Read. Shop. Buy smart.
If you've done a little home vegetable gardening, you’ve surely noticed the damage that pests can cause. What pesticides and chemicals are used to grow the unblemished produce found in grocery stores? Read “How Pesticides Can Harm You” to find out why these chemicals may pose a health risk. CR looked at 59 common fruits and vegetables and used data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate which foods were risky. They found that 20% of the foods they tested posed a high risk from pesticides. Read “Problem Produce” for details about these foods and for tips on how to safely use them. See how your favorite foods stack up in the “Test Results.”
Thinking about upgrading your TV? Turn to “Best TVs From Our Tests” for guidance on selecting a new television CR advises: “start with screen size” as you consider what to buy. Read “Focus on Picture Quality” if you like to view shows in the company of others where it is important to display a quality picture to those who will be viewing more from the side. “Installing Your New TV” offers some good advice on how to safely mount the new set on your wall and when it might be worth it to pay for installation.
Summer is coming and air conditioners will be working hard… and costing money! Although today's consumers are using less energy than just 15 years ago, energy costs have gone up at the same time. “Lower Your Energy Bills Right Now” shows us that there is still more we can do to save. “An Easy Way to Save $1,000” outlines four simple changes to make. Get tips on everything from adjusting ceiling fans and getting a tight seal on windows to timing the use of appliances to avoid peak electric rates in “Little Changes for Big Savings.” If this is the year you want to make some big changes read: “When Major Energy Improvements Pay Off” to find out which changes are most cost effective.
Other topics covered in this issue:
* Get Around Town More Easily
* How To Track Your Health At Home
* Credit Cards With the Best Perks
* Keeping Rugs, Carpets and Floors Clean
* Taking Care of Your Lawn
* Keep Your Car in Great Shape
Consumer Reports magazine is available free in print and online to Fauquier Public Library card holders, providing access to articles, reviews and ratings on over 8,000 products and services. The library has copies of Consumer Reports dating back to 2022.
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