Submitted to the Islands Sounder in March, 2009:

Two months ago, we wrote to the Sounder to let our community know about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and its effects on small business. We asked for your support, and the response has confirmed what we've known all along: Orcas Island is a community that cares, and that takes action when something is not right. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! Many of you have stopped us on the street, in the grocery store, and elsewhere to ask us for an update.

In review, the CPSIA was passed to apply more stringent safety measures for products intended for children. Unfortunately, the act also has unintended and far reaching consequences, and will effectively eliminate thousands of home-based businesses throughout the USA. Fewer choices will be available for families who are looking for natural, handcrafted alternatives to mass marketed imports.

The CPSIA went into effect on February 10, 2009. Due to an overwhelming grassroots protest, the Consumer Product Safety Commission enacted a one year "Stay of Enforcement" on the law. While this means that the "toy police" will not be closing down any businesses this year, it is only a short delay of an untenable situation. The CPSIA is a poorly written law and needs to be changed. Congress can amend this law. If amended well, the new law can both protect children AND keep small businesses like ours in operation. Senator DeMint (SC) has introduced just such an amendment to the Senate. The amendment has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Senator Cantwell (WA) is on this committee. Most legislation referred to committee dies in committee- unless there is enough pressure to keep the legislation going. You can help us now by writing to Senator Cantwell about your support for amending the CPSIA. We have more information about the proposed amendment, a sample letter and contact information available on our website: www.bossysfeltworks.com.

Amy Lum, Mandy Troxel & Kari Van Gelder
of Bossy's Feltworks

Submitted to the Islands Sounder in January, 2009:

Save Handmade Toys and Clothing

Despite all of the economic turmoil in recent months, the United States Congress has passed an act that will effectively eliminate thousands of national, home-based businesses. Could this be true? Yes. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was passed due to the tragic injuries and deaths caused by lead contaminated toys produced in China. The CPSIA is meant to apply more stringent safety measures for products intended for children. Unfortunately, the Act also has unintended and far reaching consequences. While trying to enforce compliance from multinational toy manufacturers, the Act also imposes impossibly steep testing fees on small handmade toy and clothing businesses, even those that work with all-natural materials. As a result, many small businesses like ours will be lost, and fewer choices will be available for families who are looking for natural, handcrafted alternatives to mass marketed imports.

Orcas Island is a community that loves all things handmade, and that acts when something is not right. The CPSIA is set to go into effect February 10th, 2009. Please see www.handmadetoyalliance.org for more information, including a petition, links to our local representative and senators, as well as a sample letter.

We thank you for your support.

Amy Lum, Mandy Troxel, Kari Van Gelder
Bossy’s Feltworks