Viewpoint

The win: A new state law bans the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups.

Where: California, which joins 10 other states that have similar laws in place.

What's in it for you? BPA, a common additive in hard plastics, is a known endocrine disruptor that has been linked to neurological and developmental problems in children. Consumers in 11 states will be able to confidently buy baby bottles and sippy cups knowing they are BPA free. The Food and Drug Administration is considering banning BPA from all baby bottles and sippy cups in the U.S. Find out which states have restrictions.

‘We heard you. No debit card fees.'

       —Bank of America's website Nov. 1, 2011. Consumer backlash was fierce after several banks announced a $5 monthly fee to use a debit card. As soon as the policy was announced, Consumers Union sent letters of objection to the most powerful banks, called for a congressional investigation, and worked with consumer activists to contact Bank of America's CEO, leading to more than 38,000 e-mails and 7,000 stories.

Fighting financial abuses
Economic Fairness Oregon, a dynamic nonprofit, was one of the five finalists for Consumers Union's first Excellence in Advocacy Award. Director Angela Martin (far right in the photo, alongside Mari Borden (left) and Saadia McConville (center)) says the small team has worked for the passage of laws that crack down on predatory payday lending, protect homeowners facing foreclosure, and ensure that potential employees aren't discriminated against because of their credit scores. (From left) , and Angela Martin work for economic security for Oregonians.

They engage consumers in the legislative and advocacy processes by running community meetings, organizing citizen activists to testify before policy makers, and drawing the interest of local and national media to highlight the issues. By combining policy solutions and issue advocacy, the group is able to profile the problems consumers are facing and offer the steps needed to help solve them.

We featured the award winner, the Empowered Patient Coalition, last month. See more about all finalists at www.ConsumerReports.org/consumeraward.

That's the cell-phone bill of a Massachusetts man who exceeded his data plan's limit without warning. No longer. In October, wireless companies agreed to send free alerts to customers before they go over their limits on calls, texts, and data. The Federal Communications Commission credited Consumers Union for its leadership in pushing for the reform.