TAKE ACTION

The holidays are nearing, but lead-contaminated toys still loom as a concern for parents after the pile-up of recalled products throughout 2007. Recalling toys after they've come to market is no solution for children who may have already been exposed to lead. Urge your congressperson to support tighter regulation and supervision of the entire supply chain (for your senators and representative, see www.house.gov and www.senate.gov).

If holiday overconsumption is wearing you out, a small business microloan to a widowed store owner in Nicaragua or a baker in Uganda will inspire only good feeling (www.kiva.org). Or help out a rural community by giving a goat to an elderly person in Ethiopia (www.cowsnthings.org.uk).