CPSC Grants One Year Stay

Breaking News Today!

Today the CPSC granted a one year stay of certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products. The CPSC implemented the stay in order to buy time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve some materials from the lead testing and to fine tune the testing guidelines.

There are four areas that the stay does not apply:

1. Lead in paint and other surface areas.
2. Standards for full-size cribs, non full-size cribs and pacifiers.
3. Ban on small parts.
4. Lead content of metal components of children's jewelry.

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There is no doubt in my mind that we need to look at the products on our shelves and ask questions about all the unnecessary chemicals that we are exposing ourselves and our children to on a daily basis. Manufacturers that are more concerned about providing cheap plastic toys with little regard to their safety should be the ones that are punished not the manufacturers who care. This new law is a step in the right direction but it was given very little thought as to what the impact would be on smaller businesses and the homemade goods industry. Parents are becoming more and more aware of what to look out for in products. Those companies that are dedicated to providing safer products already test. They are proud to tell you that there product does not contain phthalates, BPA or lead. As a parent and a store owner, I ask you to support those businesses that care.

Baby Rattles

I am so excited about our new baby rattles. With all the plastic junk in the market it is so nice to be able to carry a line of wooden toys that is made in the U.S.A. Maple Landmark Woodcraft has been around since 1979. They are a family business dedicated to quality constructed toys and gifts. Companies like Maple Landmark have been doing it right all along. Their rattles are made from select hardwoods. They have non-toxic finishes and they offer a lifetime guarantee. When I think back about all the toys my kids have went through it makes me sad. What if I had bought a quality wooden rattle for my oldest daughter that I could have passed down to my younger two children? I would love to be able to tell my youngest daughter that she was playing with a toy that her older sister had when she was a baby. Although my kids are beyond the rattle stage, I am determined to really think about the purchases that I make. It is hard with a five year old that is bombarded with commercials. She wants everything that she sees on television. It is my job as a parent to teach my children the difference between quality and junk, wants and needs. It is also important that I teach them about the resources that are used to make a product. Our goal as a store is to bring healthier choices to parents. We also strive to find companies that are concerned about their impact on our environment. Maple Landmark is a great example of this mission. Where else do you find toys with a lifetime guarantee?

Safer Products? At What Cost?

If you haven't heard yet, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was signed into law this past year in August. The Act imposes stringent safety standards for consumer products. It specifically targets children's products and restricts the use of lead and phthalates in them. In addition, products that are subject to these new rules, will also have to be tested by an independent third-party. Exciting news--right? While it is great that our Federal Government is finally seeing the light and taking steps to remove harmful chemicals from children's products, there are some unfortunate unintended consequences for manufacturers and retailers. What products will be included? Any product intended for the use of children under the age of 12 and Child Care Articles, products intended for a child under the age of 3 for the purpose of sleeping, feeding, sucking or teething. This is more than just toys. It could also include products such as educational materials, jewelry, books, clothing, game boards, etc. What will be removed from products? As of February 10, 2009, children's products cannot contain more than 600 parts per million of lead. For paint and surface coatings, as of August 14, 2009, the amount must be reduced from 600 parts per million to 90 parts per million. As of February 10, 2009, three phthalates known as DEHP, DBP and BBP are prohibited in children's toys and childcare products in concentrations of more than 0.1%. What other changes will the new law include? Mandatory testing--as of November 12, 2008, the new general certification requirement goes into effect. This will require manufacturers to issue a "supplier's declaration of conformity". This basically says that the manufacturer has undergone a "reasonable testing program." Third-party testing will be required in addition for all consumer products intended for use by children under the age of 12. Products will have to be tested by an independent third-party accredited testing lab. A certificate will be issued stating that the product meets all applicable Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. The third-party testing will be phased in as follows: December 22, 2008 - Lead Paint January 2009 - Cribs and Pacifiers February 2009 - Small parts Tracking Labels will be required on all children's products as of August 14, 2009. The label will contain the source of the product, the date of manufacturer, etc. Labeling Requirements for Advertising Toys and Games. If a cautionary statement regarding a choking hazard is required on a product due to small parts, balloons, marbles or small balls, the advertising of that product through the internet or catalog must also include the statement. What does this mean for the consumer, the retailer, the manufacturer? On the positive side for the consumer, this is a step in the right direction. After all, harmful chemicals are being reduced or removed. It will be easier to find out that a product is safe. However, due to the third-party testing requirements, some of their beloved products may disappear. Not because they are harmful but because the manufacturer is small and can't afford the hefty price of testing every product that they make. This includes even products made from natural materials. For the retailer, it means spending an enormous amount of time and money verifying that their products comply. This includes items that they have in stock. For the manufacturer, it means additional costs that may put them under - especially the smaller manufacturers. For others it may mean no longer selling in the US market. My thoughts... With one law we have seen the complexity of this issue. It is not just about safer products. It is also about our economy. I want to see safer products in our stores more than anyone. We should not have to worry about things like lead, phthalates and BPA in products that our children play with, wear, or is absorbed into their skin. However, is this law the answer or are more companies going to go under, including those who have been dedicated to providing healthier alternatives all along but can't afford the testing? Let's not punish those who have worked so hard to provide families with better choices. We have always been about bringing healthier options to our customers both online and in our store locally in Apex, NC. We search out products that do not contain harmful chemicals. It is the core belief that our store was built upon. Here are just a few of the items that you can find at GreenPea Nursery: stainless steel sippy cups, Green Toys, organic clothing, safe feeding products, Greenguard Certified cribs, Naturepedic organic mattresses, and green cleaning supplies.