Between September 2006 and August 2007, Mattel imported almost 900,000 toys that violated rules on lead levels. Their subsidary Fisher-Price imported as many as 1.1 million.
Now the corporation is paying the price. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision, the $2.3 million fine is the highest levied against a toy company. Thomas Moore, the acting commision chair, said,
This penalty should serve notice to toymakers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children, to reducing their exposure to lead and to the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.
As we all full well remember, the lead recalls caused panic among parents. Mattel’s negligence in manufacturing had the collective consumer culture in the States pointing a big fat finger at China as the cause of problems.
But it’s not only China.
[read the full article...]
Oh Plah! is French for “Here you go!”. This nifty bracelet is a colorful addition for a fashion forward Mama and does double duty as a toy to entertain a fussy baby. Oh Plah! is free of lead, PVC, BPA, and phthalates.
My kids were always wanting to play with whatever was attached to my body and sometimes we ran out of the house without stashing a toy or two in the bag, so wearing a safe toy would have been a great help in our world.
There are no small or movable parts on this bracelet… it is one piece of durable, flexible material. The bands are designed to stand up to lots of bending and chomping. It can be cleaned up simply by washing in warm, soapy water. In addition to being free of nasty chemicals, this bracelet meets or exceeds all CPSIA regulations and it is made in the U.S.A. [read the full article...]
Here at Eco Child’s Play, we LOVE Stubby Pencil Studio when Kate Rosenthal, mama of twin girls started her quest for safe art supplies, she found a wonderful niche to fill. I had the opportunity to meet with Kate a while back and see her in action. We spoke about her quest for safe products, the new CPSC/lead regulations, and how one person’s vision has turned into a busy home business.
With Easter coming, we have baskets to fill and my first thought was of Kate and her wonderful shop. So hop on over to Stubby Pencil Studio and order up some of these fabulous eco friendly art supplies and toys (If you are in the Portland area, you can arrange pick up). You’ll feel good knowing that your children are getting safe, sustainable products and our Earth will breathe a bit easier as well.
Start with your choice of basket or packaging (Stubby Pencil offers two basket options this year and also carries Envirosax). If you already own baskets (or buckets, bins and bags) reuse those of course. If not, opt for a container that can get lots of reuse (and you know your world best, so pick: a galvanized metal bucket, a cloth shopping bag, a wicker basket, a hat turned upside down, a kid sized wheel barrow, etc…
Some of our favorite basket filers: [read the full article...]
Pool tables, arcade games and big-screen teevee: man caves got a lot of stuff that FEMA trailers don’t. But when it comes to toxic formaldehyde fumes, your brand new man cave might have a lot more in common with a FEMA trailer than you planned.
Formaldehyde is found in many conventional household building supplies. Whether you use them to outfit a trailer or to fancy up your basement, you’re going to get the formaldehyde.
How can you guard your man cave against this scourge? Hitch a ride below the fold with me and find out.
[read the full article...]
Mattel. The name is no longer only synonymous with Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Polly Pocket. Now when you hear “Mattel”, it’s flashback time: to lead-laden, choketastic toys.
