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40 Articles

Hidden Dangers in the Air

EVERY DAY we navigate obstacles that can undermine our personal health. At CR, we’re determined to shine a light on the threats that are easy to miss—because they can literally be microscopic. One example is the almost invisible danger that invades our homes in the form of dust. This issue’s cover story highlights the toxic chemicals and harmful microplastics in our dust and how they can hurt us. You can also learn a number of ways to clean up dust—and create less of it—to reduce your risk. Similarly, there are problems hidden in our cars. A recent study by Green Science Policy Institute and Duke University researchers found that flame retardants—some of which are known to be carcinogenic—can be found in a car’s cabin air. Manufacturers add these chemicals to seat foam…

Hidden Dangers in the Air

Building a Better World, Together

Staying Safe From PFAS Years of CR advocacy and reporting have culminated in a milestone victory: In April, the Environmental Protection Agency restricted levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water, setting the first nationwide, enforceable limits on these “forever chemicals.” The proposal requires municipal water systems to monitor for five individual PFAS chemicals, tell the public what they find, and reduce levels that exceed the new limits. The EPA says the rule will reduce exposure for about 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of illnesses. PFAS have been used for decades in cookware, outdoor gear, food wrapping, and more, because of their nonstick and stain-resistant properties. They’re known as forever chemicals because they persist so long in the environment and in human bodies. One…

Building a Better World, Together

Our May/June 2024 cover story, “Produce Without Pesticides,” reported on the harmful levels of chemicals in some fruits and vegetables and offered ways to reduce your exposure. Readers shared their thoughts and questions. To add yours, head to CR.org/pesticidesinproduce. DO [THE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES] not mentioned in the article have levels of pesticides that are low enough not to raise concerns? Kale and mustard greens have high levels of pesticides, for example, but what about other greens—like collard greens? What about cauliflower? What about frozen wild blueberries? —Michael Vermillion, Lansdowne, VA EDITOR’S NOTE The types of produce not featured in our ratings aren’t necessarily pesticide-free, unfortunately. We examined seven years’ worth of data from the Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program, which did include cauliflower and collard greens. Domestic conventional collard greens are…

What We’re Testing in Our Labs …

Portable Grills WE TESTED: 27 models WE TEST FOR: How quickly a model preheats, how evenly it cooks food, how wide the temperature range is, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 62 Range: 41-74 BEST PERFORMANCE (BUT REQUIRES A 20-LB. FUEL TANK) Broil King Porta-Chef 320 952654 $380 74 OVERALL SCORE SPEEDY PREHEATING Coleman RoadTrip 285 $300 71 OVERALL SCORE LARGE COOKING SURFACE Weber Traveler 9010001 $400 70 OVERALL SCORE Innerspring Mattresses WE TESTED: 172 models WE TEST FOR: A model’s support for large/tall, average, and petite side sleepers and back sleepers; durability; stability; firmness; and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 70 Range: 45-84 FIRM, AND TOP PICK OVERALL Avocado Green $1,800 84 OVERALL SCORE SOFTER, WITH COOL COMFORT Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice Plush $800 82 OVERALL SCORE MEDIUM-FIRM AND COOLEST Parachute Eco $2,400 81 OVERALL SCORE Portable Speakers WE TESTED: 87 wireless Bluetooth models WE TEST FOR: Sound quality; ease of use, including setup and controls; and versatility, which checks for features like pairing with another speaker. ABOUT…

What We’re Testing in Our Labs …

Is it possible to get a good deal on a used EV?

ABSOLUTELY. While used electric vehicles (EVs) were once hard to find and pricey, their cost has plunged by 36 percent in the past two years, according to Group Gordon, a strategic communications firm. This has been driven, at least in part, by price reductions on new EVs and expanded federal tax incentives. But while shopping for a good deal, there are a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. Your first concern should be the car’s battery. Most EV manufacturers offer an eightyear, 100,000-mile warranty on an auto’s propulsion battery and drivetrain. Certified pre-owned EVs go through an EV-specific inspection in which the battery is tested before the car is sold, but in other types of sales, you’ll need to have a mechanic check the battery. The inspection may cost you $200…

Is it possible to get a good deal on a used EV?

Get Your Tiles and Grout Really Clean

Finding cleansers that will actually remove mold, mildew, and dirt from your tiles and grout isn’t easy, and it can be pricey, too. Some bottles cost as much as $20. “I’ve tried cleansers that did next to nothing,” says CR reporter Pang-Chieh Ho. “Even with scrubbing, the grout stains wouldn’t budge.” So we set out to find products that actually work—and we uncovered a few. Our top picks, shown here, whitened grout and cleaned tiles with minimal scrubbing. Before you use any cleanser, though, read the label carefully: Some can’t be used on stone or on certain types of grout. EDITOR’S CHOICE Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner $8 (shown at right) This foaming spray whitened grout and cleaned tiles in about 2 minutes—at half the price of many others we tried. It has a…

Get Your Tiles and Grout Really Clean

An Easy Way to Make Ice

If the icemaker in your fridge can’t keep up with your need for cubes over the summer months, or you don’t have an icemaker, you might want to try a countertop model: These plug-in appliances, which use a refillable water reservoir, can make as much as 24 to 38 pounds of the cold stuff in one day. Our tests of 10 models found that the GE icemaker, shown below, is the speediest (churning out 5 pounds of ice in 5 hours), but it’s also far pricier than the others we recommend, like the AGlucky model, at right. A quick tip: For the most ice, fill the icemaker with the coldest water you have, says CR tester Bernie Deitrick. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Stainless Steel Icemaker XPIO13SCSS $499 5/5 SPEED 5/5 CAPACITY 4/5 NOISE 2/5 EFFICIENCY 91…

An Easy Way to Make Ice

CR Time Traveler DUST

1930s A severe drought creates a catastrophic dust bowl in America’s Great Plains. Some 7,000 people will die from inhaling the dust. 1943 About 6 million women are now working in factories and fields, which exposes them to toxic dust, CR says. We suggest clothes that expose minimal skin, like coveralls. 1950 We test the Brushoff handheld brush and say it does a good job of removing dust and lint from clothes, upholstery, and more. 1960 Air quality is deteriorating, CR reports, with smoke, dust, ash, and more in it. We say it’s a health risk and call for control measures to reduce pollution. 1974 In a test of 54 vacuums, the Filter Queen is different due to its canister with no bag. We don't like that it releases dust into the air when…

CR Time Traveler DUST

3 Lifesaving Smartwatch Features

It Can Let Loved Ones Know You're Okay Want to make sure a family member or friend knows you got home safely? The Google Pixel Watch 2 has a Safety Check feature, which you can turn on before a long drive or hike, for example. The feature sets a “check-in timer” that notifies your emergency contact if you don’t get to your planned destination by a certain preset time. The wearer also gets a reminder before the Safety Check timer is up so that you can confirm you're fine but just need more time. If you don't respond, the watch will automatically alert your designated contact and share your physical location with them. It Sounds the Alarm When You’re in Trouble Smartwatches are getting better at sensing when you need help. Newer Apple,…

3 Lifesaving Smartwatch Features

Great Grains in Just 90 Seconds

“Whole grains, like wild or brown rice and barley, are packed with a lot of fiber and other nutrients, but they can take up to an hour to cook on the stove,” says Amy Keating, RD, a CR nutritionist. Thankfully, there’s a faster way: Microwavable pouches containing precooked grains are typically ready in just 90 seconds. And, these days, with different grain blends, flavorful seasonings, veggies, and beans mixed in, they’re far from boring. One caveat: Some of these instant grain mixes can be high in sodium. In our nutritional evaluation of over 25 products, some had more than 500 mg of sodium in just 1 cup. For our favorite grain mixes that are lower in sodium, see the picks below. (Nutrition information is for a 1-cup serving.) EXPERT TIP To turn…

Great Grains in Just 90 Seconds

Going Abroad? Get Passports (and More) Fast

YOUR PASSPORT If you already have a U.S. passport, check its expiration date. An adult passport lasts 10 years—but many countries require that it be valid at least six months past the date of your trip. To renew (or get one for the first time), go to travel.state.gov. How fast can you get it? Processing can take six to eight weeks when you submit an application or renewal by mail. To get yours processed in two to three weeks, you can pay a $60 “expedite fee” on top of the $130 passport cost. If you need to travel abroad within 14 days, go to passportappointment.travel.state.gov to book an in-person appointment. You’ll need to bring printed proof of your travel date, such as an airline ticket receipt, and pay a $60 expedite fee. A NEW…

Going Abroad? Get Passports (and More) Fast

Cordless Drills

If you’ve had the same tired drill sitting in your toolbox for more than 10 years, now is a great time to replace it with a new model. (Even more so if your old one has a cord.) In the past decade, cordless drills have become more powerful, lighter, and more efficient, thanks to more powerful motors and advancements in lithium-ion battery technology. Here, our experts have curated a list of the best battery-powered models we’ve tested this year, organized by the size of the jobs they can tackle. EXPERT TIP If you already own other battery-powered tools, buy a drill made by the same brand because the batteries and chargers they use are often interchangeable. You'll pay about one-third less if you buy only the tool, without the battery and charger. GENERAL-USE…

Cordless Drills

HONDA RIDGELINE PICKUP TRUCKS Honda is recalling 187,290 2020-2024 Ridgeline pickup trucks because of a potential problem with the wiring harness in the tailgate. Road salt and water could damage the tailgate. If this happens, repeated opening and closing of the tailgate could cause the harness to break over time, and the backup camera image would no longer display. What to do: Dealers will replace the backup camera tailgate harness with an improved part that has more durable wiring. Owners can call Honda at 888-234-2138. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V-321, and Honda’s recall number is Y17. JOHNSON HEALTH TECH NORTH AMERICA TREADMILLS In January 2022 Johnson Health Tech North America recalled about 19,900 treadmills. Now the company is recalling an additional 9,700 treadmills because the power cord can come…

Top Air Fryers From Our Tests

AMPLE CAPACITY WITH A LARGE WINDOW Kenmore KKAF8Q $120 72 OVERALL SCORE TOP-RATED (FOR A NICE PRICE) Dash Tasti-Crisp DCAF260 $60 81 OVERALL SCORE MOST VERSATILE SETTINGS Instant Vortex Plus 140-3089-01 $130 79 OVERALL SCORE HOME COOKS love air fryers, and for good reason: You can fry food to crispy perfection with little to no oil, cook a full meal in a matter of minutes, and reheat leftovers without compromising the texture. Their popularity has only grown since the first models were introduced in 2010, and it’s led to more choices and a broader range of features and functions. Even other appliances, like toaster ovens and microwaves, have begun incorporating an “air fryer” setting to mimic what air fryers do. Our love of air fryers hasn’t only driven innovation in the appliances themselves. According to a 2023 report from Mintel,…

Top Air Fryers From Our Tests

5 SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR AIR FRYER

Cakes, muffins, and brownies: Using small cake pans, muffin tins, and rimmed sheet pans that fit inside your air fryer, you can bake sweet treats with perfectly moist interiors without the long preheating time of an oven. The tops of your baked goods may brown more quickly in an air fryer, so cover them with aluminum foil. Grilled cheese: The hot enclosed space of an air fryer can melt the cheese in the same time it takes to toast the bread to perfection, whereas in a pan on a stovetop, the bread is prone to browning too quickly. Spread a light layer of butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and allow the sandwich to cook for a few minutes on each side. Lobster tails: Meredith Laurence, author of “Air…

5 SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR AIR FRYER

WHICH ONE MAKES THE BEST FRIES?

THE WINNER: AIR FRYER GOURMIA GAF414 AIR FRYER $50 76 OVERALL SCORE METHOD: 400° F for 12 minutes, shaken halfway through cooking. RESULTS: The fries crisped up thoroughly and surprisingly evenly. In addition to the crisp exterior, each fry was tender inside, providing a nice contrast of textures. They remained firm, if not quite crisp, even after they cooled for 10 minutes. BREVILLE THE SMART OVEN AIR FRYER PRO $400 70 OVERALL SCORE METHOD: 400° F for 16 minutes on the air-fryer setting, turned halfway through cooking. RESULTS: The fries got crispy but not very evenly. They browned quickly at the ends and edges. But even after 16 minutes of cooking, the midsection of each fry was still fairly soft and the fries were visibly oily. They turned even softer once they cooled for 10 minutes. Ratings Happy Fry Day…

WHICH ONE MAKES THE BEST FRIES?

THE DANGER IN YOUR DUST

WHEN A SUNBEAM HITS JUST RIGHT, you see them: tiny particles of dust suspended in the air. They look innocuous—until you stop to think about their tendency to collect on surfaces throughout your house. If you take a close look at those specks, you may spot skin, hair, and dander, says Gabriel Filippelli, PhD, executive director of the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute in Bloomington. Look closer still, with an electron microscope or a chemical analysis, and more unsettling things reveal themselves: lead paint and other heavy metal fragments, microbes, fungi, mold, mites, microplastics, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and even toxins in some pesticides, says Filippelli, who helps run a project analyzing the dust captured by people’s vacuums. Because these substances are in the dust all around us, they end up…

THE DANGER IN YOUR DUST

How Big Is Your Problem?

One way to get a sense of what’s floating in your home’s air is by using an air quality monitor. These usually detect pollutants such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. But some can also measure particulates—aka dust. To find a monitor that detects dust, look for one labeled PM2.5 or PM10. That means it can identify particles that are 2.5 or 10 micrometers in diameter, respectively. Two such monitors that do well in CR’s tests are shown below. For best results, place the monitor where you’re most concerned about air quality. And consider buying multiple monitors to put in rooms that you use heavily, such as your bedroom, kitchen, and home office. AIR MONITORS 78 OVERALL SCORE Temtop Air Quality Monitor M100-US $230 75 OVERALL SCORE Inkbird 6 in 1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor…

How Big Is Your Problem?

WHAT’S IN YOUR DUST?

About half of your household dust comes from inside your own home, Filippelli says, primarily from cooking, pets, people, and consumer products. The rest is tracked, carried, or blown into our homes from outside. Chemical analyses find that dust can contain a veritable catalog of toxic byproducts from nature and industry, says Tasha Stoiber, PhD, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group. That includes PFAS from carpets and other products coated with the chemicals to make them stain- and water-resistant, as well as flame retardants like PBDE from electronics and furniture. Other chemicals of concern are phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) from the plastic throughout our homes, volatile organic compounds that off-gas from furniture or paints, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are byproducts of burning formed by cooking, smoking, or wildfires. How…

How Dust Gets In

Keep dirty shoes (and paws) out. Get a doormat, and scrape off debris from shoes. Put shoes in a closet or on a shoe rack near the door, and clean your dog’s paws with soft cleaning wipes or a gentle brush before it enters your home. Put mattresses and pillows in dust-mite-proof covers. These barriers help prevent infestations with the allergens, which can thrive in and on your bed. Swap out curtains for shades. Fabric, particularly the high-texture sort, invites dust. If you can’t part with your curtains, vacuum them every week and wash them once a season. Be window smart. Whether to open your windows depends on where you live and changing outdoor conditions. If you live in an area with air pollution from wildfires, traffic, or other sources, keeping windows closed…

How Dust Gets In

CR’S GUIDE TO DUST CONTROL

In Your Air Air Purifiers These devices draw in air that’s in your home, trap pollutants with filters that are in the devices, then send clean air back out. HEPA filters, the most common type found in air purifiers, are designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micrometer in diameter—the size of many dust particles. WHERE TO USE THEM: Air purifiers should be placed in the rooms where you spend the most time, and close to things—such as a fireplace, a wood stove, or your pet’s favorite resting place—that may create a lot of dust. They work best when they’re run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That constant cleaning reduces particulate matter (aka dust) before it reaches your floor. But because the devices are on all the time,…

CR’S GUIDE TO DUST CONTROL

Do You Really Need Furniture Spray?

FORTY-FIVE PERCENT of Americans use a dust spray or furniture polish, according to a 2024 nationally representative CR survey of 2,042 adults. On hard surfaces, a spray or polish can help pick up dust while leaving a shine behind. But a slightly damp cloth (followed, on wood, with a swipe with a dry one) does a good job. Plus, ingredients in some products may pose health or environmental concerns, so you may prefer to play it safe and avoid them, says Christopher M. Reddy, PhD, who studies sustainable products at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. For a product with fewer concerning ingredients, consider one certified by Made Safe, an organization that screens household products (see right). Or try this DIY recipe: Mix 1⁄2 cup of lemon juice with a few…

Do You Really Need Furniture Spray?

6 PLACES WHERE DUST CAN HIDE

Under Furniture That includes below the bed or couch, behind the toilet, and in the backs of closets. TO CLEAN: Use a wet/dry microfiber mop or an extendable duster. On Blinds and Air Vents Dust loves to hide in the slats. TO CLEAN: Close slats, wipe with a damp cloth, then reverse the slats and wipe again. If they’re still dirty, wash gently in a bathtub of warm, soapy water. In High Places Think the tops of doors, windows, bookshelves, and picture frames.. TO CLEAN: Use a microfiber towel dampened with water or an all-purpose cleaner. If you can’t reach, use a duster on an extension pole. Under Range Hoods Steam and vaporized oil make dust stick there, and to kitchen cabinets and fans.. TO CLEAN: Spray with a degreaser approved for the surface, then wipe. For fans, spray an extendable…

6 PLACES WHERE DUST CAN HIDE

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is based on the performance ratings combined with survey-based scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. We evaluate all vacuums on how well they clean medium-pile carpet and bare floors and how effectively they pick up pet hair. We also measure their noise levels. Our clean emissions score indicates how well the machines contain sucked-up debris. Uprights and canisters are scored for handling and hose suction, while cordless stick vacuums are scored on run time and how well they clean edges. A dash (–) indicates insufficient data.…

SAVE BIG AT THE SUPERMARKET

TECHNOLOGY HAS invaded almost every aspect of my life. I pay my phone bill via smartphone, unlock restaurant menus by scanning QR codes, and store my airline tickets in my digital wallet. But until recently I hadn’t expected tech to be involved when it comes to buying a gallon of milk. Now we’re talking shopping carts that weigh your produce for you. Store coupons that appear on your phone. Palm readers that connect the veins in your hand to your credit card number. Most of us still go to walk-in stores to grocery shop. And to keep us coming, stores big and small are innovating in ways that, taken as a whole, are dramatically changing—and often improving—the food-shopping experience. It’s not just about new technology. Supermarkets are expanding loyalty and coupon programs, offering…

SAVE BIG AT THE SUPERMARKET

NATIONWIDE SUPERMARKET CHAINS

Aldi has over 2,000 stores in 39 states and plans to open 800 more by the end of 2028. Based in Germany, the store is bare-bones–you’ll generally find no pharmacy or café–nor does it issue or honor coupons. But you’ll find low prices on the products that are Aldi-exclusive, which 90 percent of the offerings are. Make sure to bring a quarter because you’ll need it as a deposit for a shopping cart. Costco’s rotisserie chickens have become a national obsession and are now roasting at over 600 locations across 47 states. The warehouse club derives revenue from membership fees ($60 to $120 a year), which helps keep the markups on the products it sells—most in bulk sizes—low. While typical supermarkets stock about 30,000 products, Costco has just around 4,000. Its…

NATIONWIDE SUPERMARKET CHAINS

GROCERY CHAINS WITH SOMETHING EXTRA

1 COMPLIMENTARY COOKIES That’s what Florida-based Publix offers kids, who can have their pick of chocolate chip or sugar cookies for tagging along on a grocery run. Just head to the bakery to ask for one. 2 HEALTH CHECKS Compare Foods in North Carolina partners with local healthcare systems to host free diabetes and cholesterol screenings. Hy-Vee stores offer a 1-hour personalized shopping experience with a dietitian who can tailor food recommendations. The $25 fee is waived for shoppers who make a $100 grocery purchase. 3 FREE KNIFE SHARPENING To stay a cut above their competitors, Raley’s Supermarkets, with 121 stores in California and Nevada, offers free knife sharpening. Shoppers can hand over up to three dull blades at a time to an employee in the butcher department and pick them up in 24 hours. 4…

GROCERY CHAINS WITH SOMETHING EXTRA

Have You Been Hacked on Facebook …

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES LIKE FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAMused to be fun places to share photos, news, and more. But in recent years they’ve become more fraught—venues where scams, annoying ads, and unknown friend requests live alongside your real friends’ posts. Everyone seems to have a bad experience to share: ● Patti Regehr, a retired teacher in northern California, heard from puzzled Facebook friends that they were getting new friend requests from her. The reason? Someone had stolen Regehr’s photo, created a bogus FB page, and started impersonating her. ● Paulette J. Phillips, a regular QVC.com shopper in central Wisconsin, saw an ad with the QVC logo for bargain-priced brand-name shoes on Facebook. She bought them with her debit card and later got a fraud alert from her bank saying that someone in New…

Have You Been Hacked on Facebook …

The Last Goodbye BEST NEW WAYS TO PLAN A FUNERAL

SIX YEARS AGO, Kelly Avery and Kristin Harper, sisters from Birmingham, Ala., gathered their families by the sky-blue ocean waters of Destin, Fla., to memorialize their mother, Barbara Harper. They shared funny stories and music, and shed some tears as they spread their mother’s ashes from the deck of a large boat. The captain played the Beach Boys’ “Barbara Ann” over the public address system in her honor. The experience not only gave the family a meaningful way to pay tribute to Barbara but also got the sisters thinking about their own memorials. When it’s her time to go, Kelly says, “I would also want a party filled with laughter and fond memories.” Like Kelly and Kristin, many people are embracing a new model for saying goodbye to family members and other loved…

The Last Goodbye BEST NEW WAYS TO PLAN A FUNERAL

Traditional Burial

These burials may be what their name suggests—traditional—but lately they tend to come with more personal touches, says Glenda Stansbury, a licensed funeral director and celebrant in the Oklahoma City area: “I see more focus on telling a person’s life story” than on a religious ceremony. And many details are up to you. For instance, embalming may not be mandatory, though it’s strongly suggested for open-casket services. The only musts are the fees for basic services (funeral planning, transporting and storing remains, permits, copies of the death certificate), and anything the state calls for. How to choose? Ask for prices at a couple of local funeral homes. A typical package may include everything the fee for basic services covers, a visitation or viewing and/or a graveside service, the use of a hearse…

Traditional Burial

SHOULD YOU PUT ASIDE FUNERAL FUNDS NOW?

It’s wise to consider how to cover funeral costs ahead of time. But what’s the best way? Here, the pros and cons of three options. Opening a final expenses bank account. An interest-bearing “payable on death” savings account is a smart way to set aside money for arrangements. When the time comes, the funds can be transferred to an appointed family member or friend. Ask at your bank or credit union. Paying in advance. It’s fine to purchase a burial plot well before it’s needed, but funeral directors also often suggest prepaying for funeral home services. This isn’t necessarily in your best interest, according to the nonprofit Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA). What if the funeral home closes or your survivors don’t know or forget that you prepaid? Buying an insurance policy. Burial insurance…

SHOULD YOU PUT ASIDE FUNERAL FUNDS NOW?

Cremation, which has outstripped burial in recent years by 60.5 percent vs. 34.5 percent, according to the NFDA, typically involves using heat and flames to reduce human remains to tiny bone fragments commonly called ashes but more accurately referred to as “cremains.” Beyond the basics, you’ve got several options. The least expensive and most straightforward is direct cremation, where the body goes to a crematorium without a viewing or service. While costs vary, the NFDA lists a national average price of $3,290, and Cremation.com quotes an average of $2,000. You may also find much lower prices. For instance, some ads for direct cremation in New York State cite starting fees of $595; services like transporting the body may increase costs. If you instead choose a funeral home viewing, with embalming and preparing the…

4 More Ways to Go

GREEN BURIALS You dig a grave by hand and cover the body with dirt. That’s a green burial, which generally uses no chemicals—such as embalming fluid—“and no outer burial container except those that are biodegradable,” says Edward Bixby, founder of the Global Green Burial Alliance. Instead of a headstone, you can save GPS coordinates to the plot. Green cemeteries (some located within traditional cemeteries) tend to look like nature preserves with paths. Check greenburialcouncil.org for providers who can work with you. Depending on factors like your location and the options you choose (will the body be wrapped in a cotton shroud or placed in a biodegradable casket?), these may range from $2,000 to $5,000. WATER CREMATION Considered more eco-friendly than regular high-heat cremation, alkaline hydrolysis uses water, chemicals, and heat to speed…

4 More Ways to Go

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN

It’s important to put your end-of-life plans in an advance directive, a legal document of your healthcare and other wishes. You can fill out this state-specific form yourself and give copies to key family members or friends. Or consider creating a “when I die” file and sharing it with loved ones. Online repositories such as Prisidio and Everplans will make your advance directive and other essential information—such as life insurance account passwords—available to a trusted person or two when they’re needed. Documents aside, it’s also a good idea to talk with family members about your end-of-life preferences so that you can work through any questions or concerns. Need a hand getting the conversation started? Tips on the Conversation Project website will help pave the way. Scan this QR code to find a list…

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN

Toyota Camry The redesigned Camry sedan will come only as a hybrid, with all-wheel drive available on every trim level along with tons of standard features, including blind spot warning and wireless phone charging. Toyota says fuel economy will be between 44 mpg and 51 mpg combined. CR’S TAKE: The updated hybrid powertrain is smooth and quiet, and offers power when needed. An attractive interior and absorbent suspension move this mainstream model closer to being a luxury car than its price suggests. BASE PRICE RANGE $28,400-$36,125 DESTINATION CHARGE $1,095 PRICE AS DRIVEN $34,295 ASK OUR EXPERTS Will I not be able to buy a gas car in 10 years? Though social media posts claim otherwise, the Biden administration’s rule that automakers amp up electric vehicle production, starting in 2027, doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to buy an EV.…

The Most Comfortable Cars You Can Buy

YOU MIGHT THINK that to be comfortable, a car just needs cushy seats and the ability to absorb bumps in the road. Those factors are important, but not the only ones that determine comfort. Others to take into consideration include how well the car muffles road and wind noise, how well your body fits in the driver’s seat, and how much effort it takes to get in and out of the car and reach and use the controls. It’s also a mistake to think that comfort is a luxury—nice to have but not necessary. “Comfort is an important element in driver safety,” says Alex Knizek, CR’s associate director of auto test development. “You can be more attentive to driving if you’re not distracted by a sore back or achy legs. Plus,…

The Most Comfortable Cars You Can Buy

CARS THAT ARE TOPS FOR COMFORT

COMPACT SUVs $35,000-$45,000 Honda CR-V 85 OVERALL SCORE 80 COMFORT SCORE RIDE NOISE DRIVING POSITION USABILITY FRONT-SEAT COMFORT REAR-SEAT COMFORT FRONT ACCESS REAR ACCESS With this CR-V’s 2023 redesign, a good SUV got even better. It scores well for its tall door openings and hip-height seats, both of which make it easy to step over the narrow doorsill and slide right in. The cabin is roomy, with hardly any intrusion from the center console into the driver’s or passenger’s knee space, and there is a ton of headroom. Most testers find that the driver’s seat holds them in place through turns, offers good back and underleg support, and has enough adjustments so that you can fine-tune a comfortable position. The 60/40-split rear seat can recline and is roomy, with generous foot space and leg support, making it easy to catch a little…

CARS THAT ARE TOPS FOR COMFORT

Get More for Your Used Car

WHAT TO DO WITH A CAR you don’t want anymore? You can trade it in for a new one, sell it to a dealer or to a private individual, or get a sight-unseen online offer for it. According to a recent survey of more than 14,000 Consumer Reports members, getting an instant cash offer online through a retailer such as CarMax or Carvana will get you the best price for your car and be the easiest overall experience. But each option has its pros and cons. If you’re buying a new car, a trade-in could be the quickest way to get rid of your old car and also offers a tax benefit in some states. Whatever you do, start by getting an idea of what your car is worth by using…

Get More for Your Used Car

LUXURY COMPACT PHEV SUVs Volvo XC60 PHEV Fast and Responsive but Not So Reliable 56 OVERALL SCORE THE PLUG-IN hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of Volvo’s XC60 elevates this luxury compact SUV considerably. It has the ability to drive on electric power for an EPA-estimated 35 miles, and the whopping 455 hp it has on tap provides super-quick acceleration. But like the rest of the XC60 line, it suffers from convoluted controls, a stiff ride, and below-average reliability. It has stronger electric-only power than most PHEVs we’ve tested and rarely requires assistance from the gas engine, even when accelerating with some vigor. Once the battery is depleted, the XC60 transitions into smooth and unobtrusive hybrid operation. Summon the full power it has onboard and the XC60 PHEV scoots from 0 to 60 mph in a…

The Better Deal

SMALL HATCHBACKS BUICK ENVISTA $22,400-$28,600 65 KAI SOUL $20,190-$24,490 73 THE LOWDOWN THE ALL-NEW BUICK ENVISTA is a stylish, efficient subcompact that offers luxury-brand appeal at a lower price. However, its hesitant powertrain, uncomfortable front seats, and low-end interior details detract from the driving experience. For less money, the Kia Soul is a smart alternative. Like the Buick, it’s brimming with convenience features and generous passenger room. Pick the S trim, $22,690, for added comfort, a power driver’s seat, a larger center screen, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. FULL-SIZED BLENDERS VITAMIX ASCENT SERIES A3500 $700 77 NINJA PROFESSIONAL PLUS KITCHEN SYSTEM BN801 $220 82 THE LOWDOWN BOTH OF THESE powerful blenders stood out in our tests for making smoothies, puréeing, crushing ice, and more. The Vitamix has higher reliability and owner satisfaction scores from our surveys—but the Ninja also scores very well for both,…

The Better Deal

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