This Upstream TV video of GoodGuide was referenced on a tweet. Awesome video and concept!

GoodGuide is a product database that rates consumer products on many factors including: Health Performance, Environmental Performance and Social Performance. GoodGuide then gives an overall rating out of 10 based on a proprietary algorithm.

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

Check out the GoodGuide site. Also read the TechCrunch post about GoodGuide.

I am very impressed with the idea and the huge amount of work that has gone into the data collection to date. I wandered around the site looking for some of the products I use for Kathryn (4.5 years old) to help prevent her eczema breakouts.

George’s Cream - It was not listed so I sent GoodGuide a note with the George’s website to ask them to include George’s in their research and postings.

Neutrogena Sensative Skin Sun screen - not found, but Neutorgena Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 was. Its rating was Good-7.4 out of 10. This overall was made up from an Excellent-9.7 out of 10 for Health Performance, Good-6.2 out of 10 for Environmental Performance and Good-6.4 out of 10 for Social Performance.

Ombrelle Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 by L’Oreal SA - found and given Good-6.5 out of 10 rating. This rating was based on Environment and Social Performance _only_. There is _no_ Health Performance information at all.

Also I noticed when I searched the category Sun Care, I got only 10 results. None of which was Neutrogena or Ombrelle products that I clearly know are in the database. So I submitted a note to their “Found a bug? Let us know here” link.

Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes, Unscented, by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Its rating was Good-7.6 out of 10. This overall was made up from an Excellent-9.6 out of 10 for Health Performance, Good-7.1 out of 10 for Environmental Performance and Good-6.1 out of 10 for Social Performance. I wanted to see what made up that Excellent-9.6 out of 10 for Health Performance. It looked good as I started reading 10 out of 10 for Reproductive and Developmental Effects, Cancer Effects, Long-Term and Short-Term Health Effects. The ratings dropped to Good-7.9 out of 10 for General Health and Safety. That seemed odd to me given the glowing 10 out of 10 for the previous specific health factors.

“I wondered, how can a product get ‘Excellent-10 out of 10′ on some key specific health factors and then drop to ‘Good’ for General Health and Safety?”

Looking yet another layer deeper I found that the scores on the two “Certifications and Listings” categories were only Fair: ‘Safety Score’ was Fair-6 out of 10; and ‘Found Safe As Used’ was Fair-5.7 out of 10. Clearly there is a weighting system in play. However, the mom in me was very concerned about seeing such low scores for ‘Saftey’ sections and the product still ending up with a Excellent-9.6 out of 10 for Health Performance. I posted my concern and question to GoodGuide in a search for clarity.

OK I am a mom and the hierchy of needs for the mom in me is: #1 Is my kid safe?; #2 Are your kids safe?; #3 Are other people and the world safe?

I know this is not very spiritually enlightened of me to put my kid first. At some level of me I know all are one. I am still very ego attached to my kid. ;-> For the moment this is the way I am. I know too this will change - I will be able to learn to love unconditionally without ego attachment. (I will keep practicing my Kriya Yoga meditation.)

In the mean time:

-GoodGuide is a great idea, awesome first wave, needs even more data for consistent information between products.

-GoodGuide seems to be very customer driven, open to information and feedback.

-We can help. Go to the site search for products that are most important to you and your family and communicate with GoodGuide. Is the product listed? What level of information is available? Does it make sense to you? Tell GoodGuide your experiences. I believe it can only make this site and tool better for all of us.

I have not seen any feedback from GoodGuide to my suggestions and questions. If and when I do I will repost and let you know.

Enjoy! Happy, happy day!

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