesen

This Back-to-School Season, Protect the Lunchbox

Back to school means books, studying and recess – to kids. For many parents, this time of year means packing lunches.

How Crop Subsidies May Make You Fat

A new study shows that bloated crop subsidies may be contributing to Americans' expanding waistlines and poor health.

In Florida, Toxic Algae Mars the ‘Treasure Coast’ and Waylays Beachgoers

What comes to mind when you think of the Florida coast? Sandy beaches, sunshine, warm water and … toxic algal blooms?

Organic “Hotspots” Boost Local Economies

The nutritional and environmental benefits of organic agriculture are two of the main reasons that shoppers seek out organic foods and other products. But did you know organic is also good for the...

Taking a Stand Against Those Who Pollute Drinking Water

Keeping water clean and safe enough to drink is a tough job, especially when there are forces that sabotage this vital public health goal.

GMO Labeling Urgent As USDA Frees Growers to Use New Monsanto GMO Corn

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said this week (March 23) it will allow farmers to plant a new strain of genetically modified (GMO) corn created by Monsanto to be tolerant of the week killers...

Editorial Boards Across The Country Say, “Stop the DARK Act”

Editorial boards across the country have been weighing in about the wrong-headed “Deny Americans the Right to Know,” or DARK, Act. Whether they favor GMO labeling or simply reject the notion of...

Insurance by Any Other Name…?

Like most Americans, I have firsthand experience on how insurance is supposed to work. I've had auto insurance since the end of high school when I got the keys to my first car. And I've paid for...

Busting GMO Labeling Myths

Should GMO foods be labeled? Legislation passed by the House would block state GMO labeling laws and make it virtually impossible for the FDA to ever craft a national GMO labeling system.

Eating More Veggies: A Recipe for Sustainability

The Obama administration's Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a panel of respected scientific and medical experts who help craft the federal government's official position on nutrition, yesterday...

Coming Soon to a Store Near You: Better Sunscreens

Partisan gridlock has been rising almost as fast as the staggering rates of skin cancer diagnoses and deaths. That's why EWG is so pleased that Congress was able to come together to pass the Sunscreen...