Save Handmade

My friend Lesley just told me about the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, which will require manufacturers to invest in expensive outside testing and labeling to prove that toys are safe. Seems fair, but the act will put out of business thousands of toy makers and independent sellers who make small quantities of super-safe products for babies and kids.

We can all agree that safety standards are vital, and I understand the need for accountability, but here’s what gets me: I won't be able to legally buy a wooden dump truck or a baby elephant rattle from local artists I trust, but mass-produced, imported plastic toys loaded with lead, polyvinyl chlorine additives and whoknowswhatelse, will likely still be on the market? Sadly, it might come down to who can afford the fees and fines.

The act could go into effect on Feb. 10. Check out this website if you’re interested in reading more or getting involved with the Save Handmade project.

What do you think—is putting small sellers out of business a necessary sacrifice, or has the CPSC got it wrong? I know what Kimya Dawson thinks!