Consumer Reports Archives Exhibitions

Advocacy Outreach

Report cover with aerial view split by a superimposed jagged red line: dense low-income housing on the left, lush mixed-use on the right.

Troutt, David Dante. The Thin Red Line: How the Poor Still Pay More, 1993

Besides product testing and publishing, advocacy has been a key priority for Consumers Union. The organization has lobbied federal and state governments as well as industries to secure safety standards like seat belts and back-up cameras in cars, safety features for lawnmowers, and accessibility for affordable housing and healthcare, among many other things. They have also pushed for truth, transparency, and fair pricing for products and services in order to protect consumers. Consumers Union established satellite offices focused on consumer advocacy in Washington, DC (1972), San Francisco, CA (1975), and Austin, TX (1979). Over time, the staff of the three offices initiated lawsuits, commented on proposed government actions, testified at legislative and regulatory proceedings, and petitioned government agencies to initiate various actions on behalf of consumers. They have also encouraged and enabled consumers to participate in government decision-making processes.

A 1998 report cover featuring a red targer and black bullseye and dart, spotlighting high-risk insecticides in foods and advocating safer alternatives.

Worst First: High-Risk Insecticides, Children's Foods & Safer Alternatives

A yellow newsletter cover with brown text from Consumers Union spotlighting lead poisoning risks and regulatory battles over public health.

"Special Focus: Lead." Advance Notice, Sept-Jan 1982.

This newsletter included an article focusing on the dangers of lead.

An orange 1990s booklet cover with black text offering financial guidance for Eastern Armenian-speaking refugees and immigrants, backed by Consumers Union and Catholic Charities. Title is both English and Armenian fonts.

Financial Information Bank for Refugees and Immigrants: Eastern Armenian. Catholic Charities

Sometimes Consumers Union provided grant funding for other nonprofits and advocacy organizations to produce advocacy publications and research. 

A booklet cover showing the backs of two women in business attire walking up the steps of City Hall, with a title and texts in gray and orange color swatches.

 Getting Action: How to Petition Government and Get Results, 2002

In addition to advocating directly with government and corporations, Consumers Union also worked to empower consumers to advocate for themselves. 

A 1975 report cover featuring a stylized green lawn mower, stamped and labeled by Consumers Union, evauating the economic impact and safety standards of push lawn mowers.

Economic Impact of Proposed Lawn Mower Safety Standards

CONSUMER SAFETY

Consumers Union spent much of the 1970s advocating for lawnmower safety standards, which were ultimately adopted. Prior to these standards, each year tens of thousands of people went to the hospital with significant lawnmowing injuries, including dismemberment. This report addresses the economic impact of adopting the proposed standards. Not surprisingly, the cost of lawnmowers would increase a small amount, but much money would be saved in avoiding trips to the hospital. 

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