By Sommer Poquette
Dear Santa,
It has been a while since I've written you but this year I have a special Christmas wish. Typically you make the lists and check them twice, but recently I've found that I have to do some double-checking to make sure my kids' gifts do not contain toxic chemicals.
I've been a good mom this year, and would really appreciate it if you could get me what I want.
1. A Right-to-know about what chemicals are in the products I buy for my kids. The joy of Christmas can be squashed if toys contain toxic chemicals.
2. Guilt-free chewing. When my kids inevitably put their toys in their mouths, I don't want to worry about the potential harm of these chemicals.
3. Restrictions on known toxic chemicals.
4. A healthy future for my family.
Healthier toys under the Christmas tree would put my mind at ease, and lower my kids' risk of contracting a number of chronic diseases -- including asthma, breast cancer, autism, learning disabilities and childhood cancers.
Michigan is on the right track -- the Michigan House overwhelmingly passed the Children's Safe Products Act in May. This act would help families like mine protect kids from toxic chemicals found in toys and other children's products.
Quite a few local toy stores in Traverse City agree and have sent a letter supporting the Safe Products Act to Sen. Tom George, R-Kalamazoo, the chair of Senate Health Policy Committee, where the Act now sits. Come to think of it my state senator, Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, is on that committee. Santa, since I've been so good this year please ask senators George and Allen to give me a right-to-know what harmful chemicals are in children's products by supporting the Children's Safe Products Act.
I used to think harmful chemicals were well-regulated in the U.S. But recently I've learned that they're not. That's why our bodies are filled with chemicals that can lead to serious health problems. The 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates chemicals in everyday consumer products, is hopelessly ineffective.
My New Year's resolution is to do everything I can to protect my kids from toxics. That is why I'm supportive of a new law to be introduced by U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey, early next year to overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act to bring U.S. consumer products into the 21st Century, while ushering in a new era of green chemistry and consumer confidence.
This is a gift that would keep on giving, because it would protect all of our families for years to come. Thank you, Santa for your help in a healthy, happy Christmas for everyone. If you help my Christmas wishes come true, I promise to leave out some organic cookies and milk for you.
About the author: Sommer Poquette of Petoskey is founder of GreenandCleanMom.org and co-founder of 3Greenangels.com.
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