90 Years of Impact
We've been there for your big moments. You've been there for ours.
Since 1936, Consumer Reports has been testing, reviewing, and advocating for you. CR is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with people like you to fight for safer products, fairer policies, and pocketbook issues that impact everyone.
Please help us continue to support our mission by making a special tax-deductible donation today.
Testing. Reviews. Impact.
Consumers Union was chartered on February 6, 1936, at a time when consumers had very few options to gauge the value, quality, or authenticity of goods and services. It was an era of unfettered advertising claims, rapid technological progress, and patchwork regulations.
Since our inception, CR has remained true to its mission, testing and reviewing countless products to make sure they’re safe and worth your money. Through our advocacy, we’ve helped people save billions. And we’ve influenced some of the most critical issues of the marketplace: the dangers of smoking cigarettes and eating toxic foods, predatory practices of credit card companies, safety risks in cars, and more.
In this era of momentous change and uncertainty, there has never been a more important time for consumers to get answers they don't have to question.
Highlighting Our Impact on Energy Affordability
1936
CR Helps Consumers Cut Appliance Energy Costs
In its first product review, CR examined mechanical refrigerators for energy efficiency and warned that poorly designed models could drive up household electric bills. The review helped consumers understand why electricity costs could rise month after month—and how better-performing products could reduce them.
1970s & 1980s
National Energy-Efficiency Standards Save Consumers Billions
CR championed strong appliance and vehicle efficiency standards to help households save money while reducing pollution. CR's advocacy contributed to the passage of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 and the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987. These laws set stronger federal efficiency standards for major household appliances, delivering lasting energy savings for consumers.
1992
CR Champions Energy Star to Help Consumers Save on Energy Bills
Since the Energy Star program was launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992, CR has advocated for the widely recognized label that helps consumers choose efficient products, lower household energy costs, and make informed purchasing decisions. CR has pushed for stronger standards and independent verification of product performance—and continues to advocate for preserving and strengthening Energy Star as an essential consumer protection.
2026
Launching Power Smarter, with Consumer Reports
CR launched our Power Smarter initiative to help households lower energy costs today and build the power needed to shape the decisions affecting their bills tomorrow. CR helps consumers make smarter energy choices, holds utilities and large energy users accountable for the costs they create, and advocates for an affordable, reliable energy system that uses the grid efficiently and protects households from unfair costs and risks.
Please Join Us in Celebrating Our 90th Anniversary!
Sign our digital birthday card, and share your story on how Consumer Reports has made an impact on your life.
Bread & Butter: A Classic Reborn
Consumer Reports has reimagined part of its history with the release of Bread & Butter, a revival of its 1941 newsletter designed to help people make smart, confident decisions in a fast-changing world. The new Bread & Butter is available for free on Substack, providing readers with practical advice on how to save more, spend less, and stretch their dollars.