CPSIA: Deadline for Change.org Vote & CNN Article

Vanessa

Story by Vanessa

Published on Jan 16, 2009 in Read

Photo by MamiGirlBoutique

UPDATE: Cecilia aka paperdreams let us know that your votes got the CPSIA issue to the top of the heap!

‘Save Small Business from the CPSIA’ is now one of the top ten ideas for change in America on change.org. These ideas were presented to President-elect Obama’s change.gov/transition team at a press event in Washington DC this afternoon.

Thanks to 12,280 votes from supporters nationwide, our issue is now part of a campaign to increase national awareness of the lack of provisions for small business in HR4040, the CPSIA, and bring about positive changes to the law.

A forum has been opened for discussion on how to most effectively turn our idea into a successful national campaign, and I’d love Etsy’s, and Etsy crafter suggestions on how to bring about this Idea for Change. You can join the conversation here: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

 

More reporting on the CPSIA issue is available at CNN.com:

“‘Everyone has questions; there’s a lot of speculation and rumor,’ says Matthew Stinchcomb, Etsy’s communications director. ‘We’re trying to educate our users, but even the CPSC doesn’t really know what’s going to happen on February 10.’”

 

From an email posted on BuyHandmade.org’s blog this morning:

“The last day of voting for the Ideas for Change in America competition is today! On Friday we will present the top 10 ideas to the Obama administration at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. We’ll then connect the winning ideas to leading nonprofits and launch a series of national advocacy campaigns to turn each idea into federal policy.

VOTE:

You can help support this idea by forwarding this email to friends or posting links to your favorite ideas on sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or any blog you might write.

Voting ends at 5pm Eastern this Thursday, Jan. 15…

- The Change.org Team”

 

The CPSIA issue was also the cover story in the Santa Maria Sun:

“A broadly written law requiring lead and phthalate testing on all children’s products is set to go into effect on Feb. 10. The text of the law has prompted much confusion and threatens the livelihood of mom-and-pop shops. The law, meant to regulate large manufacturers that outsource overseas, also applies to the little guy. Some crafters and small-scale manufacturers are particularly hurt by the wording and possible enforcement, because many such home-based business owners pride themselves on using all-natural, child-safe materials.”

 

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  • SquidInkKollective

    SquidInkKollective says:

    Thanks for posting this! I've been emailing and forwarding and linking like mad all morning :) squidinkkollective

    3 years ago

  • kunklebaby

    kunklebaby says:

    Everyone please vote!!! Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • jenniferladd

    jenniferladd says:

    Thanks for the update!

    3 years ago

  • PearlyGrey

    PearlyGrey says:

    Thank you, all of us in the kids business is losing sleep over this. Please pass it on!

    3 years ago

  • LaveMeSoapCo

    LaveMeSoapCo says:

    i am going to vote!!!

    3 years ago

  • happywhosits

    happywhosits says:

    Thanks for keeping us all informed on the latest. It's a full time job just trying to stay on top of CPSA news, blogs, news stories, etc.! Eileen...

    3 years ago

  • fairiesnest

    fairiesnest says:

    .."even the CPSC doesn't really know what's going to happen on February 10." Wow, that's the crux of the problem isn't it? No one there seems to be able to clarify anything. I have yet to receive answers to any questions I've sent them.

    3 years ago

  • WhimsicalMom

    WhimsicalMom says:

    I have voted!

    3 years ago

  • tickledpinkgirls

    tickledpinkgirls says:

    thanks for keeping this in the spotlight!

    3 years ago

  • littlesapling

    littlesapling says:

    Thanks Etsy Admin for making this topic a priority.

    3 years ago

  • kingofmythrone

    kingofmythrone says:

    Crappy written law!

    3 years ago

  • TwoSeasideBabes

    TwoSeasideBabes says:

    Thank you. I've taken a moment to vote.

    3 years ago

  • worksofwhimsy

    worksofwhimsy says:

    Buy kids stuff now, while you still can. Thanks admin for keeping us informed and urging everyone to vote!

    3 years ago

  • turtleparktots

    turtleparktots says:

    vote! vote! vote! this affects everyone not just those making children's products!

    3 years ago

  • worldofwhimm

    worldofwhimm says:

    It was in third place the other day - so we are going down on the list - people still need to vote!

    3 years ago

  • jodieflowers

    jodieflowers says:

    "outsource overseas" are the key words here! Nothing from outside the USA in my shop and all Lead Free! Peace and Etsy love!

    3 years ago

  • thepatacakebaby

    thepatacakebaby says:

    The WAHM at www.monkeybabyclothes.com is getting an interest group together to be involved in a class action law suit against the CPSC. We might be able to delay this! The firm that might be retained for this has information about how they would proceed. Please read over at http://www.kushnerlawfirm.com/index.php. We can stop this thing yet!

    3 years ago

  • knittles

    knittles says:

    Just tried to vote and their servers seem to be overloaded. Does anyone know how it affects Canada?

    3 years ago

  • RaeGun

    RaeGun says:

    praying for amendments

    3 years ago

  • brianslittlegirl

    brianslittlegirl says:

    I wish I could vote, but I have to leave for work soon and I can't seem to get my account activating email through. :( I've posted it up on facebook though!

    3 years ago

  • NannysDesigns

    NannysDesigns says:

    Thanks I am voting today

    3 years ago

  • vetrinagirl

    vetrinagirl says:

    Thank you fro keeping us updated!

    3 years ago

  • LilPeasandCarrots

    LilPeasandCarrots says:

    VOTE VOTE VOTE!

    3 years ago

  • SewnNatural

    SewnNatural says:

    Thanks for this important update. How will this affect Canada?

    3 years ago

  • GoldtoneDesigns

    GoldtoneDesigns says:

    Thank U!

    3 years ago

  • humblebea

    humblebea says:

    Keeping my fingers crossed...

    3 years ago

  • Nishale

    Nishale says:

    sweet!

    3 years ago

  • lauraslefthook

    lauraslefthook says:

    I am hoping for the best, and planning for the worst, so to speak....thanks for keeping us updated.

    3 years ago

  • BluCille

    BluCille says:

    The items are cute.

    3 years ago

  • bizzybcreations

    bizzybcreations says:

    I'm totally pss'd because i tried to vote, and sent word to friends to have them vote, and it didn't do anything. i created an account with "change", but the email confirmation never came thru.

    3 years ago

  • kiddyup

    kiddyup says:

    I am still a little confused does this effect childrens clothing??

    3 years ago

  • Maggieruthcreations
  • BigDandyDesigns

    BigDandyDesigns says:

    Thanks for the ongoing info! I have voted, sent letters to government and even interviewed in a local newspaper to draw attention to this. I encourage everyone to do the same!

    3 years ago

  • AnthologiE

    AnthologiE says:

    Attention to this issue is certainly important, thanks for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • lilbooandco

    lilbooandco says:

    I've voted and been posting stuff about this in my blogs...ugh! This is the kind of thing that many are losing sleep over...including me!!

    3 years ago

  • hanginmoon

    hanginmoon says:

    cute

    3 years ago

  • DrMOZ

    DrMOZ says:

    It doesn't seem like the general public understands how many products are covered in the CPSIA, so we're highlighting the fantastic handmade products that will fall victim to the CPSIA in our blog http://www.deardrmoz.com. We have thousands of readers per week, so free to drop by the post and leave a link to your store along with a description of how you will be affected. Have a great weekend, Jason at Dr.MOZ

    3 years ago

  • buttonzone

    buttonzone says:

    I think this law will just lead to people putting warnings on their items: Not intended for children under 12.

    3 years ago

  • BabbidgePatch

    BabbidgePatch says:

    Thanks for keeping the Etsy community updated with important information ~~ and *Hope* that the comments to CPSIA will make a difference! My vote counted :)

    3 years ago

  • Legacy925

    Legacy925 says:

    Love the photos you've been using in these articles. The little girl above and the baby with the 'ears' hat are too adorable and certainly get my attention. Thank you for keeping us informed on this hot topic. If it wasn't for Etsy I would be in the dark... always the last to know... :^) P.S. Does .925 sterling silver fall under the testing guideline/requirements since the .925 mark signifies the sterling quality?

    3 years ago

  • BirdandBean

    BirdandBean says:

    thank you for the updates...I am hoping to changes!!

    3 years ago

  • thepinkchandelier

    thepinkchandelier says:

    This law is so confusing!!! Children's Wall DEcor such as our hair bow holders - are they effected. And the two shops we have, how can I afford to have all my inventory tested? I'd go broke. If Congress thinks the nations in poor shape now try having alot of us small biz owner call it quits too. Please keep us all updated.

    3 years ago

  • QuiteRightSlick

    QuiteRightSlick says:

    Thank you for this update! I am very concerned about this issue. I missed the vote, what is my best course of action now?

    3 years ago

  • ChelseaVanTol

    ChelseaVanTol says:

    love this

    3 years ago

  • SquaresOfFlair

    SquaresOfFlair says:

    I am still thinking positive and hoping for change!

    3 years ago

  • alwaysadorable

    alwaysadorable says:

    Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • wisemom

    wisemom says:

    Praying that change does come...Amazing what a few poorly worded phrases can do to so many....

    3 years ago

  • GoldtoneDesigns

    GoldtoneDesigns says:

    WoooHoooo!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • dmollison

    dmollison says:

    Thank you, etsy for the update.

    3 years ago

  • underthewire

    underthewire says:

    Thanks for keeping us updated and fighting the good fight.

    3 years ago

  • woolies

    woolies says:

    Thanks for the update. ...holding out hope for the natural materials possible exemption....

    3 years ago

  • underthewire

    underthewire says:

    I posted an idea and just got an e-mail back saying it's been removed because it "didn't present enough information to advance the issue". I gave them a couple of ideas similar to what we usually talk about on here. I didn't use offensive language, what's the deal with that? Kinda makes you wonder about the free speech thing...

    3 years ago

  • thebuttonshop

    thebuttonshop says:

    Oh, I hope this law is amended. It will affect my other shop, Nature's Enchantment (unwaveringfaith.etsy.com) and it's so upsetting to me and my family of 8. We need the income that our shops provide! We LOVE to make natural toys and gifts for people. I am so sad over this!!

    3 years ago

  • isewcute

    isewcute says:

    Thank you for keeping us updated! Much appreciated!

    3 years ago

  • boygirlboygirldesign

    boygirlboygirldesign says:

    Thank you for all of your updates!!

    3 years ago

  • moonstr

    moonstr says:

    thanks you!!!!

    3 years ago

  • tutumonkey

    tutumonkey says:

    thank you!

    3 years ago

  • babypeasandcarrots

    babypeasandcarrots says:

    I sure hope this helps us!

    3 years ago

  • kingofmythrone

    kingofmythrone says:

    A Royal Thank You is sent you way.

    3 years ago

  • AureliaandAnnalise

    AureliaandAnnalise says:

    Thank you for keeping us updating and for thinking of us!:)

    3 years ago

  • craftychris

    craftychris says:

    A ray of hope! Thank you for keeping us up to date!

    3 years ago

  • ninaandtom

    ninaandtom says:

    Thank you Etsy and to everyone for keeping the dialogue open.

    3 years ago

  • angoraknitter

    angoraknitter says:

    I'm glad it's at the top of the heap, thanks for keeping us posted!

    3 years ago

  • RelovedDecor

    RelovedDecor says:

    I'm also glad it's risen to the top, but may I please clarify one point... "Thanks to 12,280 votes from supporters nationwide, our issue is now part of a campaign to increase national awareness of the lack of provisions for small business in HR4040, the CPSIA, and bring about positive changes to the law." It wasn't just supporters nationwide, it was supporters WORLDWIDE. I also wrote letters to relevant persons as did others that I know and we live in Australia. It affects our livlihoods also by not being able to sell to the US.

    3 years ago

  • haddy2dogs

    haddy2dogs says:

    Thank you Etsy

    3 years ago

  • sweetplume

    sweetplume says:

    I voted on the 15th, hope it helped!

    3 years ago

  • replicca

    replicca says:

    Everyone's children and grandchildren should have access to handmade, skillfully crafted, ecologically responsible and thought-provoking toys. THAT should be law.

    3 years ago

  • thecraftshelf

    thecraftshelf says:

    It's to bad we can't get all stores nationwide to stop selling anything child related just for Feburary 10th and then see what Big Brother does.

    3 years ago

  • autumnsarrival

    autumnsarrival says:

    In all the hoop-la, I just had to laugh at this seller's absolutely adorable little baby socks & the price: $1,274.00 to prove a point. It's worth reading the description of the item by thecrochetedbaby: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=12493510 By the way, her little socks are SO cute- I just can't afford this pair!!!

    3 years ago

  • TheCraftyDragonfly

    TheCraftyDragonfly says:

    I may be out of my mind, but I cant find where/how to vote. ?? HELP!

    3 years ago

  • mullishmuse

    mullishmuse says:

    CHANGE!

    3 years ago

  • amarshall

    amarshall says:

    I voted!!! So glad we have Etsy to bring these issues to our attention. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise.

    3 years ago

  • HarmonyBathandBody

    HarmonyBathandBody says:

    Thank you so much for the update and compilation! My head spins every time I try to make sense of this. I think I'm a bit blown away that this is a "two member commission"!!! Talk about something more resources should be directed toward?! It's only the protection of both children and business...

    3 years ago

  • UberKutie

    UberKutie says:

    I don't like the idea of this law... so let me get this straight, big companies(that don't really care about their costumers) will be able to sell lead-filled toys without them being tested, but small hand-made sellers that pretty much do nothing but care about their costumers have to spend a toooooooon of money to have their items tested? I don't like that idea at all.

    3 years ago

  • MyPreciousGrandchild

    MyPreciousGrandchild says:

    Thanks for bringing this issue to light!!!

    3 years ago

  • beadcrayz

    beadcrayz says:

    Who is going to go to each business in America and regulate this GARBAGE? Maybe it will be a new job for the Census Bureau? Doesn't the government have bigger issues, like a war in Iraq, Financial Crisis, Major Decline in the Housing Market, Starving Children? I invite the regulators of this new act to come over to my clothing store in Eagle River, Alaska and lets do lunch. In the meantime- find another problem to solve that has more impact on making the world a better place.

    3 years ago

  • MyDarlingBaby

    MyDarlingBaby says:

    thx, etsy!

    3 years ago

  • twozies

    twozies says:

    As someone who hasn't even posted my first item, I was shocked when I heard all of this! I have been writing, e-mailing, voting, etc. for over a week now. Surely the voice of reason will prevail!

    3 years ago

  • hullabalooboutique

    hullabalooboutique says:

    doing what I can to save my business....

    3 years ago

  • bittypiggies

    bittypiggies says:

    Yikes! Thanks for paying attention to regulations!

    3 years ago

  • sassmama

    sassmama says:

    Here is a dream.... What if it was regulated that all children's toys sold in the U.S. Had to be Hand made with Child safe materials. Save the mom & pops.

    3 years ago

  • daisycreek

    daisycreek says:

    Thanks for having this info available to everyone! I voted before but am glad that I was able to go back and make a suggestion... no one likes it when people just complain - there has to be a compromise that will work for everyone :)

    3 years ago

  • judysnow

    judysnow says:

    Thanks for getting this Brought to the Attention of all. I am Praying they change the law as a Seller of Handmade, Children's toys by PapaHoney. We have taken every precautions possible to insure the safety of our toys and have pride in out work of creating toy made of Walnut, Mable, Oak, Birch, Cherry, All Hardwoods, The toys are made with Natural Hardwoods Have No Chemicals, No Varnish, No Paint, and Are Nail free, TOYS are constructed using Water Based Wood Glue and dowel pins. I am praying for the People who make Handmade for Children and Adults ( our toy are also collected by adults). Save Handmade !!!

    3 years ago

  • suomynonacouture

    suomynonacouture says:

    The child's tutu in StarWalkerBoutique ("this does cost $2955.")got my attention I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. What's happening now?

    3 years ago