Latest on CPSIA

[Former_Member]

http://learningresourcesinc.blogspot.com/

and don't forget to go to http://www.change.org
and vote in ROUND 2

[Former_Member]

I'll add this. I just saw it on Fashion Incubator.

Public Affairs Director Julie Vallese to Leave CPSC

http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09085.html

[GriffithGardens]

Marking. Thanks:)

[Former_Member]

YAY!! he's blogging, now!

[Former_Member]

trinlayk
trinlayk says:
http://learningresourcesinc.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Good News from Washington
Bloomberg.com announced tonight the decision of the CPSC to exempt certain natural materials today (thanks, Eagle Eyes Kathleen Fasanella!). http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a0Xr2Iw1Vi_8&refer=us This is partial relief for sure, but the quotes in the article and tenor of the decision suggests at a minimum that we are being heard. If this is where they are at today, there is hope we can move them further before National Bankruptcy Day. Even though they promise that the "toy police" won't be at our doorstep by February 11, the real issue for all of us not really what happens on Feb. 11, but rather what happens on Nov. 11 or sometime next year, when the CPSC is supercharged with more funding, a new Chairman and ample resources released from pereptual rulemaking and squabbling. We need to head off CPSC 2.0 when they turn into a lean, mean enforcing machine. I have never had a problem with a regulatory agency focused on real safety issues (let's not forget, we are all consumers and have kids of our own) - but that's not the focus on the CPSIA, the law of the land. The CPSIA is about fear and vengence. Let's keep plugging away! Rick
Posted by Rick Woldenberg, Chairman - Learning Resources Inc. at 11:44 PM

Me now:
Mr. Woldenberg, I know you are probably happily married with kids, and I'm an old menopausal woman, but right now: after all you are doing for micro, small and middle sized businesses making things for kids... as well as families relying on second hand and donated items to clothe and equip their kids...
I want to have your baby!

thank you

[Former_Member]

thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Oh goodness I knew the gov't was crazy. Haha. Thanks for the link! I signed up, but keep getting an internal error. I guess everyone's doing this now!

[Sanguinaria]

"The CPSC exempted wool, cotton, silk, gemstones and pearls in its proposal today."

says that article by Mark Drajem on Bloomburg.com

that's hopeful...

[Former_Member]

marking ...

[AuntSuesVintage]

here are a petition, and links to sign in this post

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LINKS TO A PETITION AGAINST CPSIA<<<<<<<<<<<<<

[Former_Member]

OK - so gemstones are OK - and I can use my silk - but what about my silver?????

[Former_Member]

when they say wool, I'm thinking they mean undyed and untreated?

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

And cotton - I am pretty sure they also mean undyed cotton??? I hope not but once you dye it its no longer natural :(

[Sanguinaria]

don't forget to read this Storque article:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/cpsia-updates-and-calls-to-action-3157/

[Former_Member]

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[Former_Member]

Here's a great post on it.
Have you heard it's a two member panel? This is what this author says

http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2009/01/cpsia-ruling-requiring-testing-and.html

[Former_Member]

Yeah, I read in another article it's a two member panel. That seems crazy to me.

[Former_Member]

Vendors or lovers of handmade children items please go to http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia
and vote, so Obama will discuss this problem if we vote for it! He will discuss 10 things and right now this is only listed at 8. We need more voters to make sure this is discussed!!! Lets make a difference instead of just talking about it!

[TheTinyGarden]

marking

[Former_Member]

It's actually a three-member panel.

But one seat is currently vacant. *eyeroll*

[GoTo]

3Hands2Hold--thanks for the direct link--I was beginning to feel like a moron for not being able to find it!

[Former_Member]

With the cotton, what I understand is that it has to be a natural fiber ( not even sure what that is, I thought all cotton was natural) and can not be dyed ( I heard something about organic dyes being ok) and cannot be added to with such items as buttons, wiggly eyes, etc. In my opinion, they didn't do us any favors by adding that exemption. I buy all my fabrics from Walmart or Jo Ann Fabrics, places like that. And I buy them because of the patterns or colors. They are fun and not too expensive. Shelling out extra money for "natural fabrics" means I will have to raise prices of the stuff I sell and have an even bigger chance of not making a sale because of it. Basically, we will all be using the same fabric, dyed with the same dull dyes and no pretty patterns. Handcrafting items is all about making unique items to sell to the masses. How are we going to stand out and be unique when we are all using the same stuff?

[annemusingdesigns]

Well buttons and wiggly eyes are choking hazards for really young kids. Of course they need to say that. And buttons are plastic or metal - could contain both agents they want to test for. At least I think so.

Whew = so confusing!

[Former_Member]

Yes, I understand that. I have two little ones, however they also included, pearls and and I believe gemstones (not to sure about that) as products ok to use...also choking hazzards in my opinion. My point was more to the patterns and colors of the fabrics. If we are all using the same fabric and same dyes, our originality is out the window.