savvy

I'm very late to the game blogging about this, but I only found out about it a few weeks ago, and spent one week fuming (poor Chip).


I'll just give a few basics and my own thoughts, but for more details, check out the Handmade Toy Alliance. They've laid it out nicely and have more links as well.


For several years now, the toy industry has been rocked by lead poisoning, thanks to major manufacturers having their products made/completed in China. Because of this, a bill has been proposed (and could pass on February 10, 2009) to give the Consumer Products Safety Commission more power to enforce safety of all products for children. Unfortunately, this is an all-encompassing piece of work, and includes mandatory third-party testing of all manufactured products. It's not just for one type of material, either--books are even included (which has not escaped the notice of ALA), and could affect several local companies (Usborne and Mister Anderson's Company, anyone?).


This means that if Jen were to crochet a newborn cap, we couldn't sell it at Stamp n' Stitch until we sent it off to get tested. If this becomes law.


This is very 'ungreen' in a few ways:

• the economy hasn't been this bad since the 1930s and they want to put thousands of people out of business?! How does this law stimulate the economy?
• anything that doesn't comply is worthless and thus garbage--not helping the environment there...
• it will apply retroactively, as well, so all those books in the children's section you bought in 1986? Yep--gotta get 'em tested and if they fail, you again are not helping the environment.

Many people have been much more diligent than I (including librarians...) and have been contacting congresspeople, compiling signatures, etc. I think because it's so close to the vote, all we can do now is pray the people working on this bill will have wisdom and will work to rewrite it.


And repeat to ourselves: God is in control.