BlogHer - CPSC - Comments

Thanks for the support Suzy

Mom101 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:20:09 -0500

If you check the Save Handmade page at Cool Mom Picks, there are some good updates as to what's been going on in the past few months. There is now a one year stay on compliance, so I imagine things will flare up again as February '10 approaches.

Sadly, we've already seen several wonderful crafters and small labels voluntarily close shop because they can't afford the testing to prove compliance, even though they're meeting the guidelines. European brands like Haba, Selecta and Hess have pulled out some or all of their products from the US market. It's sad.

Here's a great update on Mothering.com about why it ain't over until it's over. Overlawyered is also a great resource.

Mom-101

Cool Mom Picks.com

So far it looks like the

suzyjenkins — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:04:10 -0500

So far it looks like the CPSIA has not been enforced, as many are still selling their crafts and used children's toys/clothing on ebay. Time will tell how this will turn out in the future, but I will be fighting this along side other small businesses if it starts to be enforced.

I feel the same way about sunshine and handmade

Mom101 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:40:50 -0600

Thank you so much for the support. And your cupcake analogy is more apt than you know - I've recently discovered that some schools don't allow homemade baked goods for fear of allergens in the ingredients. Ack!

Mom-101

Cool Mom Picks.com

A day without handmade will be like a day without sunshine

jgoode — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:30:59 -0600

Wow, I just read about this today and have no idea how I missed such a huge topic previously. I can sit and speculate and daydream and brainstorm all kinds of potential workaround/loopholes, but really that won't solve the problem. what a mess! What a very sad mess.

Is the next step, going to a local baker would result in buying only mass production cupcakes?

I've twittered the topic and this url and will be blogging and announcing more as I read, I hope more people come on board to help correct the issue, no matter how last minute it seems.

Thank you for sharing and helping to spread the word.

Objects that have a soul

Mom101 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:36:28 -0600

You just articulated how I feel in far fewer words. Thanks Susie!

Mom-101

Cool Mom Picks.com

Thanks for bringing this to our attention

susiej — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:14:07 -0600

I gratefully buy toys for my kids on Etsy; so happy to have finally found a source for beautiful objects that have a soul that I know my kids will adore.

This is sad news indeed. I'm grabbing a badge, writing a letter and a post. While it is great to have "protection" the rule has no common sense. www.susiej.com

Orphans Work

Niki Meiners — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:56:20 -0600

Orphans Work bill should be mentioned too. It makes your art work available with no compensation to the original designer.

nikimeiners.wordpress.com

Thank you AA

Mom101 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:51:22 -0600

I feel the same way looking at all of the beautiful natural and handmade items my girls have and wondering if moms will get the same opportunity down the road.

I also wonder what will happen to all the women artists who started these small businesses, should their livelihood be taken away.

Mom-101

Cool Mom Picks.com

We've Got to Act Fast

sugarbritches26 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:40:19 -0600

This issue has struck me deeply. I did have an Etsy shop for a bit but now I'm just an avid Etsy shopper. If this does indeed go into effect, the doll, hair clips, bracelet, and tutu I bought my daughter for Christmas won't be available for next Christmas or for anyone I might refer to these wonderful shops.

I have posted this badge on my blog, written a letter to my representative, emailed the CPSC, and signed the online petition. Anyone who has ever bought or received anything handmade or just cares about the fate of sites like Etsy, Cool Mom Picks, etc. and the fates of all artists who make darling products for our little ones should do the same.

A.A.

re: toxic substances in building products and food

greentalk — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:37:54 -0500

I have to agree with everyone. I don't freak out but I am sure my body is full of them. I do feel bad for my kids who I breast feed all of them. Was the toxic substances in my body that caused their learning issues? Was the chemicals in the building materials (ie paints) and furniture we put in their rooms help push their tiny immune systems over the edge?

I think if more people realize what they were eatting or using, they would stop. This would force companies to stop taking our lives and the planet for granted.

Anna www.green-talk.com

I worry about the most vulnerable

Beth Terry — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:24:10 -0500

I don't freak out so much about toxic chemicals that I might come into contact with. I'm sure I've had my share. But I do worry about the most vulnerable and least able to protect themselves: children and other species of life on this planet. We humans created these toxic problems, and then we subject all the other creatures to them. That makes me both sad and angry, and that's why I try my hardest to reduce the amount of chemicals coming into my home and being released into the world through my purchases.

Beth Terry http://www.fakeplasticfish.com

I think knowledge is power...

Mama Bird — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:16:27 -0500

So I love to read articles like this giving me practical advice on how to avoid toxins. I am a huge label reader. But it's not all living in fear. I am pretty zen about the fact that I probably have an accumulation of chemicals in my body (like every other human on the planet). I just agree with Diane that, by buying safer products without hazardous chemicals, we can vote with our pocketbooks -- support more sustainable businesses, keep what little we can out of our bodies (but a tiny fraction -- we're still breathing air and showering in municipal water). I did not do the hair or breastmilk samples, altho I was mighty curious. I do think the US should be monitoring POPs in breastmilk, tho, just didn't want to know on a personal level. Great post! Resonates completely with my desire to live consciously, protect my kids from harm, and support safer products.

SurelyYouNest.com

Ask Umbra on those toxin removing foot pads

thesmartmama — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:47:06 -0500

Mary Clare - Ask Umbra did an evaluation of those toxin removing foot pads - the foot detox pads - although there wasn't really an answer. Check it out:

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2008/08/18/?source=most_popular

Very inspiring, I think I'll get my hair sampled

Mary Clare Hunt — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:42:42 -0500

I followed the link and found your additional information very compelling. Like most people, I do nothing unless it's in the OMG pile. I've seen the commercial for foot pads that take the toxins and metals out of your body - it had just enough science and weird to draw me in. (but no, haven't bought it yet)

Today, I'm sitting here waiting to hear on my husband's blood tests. Something is knocking out his liver. I'm wondering if all the weird metals and chemicals he lives around on his job has anything to do with it. A $25 hair test seems like an easy way to learn new info that could put me on the permanent organic path.

Knowledge is power if you use it before it becomes 20/20 hindsight.

Buying toxic-free products sends a clear message to companies.

Diane MacEachern — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:22:42 -0500

Diane MacEachern www.biggreenpurse.com Diane@biggreenpurse.com

Reading labels for dangerous ingredients is sometimes the only way consumers can protect themselves from chemicals they want to avoid. But just as importantly, that kind of green consumerism holds a big green carrot in front of manufacturers, sending a signal that if they want your business, they'll have to change the way they do business. Re the biomonitoring testing: I never tested my breast milk, or my hair strands. I just assumed my body contained certain chemicals. I think the human body is pretty resilient, so I'm not freaking out about my body burden overall. But I am doing what I can now to reduce chemical exposures. It seems like the best way to protect myself, while forcing companies to reduce the nasty ingredients they otherwise might use.

Thanks for an enlightening post on this!