 | Weighty Backpack Caution
Kids today are dealing with ever-increasing academic demands. But could your child's homework load actually be causing physical injury? Consumer Reports had students weigh in to see if the backpack they're carrying could literally turn into a real pain.  Video
|
| TV Digital Converter Boxes
People who have an older analog TV will need a converter box when television goes all-digital next February, unless they want to sign up for cable or satellite. Consumer Reports has tested two dozen converter boxes, costing from around $50 to about $80. But they'll cost you less if you get a $40 coupon from the government.
|
| Refrigerator Money-Savers
Refrigerators typically get replaced after 14 years. If you need a new one, Consumer Reports says now is a good time to buy. Even basic refrigerators are coming with glass shelves and door shelves that can hold gallon milk jugs. And today’s refrigerators use a lot less energy—just half what they used in 1990. Video
|
| Shower Cleaners That Work
When it comes to cleaning your shower, there are lots of products to choose from. Spray cleaners, powdered cleaners, aerosol foam. All claim to get your shower sparkling clean. Consumer Reports tested 12 bathroom cleaners from familiar names like Comet and Scrubbing Bubbles, as well as several “green” cleaners. Video
|
| Road Smarts: Check Your Fluids
Heading out on a road trip this summer? Better check your car’s fluids first. Consumer Reports says there are five important monthly checks.
Video
|
| How Did You Sleep Last Night?
If you didn’t get enough sleep last night, join the club. Americans are sleeping two hours less per night on average than they did a century ago. Video
|
| Long Lasting Lipstick
If you’ve seen ads for lipstick that claim to last for hours on end, have you ever wondered ”does the color really look great for that long”? Consumer Reports ShopSmart wanted to see if long-lasting lipcolors really do have staying power. Over a two-week period, staffers tried four long-lasting lip colors. Video
|
| Lead-Test Paint Kits
Lead can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system. Young children are especially at risk. While lead-based paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978, every home built before then probably has some. To help you check out your house, Consumer Reports just evaluated do-it-yourself lead test kits. Video
|
| Picking Perfect Produce
It’s happened to everybody. You bite into a piece of fruit–it looks so good, but then it tastes so bad. What a disappointment. And what a waste of money. Americans throw out about a half-pound of produce every single day. Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine says there are tricks to making sure you don’t bring home any duds. Video
|
| Natural Gas Car
The Honda Civic GX NGV looks like any other Honda Civic, but it isn’t. It’s a natural-gas-powered car, currently sold in New York and California. Consumer Reports says there are environmental advantages to natural gas.
|
