Thursday, July 29, 2010

As If I Don't Have Enough To Worry About

This bill, The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010' (H.R. 5786), was introduced this week by Democrat Representatives Scharkowsky (Illinois), Markey (Massachusetts) and Baldwin (Wisconsin). You can read all 47 pages here. It has not been voted on yet, and I need your help. Please don't support this legislation. It may be well-meaning but is written in such a way that I won't be able to stay in business because I won't be able to keep up with the requirements.

Here are the reasons I, and other business owners in the handmade sector, do not support the bill.

1. The cosmetic industry, which includes my soap, has a huge variety of choice for customers. It is already illegal to not show contact information and ingredients on labels. That makes this bill unnecessary.

2. This bill would handicap small manufacturing businesses, that would be ME! I would not be able to keep up with the reporting requirements! I am a one woman show!

3. The reporting requirements would ask your annual sales, number of employees and even the names and addresses of your vendors. I must have over 100 vendors, some I buy ONE small ingredient from, but they are the only ones to carry it.

4. 'Detectable' trace elements must be included on labels. Since almost everything is detectable, labeling will be confusing to end consumers (even more than it is already). So, "Water" on a label would look like "Aqua, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Silver, Zinc" (boy I would hate to see the label I would have to print, our water is well water and our county is all ag, I bet there is enough methane to blow up the state!).

5. Ingredients that are considered carcinogenic when ingested (eaten) will be unable to be used in skin care products. You can still eat them, you just could not put them on your skin. Like an apple, they contain small amount of cyanide, so you can eat them but they could not go into a face mask.

6. While I use a basic soap formula that took me years to develop to perfection :) I like to experiment. This morning I made a soap with Cocoa Butter, 5 Fold Vanilla Essential Oil, and dark Cocoa Powder. With the new bill ingredient listing and registration information must be listed for each and every cosmetic, soap, lotion and potion made up, it does not allow for changing of formulas without creating a paperwork nightmare.

7. There is no full exemption for small businesses, who often are on a strict budget to bring their creations to you, for an affordable price.

SierraSnowSoaps opposes this draft legislation as written. Please help by writing your Representative opposing this legislation as it is currently written (not sure who your Rep is? Click here to find out!). Let them know you do not support a bill that will affect so many in the handmade Bath and Body industry.

Thank you!
SierraSnowSoaps

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

We Are So Blessed

Thank you for all your prayers. Yesterday our girl came home! She was gaining weight, her temperature was holding steady, her breathing was fine. Why did it take so long for her to come home? A funny little thing most of us do not think of, it just comes naturally. She had to drink, swallow, AND breathe, all at the same time. Sounds easy, but not when you are born pre mature. That is something that comes along in the 34-36th week. Thank you for all your prayers. It is hard to see good friends going through hard times and I think your prayers helped our friends during their trying times.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Moving Can Be Traumatic On Animals

We moved into the new house and I am sorry to report the animals are not taking it well. They are nervous, scared and just can't relax, and I worry about them.

This is nervous.


This is scared.


And this is just can't relax.



I did find time to deliver my Dog Shampoo Bar to Max's Pet Supply. They told me what they Essential Oils they wanted and I created an exclusive soap for their shop. You can find it here.

Max's Pet Supplies
1363 US Hwy 395 #4
Gardnerville, NV 89410
ph: (775) 782-8088
fax: (775) 782-8083