Here's a classic case of getting not quite what we wanted. Recently reported by Green and Clean Mom and Eco-Child's Play, an unintended consequence of new toy testing might be putting small, family run toy makers out of business.
Seems they won't be able to comply with pricey new third party testing. The big boys, the massive toy companies whose products are made in China, can pay for this with no problem. Which is ironic, to say the least. The problem was of course, the toys imported from China, not the small family toy companies and crafters who we could look in the eye when we bought the item, and ask, exactly what is this finished with?
So now we have another problem altogether. If we want to buy locally made and sourced toys, this needs to change or the cost must be lessened somehow. To share your concerns about this, please (according to Jennifer Lance at Eco-Child's Play):
"If you want to help, you should write to your United States representative and senator to request changes in the CPSIA to save handmade toys. The Handmade Toy Alliance has provided a sample letter, and here are links to find your congressional representative and senator."
(added 12/12/08: Zrecs did a great post about this topic with more information and action steps)
3 comments:
I personally believe that even hand-made toys should be tested and regulated.... but I believe that they should not have to bear the costs of testing unless their toys are found to be using banned materials.
I live in the southeastern US and can attest to the lack of (and even open hostility to) environmental awareness of many rural people.
Si Reasoning--
I completely agree that they need to be tested and regulated. Maybe I didn't make that clear in the post. I think they need help with the costs of this process.
Thanks for commenting!
Katy
I've been worried about this too, I still stand to lose a big chunk of my market if worse comes to worse.
I really hope the act can be changed to protect both handmade toys AND kids from unsafe products...
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