The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) goes into effect on February 10, 2009.

In an effort to protect children from exposure to lead, US lawmakers passed the CPSIA last summer. Many are worried that the new requirements will put thrift stores and consignment shops out of business. The Hipsters tell you what you need to know about the new law, including recent updates. Then they reapply sunscreen as Northern California basks in a winter heat wave. (No hating!)

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Another local selection from our new favorite listener, Janel in Arizona. Nimbus Brewing Co. Pale Ale has us on cloud nine! (And we love the monkey.)

Chocolate: Janel understands that Hipsters don't like to share chocolate. That's why she sent 2 variety packs from Wei of Chocolate in Phoenix, AZ. It's organic, fair trade and vegan, with lovely herbs and spices. Get your own!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! A double-whammy for the new year: save money while you change your life with Greenfeet's Stainless Steel Water Bottle Kit. Here's your chance to get a 27 oz. Kleen Kanteen with two caps plus a bottle brush, for only $18.95. Take the plunge!

• Tot Snot. Is Vicks VapoRub menthol salve making small children sicker? A new study suggests the ointment may constrict airways in sensitive kids and should never be used around the nostrils.
• Geekgasm. Green was the word at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Greenpeace was on hand to rate the wares of some companies, though biggies like Apple chose not to participate. Activists say a truly green gadget must be sustainable from design to disposal, so shop mindfully.
• Prius, may I have another? The 2010 Toyota Prius is the greenest car in the land. With a solar roof, selectable driving modes and more spacious interior, you'll almost forget you're getting 50 mpg!
• Plenty of trouble. The latest casualty of the failing economy is Plenty magazine, which ceased operations this week. We loved you Plenty, even though you bashed our show.
• Yes Pecan! That's the Obama-flavored name of Ben & Jerry's latest scoop-with-a-cause. Slurp some in January; the proceeds go to the Common Cause Education Fund.
• There she is... If you can find the Miss America pageant on TV, tune in and cheer for Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler. She's wearing a locally-made eco-friendly gown, which she says is "the perfect fit."

Charge it! This will be the year your family stopped throwing out batteries. If you switch to rechargeables, you'll recoup your investment in just one or two uses! Find the battery charger that's right for your needs, and get energized!

As products from China and elsewhere continue to test positive for lead, US lawmakers have responded to parents' concerns with legislation designed to get the lead out of children's products. Find out how the new law works and why it's controversial.

• CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was enacted in August 2008 and takes effect on February 10, 2009.
• Bloggers warned of the threat to thrift stores if all resellers were required to get expensive lead test certification.
• Regulators recently announced some exemptions to the law, including sellers of used children's products.
• Consumers can stay on top of product recalls and safety news at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and lawyer jokes at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks so much for mentioning us in your blogs: IntRinSic ArT and Pixie Farts! You rock!
• Jill in Wisconsin unlurked long enough to share an article about growing your own luffa, and pose a good question about the plastic bag challenge.
• Sara in Virginia is one of those Defenders of Wildlife who volunteer to clean up parks, and she knows how you can become one too.
• Jenny continues on her new vegan diet, so she's doing her part to fight climate change.
• Dakkar loves the concept behind the Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon: Burn and Earn!
• Big Ed always thinks of his favorite Hipsters when he sees the words chocolate and beer in the same sentence. Mwah!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.