GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008 - (Page 28) Calie a d ug s ie h t u f f e s Ca l g d f ro ifie lush h ce rt nde r. p . w i t c l ave ww ni t w s . c om rg a a o if t .90 $19 r i ngg a e sc k at Mariela s the te e e la r ie e th M a S ophi - a n d ad on , le f fe f re e . a gi r P VC 5 at .9 $18 w. . w w y k id s ur b f ts m cra co Junior Junior adores a Jippy Joker made from wood and colored with natural vegetable dyes. $14.50 at www. greenpartygoo ds. com Peppy Greenstockings The Grinch says “no” to toxic toys. As we prepare to fill the children’s stockings, let’s say “yes” to giving safe, healthy, ecologically friendly playthings By Michelle BriseÑo-Tucker S oMeTiMes, when wAnderinG the fluorescent- lit toy aisles, we’re overwhelmed by shelves crammed with plastic products at prices that have little or no relationship to quality, craftsmanship or beauty. Considering that U.S. toy manufacturers churn out approximately three billion toys a year, it’s no wonder some of these playthings are lemons. While most of us carefully observe toy safety rules and suggested ageappropriate guidelines, and we pay attention to product recalls, there is another safety “bite” we should digest before we stock the grandkids’ holiday stockings. It’s this: Many toys (and other children’s products) that outwardly appear safe contain toxic substances that can leach out and place our grandchildren’s health at risk. What’s the concern? Although toy manufacturers in the United States must comply with certain hazardous-substance regulations, such as the amount of lead that toy components may contain—a level that some health advocates argue is still too high— the chemical migration standards relating to the industry’s use of many other toxic substances in toys remain voluntary and unenforceable. This means—depending upon what materials are used and whether those materials have been 28 GRAND NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2008 PhoTos By clAude e. sPriGGs
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