Top 10 things NOT to say to those affected by The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010
Adapted from Whimsical Walney
While people may not know what to say to you when you tell them about the Safe Cosmetics Act recently introduced to Congress (HR5786) and how it may affect your business, some people seem to forget to think before they speak.
People unaware of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 may not understand what to say because they don’t know how it affects our business. Here is a list of the top 10 things not to say to small businesses who will affected by this bill if passed.
1. The Safe Cosmetics police will never come after you, you’re too small-fry. (Response: The lawyers may though.)
2. …but we need more laws to protect people.
3. Only Procter & Gamble needs to care about this law since it’s their fault.
4. Oh don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll fix it in time.
5. Don’t worry, it wasn’t intended for you.
6. You’re smart, you’ll figure out how to comply.
7. So sorry to hear you closed (accompanied by a tsk, tsk look that says, ‘then your products must have not been safe.)
8. But it will make our cosmetics safer. Why would you be against a bill that will make cosmetics safer?
9. Why not just do all the paperwork and be done with it.
10. This all the fault of the ______
After you regain your composure, politely remind them to educate themselves before speaking and suggest they check out the OpposeSCA site and Personal Care Truth sites for information about the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.
Those of us in the cosmetics business that already produce safe, non toxic products will continue to talk about the truth behind the Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. You can read about the Environmental Working Group and their 'reign of error' here.
4 comments:
Dear Cindy,
Thanks so much for this post! I have heard just about all of these comments so far...including "you'll find something else to do!" The problem is, THIS is what I want to do...and if this passes, (especially as a Calif. Resident)...it will spell the end of my Micro business.
I think I've heard each and every one of those comments...my favorite being "oh, don't worry about it. They won't come after you!" Yikes!!! Well, I am fighting this for sure (have done letters, campaigns, etc.. Surely there are other issues more present in Washington than to pulverize out beautiful micro businesses. We're all working very hard to be self sufficient and to make our own way. In short we do not want/need a government handout. It's about making a living and doing something you love. Shouldn't that be worth something???
Deborah and Birgit, thanks for the comments. The truth is that we do need to be very worried about it. The organizations pushing this bill (EWG and CFSC) have shown that they really know nothing about small business or how cosmetics are made. We will surely fight this as well as we know how because making safe cosmetics is what we want to do.
Love it Cindy...I think I've heard these all too.
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