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Toy Activists Gather at Toys 'R' Us Stores |
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Written by Associated Content
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Thursday, 25 October 2007 |
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At "Toys R Us" stores located throughout the country today, activists came together to educate parents on the toys that the store stocks and also to apply pressure to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). According to SEIU, KKR owns a major stake in Toys R Us and also Dollar General. In the past year 800,000 toys have been pulled from the shelf in an effort to prevent children from being exposed to toxins. Gatherings took place in cities such as New York, Orlando, Houston, Atlanta and St. Louis.
Many companies have launched a proactive public relations campaign in the wake of the toy recalls, but activists say this is not enough. According to SEIU, the underlying problem of these tainted toys has not been addressed. According to SEIU, the source of these many tainted toys is the 'bottom line".
Manufacturers need to make toys at a lower cost and in order to do that certain things must be cut. Since the cost of the process (IE painting a toy) cannot be cut, the cost of materials must be cut. Therefore cheaper materials must be found and utilized. This methodology increases the risk that unsafe toys will make it into the hands of innocent children.
SEIU also stated that many people believe that federal law mandates that toys be safe. However, there is no such law that mandates the production of toys. Therefore, activists are asking KKR to cease waiting on Congress to enact tighter standards in the toy making industry and instead, step up by making their own tighter standards. According to SEIU many feel that manufacturers are putting the bottom line ahead of children's safety by imploring such materials as PVC, lead, and bisphenol-A.
Last week activists and concerned mothers banded together to request that KKR's suppliers and manufacturing partners also adhere to strict guidelines concerning toy production. According to SEIU, the group also requested that manufacturers begin providing inspection documentation and certification of their toys.
Those that gathered outside of the Toys R Us stores today provided free chemical testing on purchases. According to SEIU, a hotline has also been set up to field questions regarding products for children. Parents and others can call 866-311-3405 to have their questions answered. There is also a website available, www.toxicplayroom.org, in which visitors can learn more about toxic toys and also can request a free lead testing kit.
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