By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com senior writer
September 11 2007: 12:23 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday an agreement with Chinese officials aimed at stopping the use of lead paint on Chinese-made toys that are exported to the United States.

At a “Consumer Product Safety Summit” underway in Washington, the CPSC said that China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) had agreed “to take immediate action to eliminate the use of lead paint on Chinese manufactured toys exported to the United States.”

Does this put your heart at ease? Do you think this is enough to regain trust? They knew before that lead paint was not allowed on US products right? How much of a change is this.

For the most part people read here and don’t comment, in fact I get more emails than comments! But this post warrants discussion. What do you think?

If you have young children, or have Christmas shopping to do for any children this holiday season you absolutely must visit the Natural Pod online store. Not one item is Made in China. Though based in Canada, Natural Pod ships anywhere. They carry products in several children’s categories:

baby
first two years
clothing
imaginative play
dolls & accessories
kitchen play
wooden bikes
fagus vehicles
wooden toys
musical instruments
arts and crafts
activities
gifts
children’s jewelery

Definitely check it out for yourself! Here is a small sampling of some of their stylish, guilt-free product.

According to Lori Wallach director of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch. More recalls are coming. In her interview on Fox News at 1:45 pm on Weekend Live she did not name any specific brands or items, one item she described as a “little girls bracelet with plastic charms that are connected with a little metal ring.” She claimed that these bracelets are “full of lead”. She stated that others will be coming next week as well.

She also mentioned that Congress now has on the table 2 trade agreements, about to pass, that resemble the problem that got us into these problems in the first place. She encouraged people to steer clear of Made In China this upcoming holiday season and Google terms such as “Made In America” and “Non-Toxic”.

We know here at Not China Made (dot) Net that we will do our best to grow our link list to make your holiday shopping easier. Later today we will be featuring yet another amazing store to do your children’s Christmas shopping through. Soon we will be moving these links to their own subpage them and divide them by categories for you to make your shopping easier!

Today Not China Made received its first RANT for the RANT page from Chris! I have had many emails ranting in my inbox in the month since NCM started, but was the first rant sent for the page since I started it this week!

In Chris’s rant, toothbrushes made in the USA were specifically requested. I did a little (it really did not take more than 2 minutes) research and US STUFF linked me to a brand called Preserve by Recycline. Not only is Preserve by Recycline made in the USA, but environmentally friendly as well. All products are recyclable and come from recyclable material. Please take some time to check out their site and see if you can fill gaps your grocery list with any of their items.

The more we support companies like this, the better for both our economy and our cause.  Remember Boycotting Made in China for the most part takes effort, but IS NOT impossible.  The more we all get involved the more we will find being produced outside of China.  It took me 2 minutes to research and find these products.  Even the smallest thing like a toothbrush (especially considering we put that in our mouths as Chris pointed out), matters.  Always check for an alternative before buying a China Product.

Below you’ll find some images from Preserve product line. Products can be find at select stores including Walmart (don’t choke), Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Etc.

Yes, the good news, what I DO want to focus on.

Excellent article sent to me by Tami detailing the non-partisan rise in Label checking, the blossoming trend of Made in USA. That which was once a rural mantra, now begins to strut our fashion capitals. Red States and Blue states are beginning to proudly embrace local manufacturers and the goods they produce.

I find it wonderful to have an issue that reaches across political differences.  I receive a range of political views coming from emails and links to Not China Made. A non-polarizing issue, what a Godsend these days. I can not help but wonder what kind of effect that will make it in the upcoming election? Will that make candidates steer clear of it? Or will we find politicians on both sides taking individual, non-partisan chances?

What do you think?

I’m trying so hard to focus on the good news out of today and not the bad. Our President (who yes, I voted for and still for the most part like… no stone throwing please) met with President Hu (China) in Australia today. I could block quote a bunch of it and then give you my opinion, but like I said, I do not want to focus on the negative of their meeting. I actually tried writing a full post on this, but I got so drained and could not even get through it.

Please read this link for more.

Flur from the No More Made In China forum posted a link to an article on investors.com detailing a probe ongoing into the length of time Mattel has taken to release recalls on dangerous toys.

If Mattel (or any other company for that matter) has sat on information for any length of time I believe there should be harsh fines. Could you imagine sitting on something like that? I have no clue if it is true or simply false, but I am glad it is being looked into by the CPSC.