The Basics:
Title: Simple Steps "A Healthier You. A Healthier Home. A Healthier Earth."
Author: National Resources Defense Council
URL:www.simplesteps.org
Date: 2007

Notes:
At a Glance: Simple Steps offers their readers simple actions they can do to improve the health of their homes, the planet, and themselves. The site offers actions that the reader can take depending on how much free time they are able to invest, be it a minute, several hours, or weeks. The site is intended to educate readers on the health dangers of various common household products, what they can do to mitigate these threats, as well as steps they can take to advocate for lawmakers to create policies that protect consumers. A portion of the site focuses on safe products and foods for pregnant women and children -- for example, foods to avoid, things to look for in buying clothing and toys for children, what products have dangerous levels of toxins.

Best for: A primary audience of Simple Steps is mothers who are concerned with the health and future of their children as well as the planet. The site has information on products and foods that are safe for pregnant women and children -- for example, foods to avoid, things to look for when buying clothing and toys for children, and what products have dangerous levels of toxins and should be avoided. Simple Steps also has a feature called "Ask Dr. Gina" where readers can e-mail questions and concerns to a physician who specializes in environmental medicine.

Standout Features: Simple Steps is useful because it offers, as the name states, steps that are simple enough that anyone interested in improving their home and personal health can take no matter how busy their lifestyle is. For example, a tip on improving the energy efficiency of laundry simply by using cold water and drying heavy towels separate from lighter materials. If the user has more time and money to invest, they can purchase an energy efficient washer and dryer. Simple Steps encourages readers to get involved by contacting local, state, and national politicians and asking them to support policies that protect the environment.

Keep in Mind: Simple Steps is an initiative of the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to protecting the environment and public health.