Posts by Cecilia Leibovitz
Open Letter to crafters, small businesses, and supporters of handmade
Published May 27, 2009 @ 06:12PM PT
Back in 2008, after learning that the future of handmade children's products was threatened by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), we reached out to you as fellow citizens. It was our hope that if enough people became aware of the situation, together we could keep handmade toys, clothing, and other wonderful products for children legal, and available in the United States. About 15,000 people signed our petition, and many of you have worked hard to spread the word. Thanks to you Congress has heard loud and clear that Americans (and citizens of other countries) do not want our cottage industries and crafters to disappear.
We joined together out of necessity, in what was felt by many to be an emergency situation. Since that time, it's become obvious that it would be beneficial both to small business owners and lovers of handmade, if we continue our mission to support handmade, as an official organization. The HTA is now a non-profit, committed to working for change in the CPSIA, and also helping crafters and small businesses succeed in the children's industry. If it weren't for the cottage industries producing these innovative products, parents and children would be limited to mass produced products in big box stores. We are working to ensure that American children continue to have the option of playing with, wearing, and using unique handmade items, and our economy is strengthened by the ongoing employment of thousands of crafters.
Whether you're a small business owner, or a concerned citizen, please consider joining the HTA. You can do so for as little as $35. If you're not able to join at this time and can make a small donation--even $5.00 would help--we would be so grateful. Visit http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org to donate, or http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/join-the-handmade-toy-alliance to read about the benefits, and join the HTA. Thank you for your support of small batch children's products!
Yours truly,
Cecilia Leibovitz
craftsburykids.com
President, Handmade Toy Alliance
handmadetoyalliance.org
Amend the CPSIA Testimony
Published April 10, 2009 @ 07:36PM PT
Following is my written testimony for the Amend the CPSIA website (you can view the recorded version here and other speakers here.
If you own a children's product company, please consider submitting your own testimony about how the CPSIA has affected your life and business. Your testimony will serve as an important contribution to the growing body of evidence that shows why this law doesn't work. Please submit your testimony to webcontent AT amendthecpsia DOT com by April 15, and it will be published to the Amend the CPSIA website.
Guidelines for writing your testimony:
1- Introduce yourself and your business. Explain what you do, how long you've been in business, and any other significant facts.
2- Explain how the law has affected your business. What has been or will be the impact? Include economic repercussions and any stats.
3- If appropriate focus on the section of CPSIA that is causing you the most problems (lead, retroactivity, tracking labels etc.)
4- Call for Congress to fix the flaws in the law.
My testimony:
Craftsbury Kids is a retail company providing handmade toys, clothing, and gift items made by nearly 100 artists in the US and Europe. Most of the products we sell are made of natural fibers, in limited runs, or are one of a kind. By limited, I mean batches of 10 or less. My business was founded around the concept that our product line would serve two important functions-
1- A livelihood for American crafters.
2- An alternative to mass-produced, fad-based items that dominate the children's marketplace.
It also happens to provide the sole means of income for my family of six.
Our customer base is made up of parents, grandparents, and gift givers who see the value in giving children quality handmade items that last. Even with the condition of the economy, our sales have remained steady.
Of the nearly 100 artists we represent, all but 3 will be forced to close their doors if changes are not made to CPSIA. And I will be left with almost nothing to offer my customers.
There is a marked difference between items produced in the home of a hand-crafter, and those made by machines, assembly line fashion in a large factory. For thousands of years adults have been making toys and clothing for children, sometimes out of necessity, but equally as important, from the kindness of their hearts, and the patient labor of their hands. And CPSIA requires that this kind of handwork, produced over many hours, be destroyed in order to be proven free of lead and phthalates.
Ironically, the items I offer pose no lead or phthalates risk, yet it is required that they be tested. This law literally makes it impossible for my business model to remain in existence. The process by which testing needs to be done destroys the sample. But in our case, there often is no sample because of the one of a kind nature of many of our products. The outrageous cost of testing ensures that even handcrafters producing small runs, will be pushed out of the market.
CPSIA brings a tradition that has existed since well before any of us were here, to a complete standstill. This law is poised to render our society one which is void of creativity, individuality, and options for children. Is this the legacy we want to leave them? If the answer is no, then the CPSIA must be amended to allow small innovative businesses to remain in business.
Democracy in Action - Interactive Civics Lesson
Published March 26, 2009 @ 12:16PM PT
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
The April 1 Amend the CPSIA Rally is intended to be a true demonstration of real democracy. This is a unique opportunity for teachers and schools to give kids a bird's eye view of how citizens participate in legislative processes and influence the path of government.
The event will be streamed online as it takes place on Wednesday April 1, at 10:00 am. You will be able to watch it as a class at http://www.amendthecpsia.com and even participate in a live online chat through which questions may be asked.
Afterward, you can ask your students to write about the event. If you decide to do this, we'd love to know how it went, and to read some of your student reactions. You can write to us at webcontent AT amendthecpsia DOT com.
Find more ideas on how you can participate in the Amend CPSIA rally from your home state here.
CPSIA Congressional Briefing and Rally in DC
Published March 16, 2009 @ 06:06PM PT
Update: This event will take place April 1, 10:00am at Capitol Visitors Center, Room HVC201 A&B, The US Capitol.
I'm excited to announce that fellow CPSIA activist and inspiration Rick Woldenberg has arranged a Congressional briefing and rally on Capitol Hill. In Rick's words:
"Having been repeatedly denied the opportunity to explore the issues created by the CPSIA in public hearings... we have elected to organize our own rally...for this purpose... By calling this rally and (Congressional briefing), we are announcing an end to old school "closed door politics" and shining a light on a matter of critical public importance during a severe economic downturn."
A wide range of speakers and participants will attend this event. It will include support from numerous trade organizations and is expected to feature remarks by members of Congress as well as scientists and representatives of various organizations affected by the legislation such as small businesses, libraries, charities and thrift stores. This event will also be open to the media.
The event will take place on April 1. In spite of the ironic April Fools date, this is indeed very real, and is happening. Final details are still being arranged. More information can be found on Rick Woldenberg's blog:
http://learningresourcesinc.blogspot.com/2009/03/cpsia-rally-and-open-hearing-april-1-in.html
If you would like to join the team organizing this event (whether or not you'll be attending) please send an email to hearings AT cpsiahearings DOT com. Thanks so much for your continued support. We have come so far simply by speaking out about how this law affects us. I hope to see you in DC!
Raise your hand if you understand the dangers of lead and phthalates
Published February 19, 2009 @ 02:11PM PT
Here is my response to an angry response to a common sense amendment that would save crafters and small businesses from the CPSIA:
(you can read the post I'm responding to here)
I continue to be amazed at how often the dangers of lead and phthalates are used as a sort of shield by those in defense of the CPSIA. Any fairly intelligent person can understand that these substances are highly inappropriate in the production of toys and other children's products, particularly for babies, who tend to put everything into their mouths.
Photo: Pelham Library
On the dangers of lead and phthalates we can all agree. It is imperative that we keep our children as safe as we can (no easy feat in this toxic world we've created). I will take the liberty of saying that on this too, we can agree.
Now I ask you to explain to me how the CPSIA will help keep children safe, and how exactly it addresses the problem at hand. And while you're at it, show me one *American made* children's product that has harmed a child due to the presence of lead or phthalates. And consider for a moment the cocktail of noxious poisons that is in just about every space your child inhabits. Who will protect you and your family? What are you doing to make a difference in our world?
There are those who put profit before people. In 2007--and I would argue, through much of our history as a country--the health and very lives of our children have been treated as though no more important that that of the tiniest insect. If you want to be angry, direct your emotion at the offenders. There were perfectly good regulations in place before CPSIA. The big players BROKE THE LAW. Only these criminals will be left standing if we do not support our American crafts-people. We need to make it easy for Americans to do business, not impossible.
Forget the fact that this will allow our people to earn money enough to pay their mortgages or rent, buy groceries, and cover that dental bill; those greed driven extras we all want, you know. Instead try to imagine how pathetic things will be, and how low you will have sunk, when you are only able to purchase toys and other children's products from the very people who thought nothing of poisoning your children in the first place. We crafters and small business people, who offer your children not just safe, but ethically produced products meant to enhance their lives, are in your court. We're on your side, and we care so much about the children of this world. Kill us, and you will be left with a society completely stripped of its personality, intellect, and diversity.
Every day I look around and realize we are one step closer to becoming real life inhabitants of the film Idiocracy. In the fictional America it portrays, water is no longer used to nurture our bodies and crops; instead a vividly colored Gatorade-like drink replaces it, and the citizens wonder why nothing will grow, though they don't notice how stupid they've all become. Now our government is telling us which books to read to our children. Next, will we be told who among us can breathe the air?
Don't insult my intelligence by hiding behind "the children." I am quite aware of the dangers of lead and phthalates. Let's not pretend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is a common sense law that's going to protect our children from harm. Read it, read it, and read it again. I'm confident that if you do so, you will understand where the real danger lies, and you will agree that our children deserve so much more.
Handmade Toy Alliance NYC Press Conference
Published February 12, 2009 @ 11:05AM PT
For Immediate Release
United States of America (Press Release) February 11, 2009 -- Members of the Handmade Toy Alliance will be attending the upcoming Toy Fair held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from February 15 – 18, 2009. Rob Wilson, owner of Challenge & Fun, has devoted a section of his booth (#1249) at the show for the HTA and a Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) discussion forum. Members of the HTA will be present to answer and discuss issues related to the CPSIA with industry colleagues and members of the press. An HTA press conference has been scheduled for Sunday, February 15th at 1:30. Expected in attendance are Dan Marshall, founder of the HTA, Cecilia Leibovitz, who spearheaded the HTA’s change.org initiative, Rob Wilson, creator of CPSIA-central (social network on ning) and many other vocal HTA members from throughout the country. Also in attendance will be Matthias Menzel, Managing Director of Selecta, a German manufacturer that discontinued shipping to the USA last month, due to the CPSIA.
The Handmade Toy Alliance is a grassroots alliance of 304 toy stores, toymakers and children's product manufacturers from across the country, who want to preserve consumer access to unique handmade toys, clothes and children's goods in the USA. They are parents, grandparents and consumers who are passionate about their businesses as well as the safety of the children in their lives. While in support of the spirit of the law, the unintended consequences of the CPSIA has empowered them to work to enact change at a federal level.
In the months since its creation, the HTA has gained national recognition for their effective mobilization of artisans, children’s product manufacturers and toy store owners throughout the country. They have worked as common citizens, to encourage the CPSC and lawmakers to clarify and amend the CPSIA which threatens to close many of their businesses. Although Sen. DeMint (SC) introduced on the Senate floor last Thursday a technical amendment to the CPSIA that would, among other things, include allowances for component based certification processes and prevents retro-active enforcement of the CPSIA, the bill was sent to committee and it is unclear as to if it will be recommended back to the Senate floor for a vote. The HTA hopes to gain bi-partisan support for this bill and/or present new legislation to the Congress to amend the CPSIA.
“We continue to remain hopeful that Congressional members will adapt legislation to effectively amend the CPSIA.” Jill Chuckas, HTA member and owner of CraftyBaby.com shared. “In the meantime, we will do our part to educate and support our members, industry colleagues and everyone who will listen, to help them understand that although we support the intentions of the law, there must be a more common sense approach to comply.”
“And it remains that many in the industry still aren't aware of CPSIA,” Cecilia Leibovitz of CraftsburyKids.com states. “It is our hope that our presence at Toy Fair will help to inform these people as well.”
Rob Wilson goes on to say “The question is, at a time when the country is concerned about product safety, doesn't it make sense to have an understandable, yet targeted law that focuses on the real risks, and strictly controls those risks? Our country needs a law that understands and supports businesses that offer quality unique products, rather than making low production volume at a critical disadvantage.”
Dan Marshall, Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care (St. Paul, MN)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 651-695-5559
dan (AT) peapods.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Jill Chuckas, Crafty Baby, Owner, Designer (Stamford, CT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-788-5168
jill (AT) craftybaby.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Cecilia Leibovitz, President
Craftsbury Kids (Montpelier,VT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 802-223-7143
ceci (AT) craftsburykids.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Rob Wilson, Vice President, Challenge & Fun
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-384-6200
hta (AT) challengeandfun.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Amend the CPSIA!
Published February 03, 2009 @ 09:33AM PT
In mid-November of 2008, a small handful of toymakers and retailers began to discuss a complicated new law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or CPSIA. Over weeks, as the Handmade Toy Alliance began to fight for changes to CPSIA, several industries, and thousands of individuals joined them, realizing that producers and sellers of all items intended for children aged 12 and under would be affected by the law. From new and used clothing, books, toys, and bicycles, to jewelry, all children's products would need to be tested for lead and phthalates, and marked indelibly with tracking information.
Testing each item would run from $150 to thousands of dollars, in many cases totaling more than the producer’s yearly income. Created in the wake of the 2007 lead toy scare involving cheap toys and jewelry produced overseas, CPSIA did not distinguish between products made in giant factories, and those carefully crafted in the United States. On February 10, 2009, anyone selling untested children’s products, even if made from materials that could never physically contain lead or phthalates, and even if each material was already tested and certified safe by the Government, would become a criminal, risking jail time and fines of up to $100,000 and more for each offense.
In just two months, thousands have stood up to fight for the rights of independent crafters, small businesses, and libraries to provide children with important tools, much needed if they are to grow up with diversity, creativity, and intellect. Together, the internet serving as our connecting link, we have managed to attract the attention of scores of media outlets, lawmakers, and increasingly, citizens troubled by the threat of extinction for much of the children’s industry. Senator Jim DeMint, has crafted a bill that would amend the CPSIA. A one year stay on enforcement of CPSIA has been issued by the regulating agency, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
