Saving Handmade from the CPSIA: What you can do right now

A quick update on the Save Handmade from the CPSIA initiative since so many of you have been asking. If you haven't been to our Save Handmade page , click over and see how you can help preserve the kids products and businesses we love so…

Saving Handmade from the CPSIA: What you can do right now
save handmade from the cpsiaA quick update on the Save Handmade from the CPSIA initiative since so many of you have been asking.

If you haven't been to our Save Handmade page, click over and see how you can help preserve the kids products and businesses we love so dearly. Some noteworthy include:

-An LA Times article that details how the CPSIA also impacts resale shops, thrift stores, and charitable donations of clothing and toys. If you buy any clothes or toys second-hand, this might be a good time to write to your congressional representative and be like, um...what are you thinking?

-The initiative on change.org called "Save Small Business from the CPSIA" made the finals! Meaning our vote count went right back to zero this week. VOTE NOW at change.org, digg style, and keep it in the top ten so that the idea is presented to the Obama administration on January 16.

-January 30 is the deadline for your comments to the CPSC regarding components testing and natural material exemptions. Use this link for the CPSC comment form (pdf).

-A Handmade Toy Alliance facebook fan page to keep you up on developments

-A Bloomberg.com story that details a CPSIA vote to some exempt natural materials including wool, cotton, silk, and gemstones - proof that your input (and a bunch of jewelry lobbyists) can indeed make a difference. Check out CMP co-founder Kristen's post about it at Eco Child's Play.

More in Doing GoodView all picks →

Luxury gifts that are really, really special

Luxury gifts that are really, really special

Let’s be real: your host does not need another bottle of meh Pinot . If you want to show up with a gift that says “I’m grateful and fabulous,” head straight to Flamingo Estate . Their gorgeously curated, over-the-top-in-the-best-way good…

Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier

Smart Earth Day ideas for families - and the sustainable brands making it easier

No pressure. No perfection. Just small, meaningful ways to do better by the planet as a family — one choice, one habit, one brand at a time. This Earth Day, we wanted to offer something more grounded than a list of trendy eco products. S…

Making your charitable contributions go further: Reasons to set up recurring donations

This quick tip can make your donations go further for your favorite causes

Over the past few years, I've committed to my favorite charities and causes by changing my donations from end-of-year or once-in-a-while to an automated recurring monthly contribution. I've learned that it's a really solid, easy way to h…