Some children’s toys are made by children in near slavery in China:
“The Liangshan child labor case is quite typical,” says Hu Xingdou, a professor of economics and social policy at the Beijing Institute of Technology. “China’s economy is developing at a fascinating speed, but often at the expense of laws, human rights and environmental protection.”
Professor Hu said that while Beijing has pushed to improve labor conditions throughout the nation, local governments are still driven by incentives to grow their economy, and so they try to lure cheap labor. “Most of the workforce comes from underdeveloped or poverty-stricken areas,” he says. “Some children are even sold by their parents, who often don’t have any idea of the working conditions.”
The child labor cases are an embarrassment to the Chinese government, which has in recent years announced a series of nationwide crackdowns on child labor and labor law violations.
Embarrassing? Good. One alternative is to direct your toy-buying funds elsewhere: Not Made in China - a collection of China-free toys and household products (car seats, etc.).
April 30th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I am trying to brainstorm a way to avoid having friends and family purchase toxic or made-in-China, gifts for the baby shower (and beyond). I know I won’t be able to prevent it 100%, but it’s not easy even finding a gift registry that has enough non toxic, non made in China items on it. I’ve thought about foregoing a baby shower altogether, but several folks have already said Booo to that idea.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:22 am
h sofia — if you have friends and family who have kids try a “hand me down” shower… they can pass on things that they’ve used and outgrown or buy things second hand. You can give the person who’s organizing the shower a list of the types of things that you need rather than registering at a store. (This works incredibly well for 1st and 2nd birthdays as well!)
May 1st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
h. sofia, I have some ideas if that isn’t pushy!
Would your friends be willing to host a different sort of event for you? On my blog under the “honoring birth” label is one alternative that worked out very well for a friend.
as far as gifts you don’t want, I have developed a few habits.
1)accept generosity for what it is. Unless I am seriously concerned about the safety of a toy or baby item, I simply accept it and say thank you.
2)with closer friends and relatives I am vocal about my desire for less stuff, and better stuff. I ask that friends chip in on more expensive items that I will need such as car seats.
3) i have finally learned the art of smiling, accepting a gift with graciousness and then returning it to the store as soon as possible.
with my first son, i was very self righteous about what was acceptable and what was not. with my second, i was more gracious and it helped a lot.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
Mindthing and Shannon - thanks for your advice; I will definitely keep your thoughts in mind as I plan on this. I’m sure I will receive things that I feel less swell about, but I doubt I’ll receive anything of the Lawn Darts made in China variety. I’ll remain calm. =)