Attached at the Hip

Picky on Plastics

As we begin this new year and new decade, many of us start thinking about ways we can improve our lives - our health, our dreams, our relationships.  While most of us don't think about "plastics" when we go through our resolutions for the new year, perhaps we should.

While it's impossible to totally avoid plastics in our lives today, there are certain types of plastic that we know contain harmful chemicals (such as bisphenol-A [BPA] and phthalates) which are best avoided.  The good news is there are many alternatives to these plastics, and they're becoming easier to find all the time.

Not sure what's good and what's bad in the world of plastics?  The Environmental Working Group has put together some simple tips to help you make wise choices in choosing and using plastics.  With details on the safest types as well as those to keep away from, it's a must-read for any family ready to make a positive change.  Also check out the EWG's Tips to Avoid BPA Exposure to find out where BPA hides in other common products.

Then, check out some of our favorite plastic alternatives:

• Klean Kanteen stainless steel colored water bottles
• Snack Sacks fabric food bags
• Bambu compostable plates, wooden bowls, and wooden utensils
• Frigoverre glass food storage containers
• Haba wooden baby teethers and toys

May you and your family enjoy a very healthy and happy New Year!

Reprieve

The CPSC has issued a one-year reprieve for implementation of the testing portion of the CPSIA.  This means that products are still required to be manufactured within the limits set for lead and phthalates, but manufacturers (both large and small) are not obligated to do the expensive testing that was originally laid out in the CPSIA legislation.  They'll still be liable if they're selling dangerous toys, but those industries that have never made dangerous products to begin with have some breathing room.

Of course, that doesn't mean the fight is over.  If nothing else changes, in February, 2010, the cottage industries and small manufacturers will again be up against the clock in the fight to save their businesses.  The CPSIA still needs major amendments to protect work-at-home businesses, small manufacturers, libraries, and suppliers from the ramifications of the bill as it is written.  With continued testimony and evidence from the industries involved, my hope and prayer is that this bill will see the revisions needed in the near future.  Then, our children will be adequately protected from the harmful products, without being banned from those that never posed a threat.

Save Handmade - CPSIA Blog-in Day

Some of the wonderful artisans of etsy have designated today as a blog-in day to raise awareness of the impending ramifications from the CPSIA legislation.  This is a major law that will affect everyone if not amended.  Read on to see just how it may affect YOU!

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. 

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples: 

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Associationhttp://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America. 

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.”http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake. 

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. 

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.  You can get a badge (and tons of other helpful info) in the Etsy CPSIA Action Kit:
Download the PDF file here.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/CPSIA-Etsy-Resources.pdf

More on Saving Toys

The Handmade Toy Alliance is working feverishly to get an amendment to the CPSIA, which would effectively shut down all handmade and small toy manufacturers in the US, and shut out all imported toys from Europe and Canada.

When writing to your lawmakers, their sample letter is a very easy and effective form to use to inform and encourage the lawmakers to think twice before passing this bill as it stands.  The full text of the Handmade Toy Alliance's Proposal to Improve CPSIA is also available to view.

Already emailed your legislators?  Sign the petition that will be sent to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, too.

And let me know what your legislators have to say.  I received this "canned" response to my contact with Senator Kay Bailey-Hutchison of Texas.  It's very concerning to me that she thinks this legislation "struck a good balance between these goals [of ensuring "that federal laws do not go further than necessary when attempting to guarantee the safety of consumer products"]."  In fact, it will shut down an entire industry, costing countless jobs, revenue, and the ability to make choices in our purchasing.

Dear Mrs. Barrett:

Thank you for contacting me regarding consumer product safety.  I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue.
            
Recent recalls of various consumer products, especially children’s toys, have prompted a review of how Americans are protected against faulty products.  Created in 1972, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the independent agency of the federal government charged with protecting Americans against the unreasonable risk of injuries associated with consumer products.  The CPSC fulfills its mission by researching potential hazards associated with consumer products, banning dangerous consumer products, developing voluntary and mandatory standards, and issuing recalls of products already on the market.  This agency has the authority to regulate the sale and manufacture of more than 15,000 different consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals. 
 
To address the concerns raised by these recalls, the Senate and the House of Representatives developed separate plans to enhance the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ability to ensure our nation’s consumer product safety.  In the Senate, S. 2045, the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007, was introduced by Senator Mark L. Pryor (D-AR) on September 12, 2007.  H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, was introduced by Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) on November 1, 2007.  
 
Between March and July 2008, I worked on the bills as a member of a conference committee between the House and the Senate.  At the end of July, we came to a compromise, which passed the House and Senate on July 30 and 31, respectively.  The President signed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 into law on August 14, 2008.  
            
            The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act includes a five-year reauthorization of the CPSC and provides more than $620 million for the agency to implement new rules, buy new equipment, and modernize its labs.  Additionally, this funding will be used to increase the CPSC personnel to at least 500 from 367, and it will place additional inspectors at ports of entry and in foreign countries to inspect manufacturing facilities. 
            
According to the CPSC, paint and similar surface coatings of children's toys containing lead have historically been the most commonly recognized sources of lead poisoning.  Currently, paint and other similar surface coatings that contain more than 600 parts per million (PPM) lead are banned by the CPSC.  Under the new law, the allowable amount of lead in paint is reduced further in coming years, and the lead ban is expanded to regulate the surface of the products as well as the paint.  Currently, when the CPSC orders a recall, they will not announce it publicly for 30 days to permit manufacturers an opportunity to address the concerns of the CPSC and to prevent certain proprietary information from being released.  The final measure that we agreed to cuts this time period in half to 15 days, in order to allow information to reach the public more quickly.  
 
Should a manufacturer be found guilty of violating consumer product safety laws, the bill we passed provides for an increase in the cap on civil penalties that can be levied against the manufacturer and provides expanded criminal liability.  As an additional enforcement tool, the measure allows individual State Attorneys General to bring actions against manufacturers for violations of certain federal consumer product safety laws.  The coordination between the state Attorneys General and the CPSC means that we will have a greatly enhanced monitoring and enforcement framework to protect the public against dangerous products, and to enforce recall orders once they are issued, by making sure that retailers are promptly removing the dangerous products from their shelves.
 
As a mother of two young children, I empathize with parents who are anxious to protect their kids against unsafe products.  As a U.S. Senator, I must also ensure that federal laws do not go further than necessary when attempting to guarantee the safety of consumer products.  I believe this bill struck a good balance between these goals, and I will continue to work to protect our children from unsafe products.   
 
I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope that you will not hesitate to keep in touch on any issue of concern to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator

284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov

Save American Toys

Do you love American-made toys?  Do you like to support mom-and-pop businesses?  Do you value choice in the marketplace?  If you want to continue to have options for toys (and other children's products like clothing), then please read about the new legislation that would put these small companies out of business.

While the intent of this bill that's before Congress is to increase the safety of children's products - those made in the USA and abroad, including in Europe - the unintended effect will be the closing of doors of countless companies that have, in fact, no problems with their toys to begin with!  One German company has already announced that it will be pulling out of the American market, yet European toys are already subject to high scrutiny and are far safer than most toys currently available here in America.

We need to make every effort we can to have this legislation amended such that it does not harm our small businesses, our children, and our economy.  There are links as well as a sample letter in the article, and you can also use the following links to write to your representatives.

Contact your Senator and your Representatives.  Let them know that these businesses are a vital part of the American economy, and that they need to be protected from over-reaching laws.  Then forward the information on to your friends and colleagues.  The Committee meets Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00am, so act quickly!

Oompa for All

My two youngest boys both have birthdays in September, so I've been on the hunt for just the right thing for each of them.  Because I'm concerned about the effects of everyday toxins, I try to avoid plastic toys, and I always avoid character-related toys because of the commercialism.  This, of course, means there aren't a lot of toys I'd like for them in most toy outlets.  The good news, though, is that there are some fabulous stores, like Oompa, online with a vast array of wooden, cloth, organic, and European-made toys.  I've been spending quite a bit of time there, lately!

Oompa has long been one of my favorite places to find items for the boys.  Their toy selection is huge, with beloved brands such as Haba, Blabla, Käthe Kruse, and Plan Toys.  We've successfully replaced many of our older plastic toys with gorgeous wooden versions that are so much more appealing to the eye, as well as to the touch.  While the prices are obviously higher for responsibly made wooden products, I try to remind myself that a few well-made toys is far better than piles of cheap, potentially toxic toys.

And Oompa is not just toys.  Getting ready for school?  I was thrilled to find their Back to School section, replete with non-toxic alternatives for everything from backpacks to study desks to paints and crayons.  I think my oldest son would adore the solar system desk pad from Haba.  I've been tempted by the modern-yet-practical desks from P'kolino, as well.  Indeed, there are few things from Oompa that I would not welcome in my home!

If you're as thrilled with Oompa as I am, the good news it that they're offering $5 off on orders over $40 using code "BTS2008" (expires 8/31/08), and shipping over $65 is always free.  Now the only trouble is narrowing down what to get!

The Story of Stuff

My husband recently shared with me a link to a short movie called The Story of Stuff.  This humorous, thought-provoking video details what really happens in the production, consumption, and eventual disposal of all of our, well, stuff.  Whether or not you're already aware of some of the undersides of our consumerism, I highly recommend this film.  You're sure to learn a thing or two, and no doubt have a good chuckle, as well.

Simple is Beautiful

Simple is beautiful, no doubt!  I have been ogling Kate Quinn Organics and their understated-but-lovely line of infant and children's clothing for some time.  What's truly unique about Kate Quinn Organics is that they have sizes up to 8 years old in many styles, where most organic clothing manufacturers leave off around 2 or 3 years.  Their rich hues are enough to make one's heart palpate!  And, as an added bonus, they have adorable styles for both girls and boys (which is very important when you're a mother of three boys!).

So, why organic?  Not only is organic cotton amazingly soft and luxurious to the touch, it is also free of the many chemicals that make cotton one of the "dirtiest" crops in the world.  Organic cotton keeps these chemicals away from our bodies, as well as out of our air, water, and soil.  And when it's as cute as clothes like Kate Quinn's, who wouldn't want organic?

Apples or Avocados?

Today I received a package from Earthbound Farm, including a deep purple reusable shopping bag, coupons,  and their "Pocket Guide to Choosing Organic."  Apparently I entered a contest or filled out a survey or something of the sort, which I vaguely remember, some time ago.  It was a nice surprise, and a good reminder of the excellent resource available from the Environmental Working Group, the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, on which the "Pocket Guide" is based.

The Shopper's Guide is a ranking of 44 commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, each evaluated under normal eating or cooking conditions (i.e., apples are washed and bananas are peeled) for pesticide content.  The idea of the guide is to give consumers a resource for choosing what products to buy organic.  Not everyone can find - let alone afford - exclusively organic produce, but many people want to avoid unnecessary chemical and pesticide exposures if they can.  By using the Shopper's Guide, you can choose carefully to minimize the risk.

The quick-reference version of the Shopper's Guide is available to download and print from their site (no registration is necessary if you'd rather avoid it), or donate to the EWG and get a professionally printed wallet card and fridge magnet.  It's one of those resources you'll want to always have handy, when faced with questions such as, "apples or avocados?"  (Extra points to whomever can share the best answer!)

Finding Safe Baby Products in a Toxic Jungle

It's been all over the news lately:  toxic chemicals in products designed for kids.  Whether it's lead in toys and zipper pulls, PVC and phthalates in teethers and toys, or BPA in cups and bottles, there are major reasons to be concerned.

One of the hardest things, as a parent aware of these issues, is choosing safe products for my children to use.  In general, I simply try to avoid plastics.  When I have to buy plastics, I look for plastics that are considered safer, and absolutely avoid phthalate-containing PVC products and BPA-laden polycarbonates.  Of course, not all products are labeled.  More and more "safe" products will have labels such as "BPA-free" and "PVC-free" on their packaging, but what can we assume about an unlabeled product?

Enter ZRecs!  Z Recommends is a blog dedicated to "what's fun; what's smart; what's safe."  I discovered ZRecs for their Report on BPA in Children's Products.  This break-down of major brands based on their commitment to being BPA-free is a must-have resource for concerned parents.  What's more, they are offering a free mobile service that allows you to look up the Report information from your cell phone!  

This is an amazing idea, and eminently useful.  Simply save the Zrecs mobile number in your cell phone, and then send a text message to it with your search criteria while at the store.  You can search by brand or product type.  I was able to use the service to confirm that the Munchkin products carried at my local Whole Foods are, in fact, BPA-free.  I even found out that the Gerber pacifier I had so carefully chosen for the baby (having only silicone touching the baby's face), actually has BPA in the handle.  So, next time I'm at Babies'R'Us, I'll be texting Zrecs with the "pacifier" query to find out what kinds are actually safe - and don't just look it.