2011_Holiday_Gifts_The_Sunshine_Group
Write out LOUD SALE _10_2011 (click the link for sale that ends on 10/31/11)
Sharpie Mini
Paper Mate Ink Joy Color Gel Ink
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip
Chemical makers say BPA no longer used in bottles from: USA Today article
WASHINGTON – Makers of the controversial chemical bisphenol-A have asked federal regulators to phase out rules that allow its use in baby bottles and sippy cups, saying those products haven’t contained the plastic-hardening ingredient for two years. Some researchers are convinced that ingesting the chemical can interfere with development of the reproductive and nervous systems and possibly promote cancer.
Some researchers are convinced that ingesting the chemical can interfere with development of the reproductive and nervous systems and possibly promote cancer.
The unusual request from the American Chemistry Council may help quash years of negative publicity from consumer groups and head off tougher laws that would ban the chemical from other types of packaging because of health worries.
For now, the industry says concerns over bottles and spill-proof cups are unnecessary.
“All the evidence we have is that those products have been off the market for several years,” said Steven Hentges, the American Chemistry Council’s director forBPA issues. “We’re trying to bring clarity and certainty that BPA isn’t used in baby bottles and sippy cups today, and it won’t be in the future.”
BPA is found in hundreds of plastic items from water bottles to CDs to dental sealants. Some researchers are convinced that ingesting the chemical can interfere with development of the reproductive and nervous systems and possibly promote cancer.
Consumer health groups hailed the move as a “win for moms and dads” but pressed for removing BPA from more products.
“The writing is on the wall for BPA,” said Mike Schade of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. “We hope to see a major transition away from BPA in canned food in years to come.”
The chemical industry’s petition points out that the six leading makers of baby bottles stopped using BPA in 2009. And none of the 13 major BPA producers, which make 97 percent of the global supply, sells the chemical to bottle makers.
The group represents BPA producers including Dow Chemical Co., Bayer and Momentive. The companies maintain that BPA is safe and the decision to petition theFDA was not influenced by science.
The FDA regulates chemicals used in food packaging. It is illegal for companies to use substances not covered by FDA rules.
Agency spokesman Douglas Karas said the industry information is “consistent” with its own research, suggesting regulators would approve the request. The FDA typically takes comments on petitions for 60 days before making a decision.
The industry move also appears designed to head off state-level efforts to ban BPA across the U.S. On Wednesday, California became the 11th state to pass a law banning bisphenol from baby drink containers. Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and a half-dozen other states have passed similar laws in the past two years.
“This move eliminates the need for state and federal governments to spend further time and effort on a matter that has no practical outcome,” the group said in a statement.
Consumers Union, a nonprofit advocacy group, pointed out that “the industry collectively spent millions of dollars over the last five years” lobbying against the BPA state bans.
“The chemical industry’s action doesn’t go far enough. They need to get on board with a national ban on BPA in all food and beverage containers,” said Ami Gadhia, the group’s senior counsel.
Legislation introduced by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and other federal lawmakers would ban BPA nationwide in all canned food, water bottles and food containers. Those products are not addressed in the industry’s petition.
The vast majority of canned goods in the U.S. are sealed with resin that contains BPA to prevent contamination and spoiling. Canned food manufacturers have used the chemicals since the 1950s. The practice is approved by the FDA.
But some manufacturers have responded to concerns by switching to alternatives. Heinz uses BPA-free coatings for its Nurture baby formula cans, and ConAgra and General Mills have switched to alternative sealants for some canned tomatoes.
The chemical industry says BPA is the safest, most effective sealant.
The federal government has been grappling with the safety of BPA for nearly three years. The FDA revised its opinion on BPA in 2010 saying there is “some concern” about the chemical’s impact on the brain and reproductive system of infants, babies and young children. Previously the agency said the trace amounts of BPA that leach out of food containers are not dangerous.
The FDA said dozens of animal studies linking the chemical to tumors and abnormal growth are not applicable to humans. The government is spending $30 million to study the chemical’s effect on people.
About 90 percent of Americans have traces of bisphenol in their urine.
While older children and adults quickly eliminate the chemical through their kidneys, newborns and infants can retain it for much longer. Scientists pushing for a ban on the chemical argue that BPA mimics the effects of the hormone estrogen, interfering with growth.
Did you think that can coolers, coozies, koozies, huggies, whatever you want to call them only were available in a few styles? There are the traditional styles made from foam, flat collapsible scuba foam or even better, wetsuit material – neoprene. There are the tall kind that go over glass bottles. Sometimes, those have a zipper. That’s it, right?
Guess again. These styles are just a peek into the many that are available. So, next time you want koozies, think beyond the “what’s cheapest” and go for something that is unique and original.
Left – Right: High-top sneaker, Dye Sublimated T-shirt (print a photo on a koozie) Fire Fighter boot, No need for a paper bag with a 40 oz. koozie, Mini-Write-On/Wipe-Off message koozie, magnetic, Denim with a branded patch, Pocket Koozie, Solo Cup koozie is perfect for any tailgate or Beer Pong game, Energy drink and Tallboy koozies
Hydration stations sweep colleges to promote tap water – USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/niXeWN#.TnNipVHDGPY.twitter via @USATODAY
Filling stations are no longer just for gas. In an eco-friendly push, hundreds of U.S. colleges are installing water fountains known as hydration stations so students can refill water bottles rather than buy new ones. Some campuses are even banning the sale of bottled water.
The stations are also popping up in airports, parks, office buildings — and even on tours with bands, including the Black Eyed Peas— as efforts proliferate to reduce plastic waste by promoting tap water.
Adding to this push is a network of more than 800 restaurants and cafes nationwide that have agreed to give people with reusable bottles free water refills. New York-based TapIt, a non-profit group launched in 2009, has worked with city governments to sign up eateries in 22 states. Next month, Philadelphia is slated to join, TapIt’s William Schwartz says.
“It’s the right product at the right time,” says Rod Magnuson, of Elkay, which began selling several versions of the water stations last year.
Elkay reports more than 150 colleges and universities have installed its refilling stations. About the same number have installed Brita ones, which launched in November, spokeswoman Katy Loos says.
“They’re so much easier than tipping bottles under the old water fountains,” says Mike Gallagher, a sophomore at Immaculata College. The college in Pennsylvania has 20 hydration stations. “You can fill them all the way to the top.”
What will this mean for bottled water? After a two-year dip, consumption rose 3.5% last year when it averaged 28.3 gallons per American, according to the International Bottled Water Association, an industry group.
“It has a following that’s strong,” especially as recycling of plastic bottles gets easier, says the group’s Tom Lauria. He doesn’t expect hydration stations to hurt sales, adding: “There’s probably enough room for both.”
Contributing: Marohn also reports for the St. Cloud Times in Minnesota
Sugar Free Halloween ideas: Candy Bags, Lip Balm, Glow in the Dark Cups, Blinking Pens, necklaces and lights for safety and fun!
Check out one of our suppliers making fun use of a Pumpkin light up pen: http://youtu.be/nfNTLLMq8us
Are you looking for just the right shirt for your next group gathering or outfit your staff at a function? Something that says “I’m here for the party AND I’m professional”. Not a polo and not a dress shirt and does not need to be ironed and looks good on everyone? Look no further than the Traditional Guayabera Shirt.
Colors for men: White, Light Blue, Black
Colors for ladies: White, Light Blue, Black, Cadillac Pink
65/35 Polyester/Cotton. Four Front Patch Pockets. Dyed to Match Pearl Buttons. Notch Sleeve Cuff with Button. Cubavera Streamer on Inside Placket. Tonal Pineapple Logo on Right Sleeve.
I do recommend ordering a size up for everyone. Trust me. These run small. If you want to embroider a company logo, I recommend adding it to a sleeve in the same color as the shirt. There is a nice amount of detail on the shirt so a complex logo may over-do-it.
Two months ago, I packed up and moved to North Carolina. You know how a move goes – collect packing supplies, pack, paint, moving truck, unpack, organize, sigh of relief when it is over.
In my packing efforts, I opened the “catch-all” drawer in my house and desk at the office and found a world of resources in promotional products that were used in the process. Some of these were blank samples, some from client orders or things I picked up at an ASI or PPAI trade show. I admit, I have tried over the years to only bring home a few items but after seven years, these items found their way into one home and now another. Live on promo items, live on!
Here’s a list of what I found handy during my move:
- Double wall insulated cup with straw – move over PBA and metal water bottles, there is a new sheriff in town. I started with a 16 oz. tumbler but quickly moved on to the 24 oz. option…more ice, more water, “more better” – in the words of Phil Sunshine, owner of The Sunshine Group.
- Tape Measure with built in pencil and sticky note pad – I measured specs of rooms, windows, boxes and more. I even sent one to NC for measuring the specs of our new home.
- Sharpie markers – one in each pocket, especially in the packing process
- Packing tape roller with built in cutter
- Mini-screwdrivers with rotating Phillips and Flat head tips
- Pocket Flashlight
- Hats and visors
- Recycable/reusable grocery totes – great for packing things like weights and were wonderful for giving items away to friends and neighbors
- Portable iPod speakers – battery operated and easy to move from room to room when painting
- Box cutters
- Key rings – the more unique the better and was a must have to have a bottle opener style
- Garden tools
- Spiral notebooks – I’ve gone through three in two months
- Koozies – we moved on July 4th weekend so you can imagine how many water bottles were consumed
- Sticky notes
- Expandable file folder for important papers
- USB drive
- Ceramic coasters – one on the wood desk, end tables and kitchen counter
I love promotional items. They are fun and functional. Did you know that eventually, most promo items end up in the kitchen/catch-all drawer. Open your drawer up and put those products to use!
Community Involvement (Click link to read article)
