As we move into the 21st Century there is a growing recognition that the products we use in our homes and on our bodies affect both our own health as well as the health of our planet.  More and more consumers are demanding products that are both low in toxicity and environmentally friendly.

The purpose of The Safe Shopper’s Directory is to provide consumers the information they need to select environmentally responsible businesses.  Further, it is designed to help customers with special needs find companies who supply products that meet their requirements.

Companies listed are asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their products.  The questions are designed to establish how environmentally friendly their products are, as well as whether they offer fragrance and additive free products, use organic or recycled materials, understand the unique needs of customers with MCS or allergies, and offer samples or detailed product information upon request.  

Currently this information is disclosed to the customer using a code system, but future plans include adding a link that would allow customers to see exactly how a company responded to the questions.

The Safe Shopper’s Directory is intended as both an Internet resource, as well as a non-Internet resource.  The Directory is currently available on the Internet, but individual sections are also being added to an autoresponder so that customers may receive the directory via e-mail.  This is an important addition because a large number of customers interested in shopping with environmentally friendly companies do not have full Internet access.

Future plans include the addition of a keyword-searchable database that would allow customers to find companies that supply specific products.

The Safe Shopper’s Directory is a new resource that is currently under development.  We anticipate that the Directory will be ready for its official debut by June 2000.