Thursday, July 31, 2008

congress is listening!

For anyone who isn't a regular safemama reader, I thought it was worth passing along this great news they posted yesterday!

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Yesterday, Congress voted on the Children’s Safe Products Act which approved a nationwide ban on phthalates in products intended for children under 12. We’ve been waiting for this so we’re happy to say goodbye tophthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP… three chemicals used to soften plastics in children’s toys like bath squirties, soft books and “rubber” ducks. The Act is part of a final Bill to reform and improve the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is obviously good news and further confirmation that there is enough doubt in their safety as well as demand for strict regulations on children’s products. And don’t think you didn’t have anything to do with it. Members and supporters of MomsRising.org alone sent in over 100,000 letters to congressman urging them to support the Act.

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This ban will take effect in 6 months so in the meantime be on the lookout for products loaded with phthalates.  I know I've started loving more "natural" toys to avoid plastic all together.  I've enjoyed sites such as Inspired Play and Natural Pod (a Canadian store).  Don't get me wrong, we still have plenty of plastic toys that I have no intention of throwing out, but I am trying to get smarter especially about the toys that Sydney is likely to put in her mouth.


In other news, I was happy to see that Safemama published their safer bug repellent report.  Turns out the brand I was already using (Burt's Bees) is one of their favs.


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