Etsy's Handmade Blog
CPSIA: Deadline for Change.org Vote & CNN Article
Story by Vanessa
Published on January 16, 2009 in Craftivism 		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."

 

More posts on CPSIA

Tags babies, baby, BuyHandmade.org, Change.og, children, consumer safety, CPSIA, Craftivism, CRAFTIVISM, toys
All articles in Craftivism
Related Items
This article was reported by:
Etsy Admin
Vanessa
shop . profile . contact

84 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. SquidInkKollective

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

squidinkkollective

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. kunklebaby

Everyone please vote!!! Thanks!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. jenniferladd

Thanks for the update!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. PearlyGrey

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. LaveMeSoapCo

i am going to vote!!!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. happywhosits

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...

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. fairiesnest

.."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.

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. WhimsicalMom

I have voted!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. tickledpinkgirls

thanks for keeping this in the spotlight!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. littlesapling

Thanks Etsy Admin for making this topic a priority.

Jan. 15, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. kingofmythrone

Crappy written law!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. TwoSeasideBabes

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. worksofwhimsy

Buy kids stuff now, while you still can.

Thanks admin for keeping us informed and urging everyone to vote!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. turtleparktots

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. worldofwhimm

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. jodieflowers

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. thepatacakebaby

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!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. knittles

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. RaeGun

praying for amendments

Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. brianslittlegirl

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!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. NannysDesigns

Thanks I am voting today

Jan. 15, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. vetrinagirl

Thank you fro keeping us updated!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. LilPeasandCarrots

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. SewnNatural

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. GoldtoneDesigns

Thank U!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. humblebea

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Jan. 15, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. Nishale

sweet!

Jan. 15, 2009 at 10:44 p.m. lauraslefthook

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

Jan. 15, 2009 at 11:55 p.m. BluCille

The items are cute.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:18 a.m. bizzybcreations

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.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. kiddyup

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. Maggieruthcreations

Thank you

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. BigDandyDesigns

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!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. AnthologiE

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. lilbooandco

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!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. hanginmoon

cute

Jan. 16, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. DrMOZ

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. buttonzone

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. BabbidgePatch

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:34 p.m. Legacy925

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?

Jan. 16, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. BirdandBean

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. thepinkchandelier

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.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. QuiteRightSlick

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. ChelseaVanTol

love this

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:25 p.m. SquaresOfFlair

I am still thinking positive and hoping for change!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. alwaysadorable

Thank you!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. wisemom

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. GoldtoneDesigns

WoooHoooo!!!!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. dmollison

Thank you, etsy for the update.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10 p.m. underthewire

Thanks for keeping us updated and fighting the good fight.

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:04 p.m. woolies

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

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. underthewire

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...

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. thebuttonshop

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!!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. isewcute

Thank you for keeping us updated! Much appreciated!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. boygirlboygirldesign

Thank you for all of your updates!!

Jan. 17, 2009 at midnight moonstr

thanks you!!!!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 12:51 a.m. tutumonkey

thank you!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. babypeasandcarrots

I sure hope this helps us!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10 a.m. kingofmythrone

A Royal Thank You is sent you way.

Jan. 17, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. AureliaandAnnalise

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

Jan. 17, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. craftychris

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

Jan. 17, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. ninaandtom

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

Jan. 17, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. angoraknitter

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

Jan. 17, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. RelovedDecor

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.

Jan. 18, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. haddy2dogs

Thank you Etsy

Jan. 19, 2009 at 3:25 a.m. sweetplume

I voted on the 15th, hope it helped!

Jan. 19, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. replicca

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

Jan. 19, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. thecraftshelf

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.

Jan. 19, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. autumnsarrival

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?...
By the way, her little socks are SO cute- I just can't afford this pair!!!

Jan. 19, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. TheCraftyDragonfly

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

HELP!

Jan. 19, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. mullishmuse

CHANGE!

Jan. 20, 2009 at 4:46 a.m. amarshall

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

Jan. 20, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. HarmonyBathandBody

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...

Jan. 20, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. UberKutie

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.

Jan. 20, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. MyPreciousGrandchild

Thanks for bringing this issue to light!!!

Jan. 21, 2009 at 4:21 a.m. beadcrayz

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.

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. MyDarlingBaby

thx, etsy!

Jan. 23, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. twozies

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!

Jan. 23, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. hullabalooboutique

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

Jan. 25, 2009 at 12:07 a.m. bittypiggies

Yikes! Thanks for paying attention to regulations!

Jan. 25, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. sassmama

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.

Jan. 26, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. daisycreek

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 :)

Jan. 30, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. judysnow

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 !!!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. suomynonacouture

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?

Previous Page | Next Page