Over the past few weeks York Region Parent has learnt about a new law that will affect many of our favourite, indy baby and kids brands, including Made By Angie. Angie sent us this letter and we are passing it on to you so you can read and take action.
~Thanks, Kirsty
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Dear Customers, Retailers and Friends,
In 2007, we were shocked to learn that so many of the toys our children were (are) exposed to were tainted with lead and phthalates. Large toy manufacturers outsourcing to China and other developing countries sold numerous products within the US that simply put, made kids sick.
Rightfully reacting to this mess, the US Congress cracked down on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008. Essentially, this law requires mandatory safety testing for all toys and products geared towards children ages 12 and under.
In theory, we as parents and consumers should be thrilled with this action. However, the law lacks specifics and without modification, the reality is that thousands of small businesses who produce handmade toys and children’s products will be forced to close our doors because the testing procedures are prohibitively expensive. Does this really make sense for the cloth diaper business using 100% organic cotton materials? Or the craft fair artisan that sold you a hand chisled wooden train set? Or the adorable personalized hand appliqued birthday t-shirt you just ordered from etsy.com?
On February 10, 2009 (coined “National Bankruptcy Day“)– this law will go into effect, forcing us to provide certification of thousands of dollars spent on third-party testing. Testing for chemicals that don’t exist to begin with in the materials we use. Now more than ever, with our economy hanging on by a thread we need these small businesses who provide innovative, unique and SAFE products and help to keep our handmade in the USA industry thriving.
Here’s what you can do to help.
1. Start by forwarding this information to everyone you know. Parents of young children are not the only ones touched by this legislation. There is a “forward” button at the bottom of this email.
2. Vote for amending the law on Change.org. With enough votes it will be presented to President Obama in January!
3. Find your congress person and senators and write a letter like the sample here. Particularly if they serve on the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection or the House Committee on Small Business.
4. Send an email directly to the CPSC or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923.
5. Sign this petition, to be submitted to the CPSC.
6. Check out these additional resources: Facebook -Help Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA and Handmade Toy Alliance
Thank you for reading!
Best,
Angie Beermann
Made by Angie, Inc.
