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I know I was a big supporter of the new toy lead laws. Do I ever feel guilty now?! I never imagined this law would bring such issues to my fellow work at home parents. The people I support the most stand to lose the most. The intentions of this law were good, the follow through has not been. CPSIA needs to wake, make these laws clear before putting them into action. Please take a moment and go vote for this issue. Your vote will help put this issue in front of the Obama administration for quick attention. It’s important that we bring as much attention to this issue as we possibly can before implementation begins on February 10.

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Toy Safety Bill signed into Law!

Yay! Thank you Mr. President! On Thursday President Bush sign the Toy Safety Bill. I’m a little late in posting this, but wanted to spread the great news. It will take some time before the measures are put into place, but this is great news.  The US now has the toughest lead standards in the world. To throw some numbers out there, over 45,000 items for kids were recalled last year due to lead. CPSC estimates 28,000 deaths per year due to unsafe products. This law now prohibits lead beyond minute levels and phthalates from children’s toys.

I’ll still be avoiding China made items this holiday season, and most likely beyond, but I feel good knowing that soon, all toys bought in the US will be much, much safer than before.

Free: Medela BPA-free breastmilk bottle

Medela is and always has been BPA-free. To help calm mom’s fears, they are offering one free BPA-free breastmilk bottle. All you need to do is join the Medela Community. The community offers you a free place to get to know other expectant and nursing moms! You can read more on the plastics that Medela uses on this page.

Back To School Sandwiches

As many of you get ready to head back to school, I want to toss a product out there — reusable sandwich bags. Stop buying those ziplocs that get tossed into the landfill. Get or make something you can reuse over and over again.

For the uncrafty, there are Wrap-n-Mats. These neat little things pull double duty. They hold your sandwich for transport and then when you open it up, you’ve got a placemat. There are several prints to choose from, so everyone can pick their own.

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House (now Senate!) Passes Ban on Lead in Toys

Yay!! (The bill was passed 424-1) Now onto the Senate it goes, where it could possibly pass before the end of this week and the August recess. The president opposes the bill, but has not threatened a veto. Would he really veto it? These are our CHILDREN we’re talking about here, what’s to oppose?! Children are priceless.

The bill calls for the toughest lead standards in the world. It also places a ban on toys containing six types of phthalates. Third party testing will be required of all products before they are marketed to the public. The Consumer Product Safety Commission will get an expanded budget and much more authority.

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Pesticides in Produce

We all know organic is best, but let’s face it, it’s expensive! If you’re like me, you get organic when you can, often picking and choosing based on price. Well, that’s about to change. Starting today, my produce purchases now have a ranking. I will definitely be purchasing some items as organic only.

Tiny doses of pesticide can be toxic to children, and even adults. Prolonged exposure can lead to increased cancer risk, neurological and developmental problems. The Environmental Working Group set out to find out just how much pesiticide residue remains on your fruits and veggies, even after washing and peeling. Those with the highest score, at the top of the list, you’ll want to purchase as organic. Those to the bottom have the least amount of pesticide residue and aren’t as bad if purchased as conventionally-grown.

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