Thanks so much to Don who responded here on PR and to those who responded directly to my post on Timberlines. It’s clear you have given well considered and thorough responses on this issue which is valuable feedback. Of course I recognize that we are dealing with a self selected audience with a favorable predisposition to quality pencils. In any event I continue to be interested in additional points of view from other Revolutionaries so feel free to continue adding your input here on PR or over at Timberlines.

Given the choice, I almost always pick the product which seems to help protect me and our environment from harm. I have a decision price point, of course. It isn’t carefully calculated, particularly rational or consistently followed. But if I have a good feeling about the safety and environmental aspects of the product, I’d guess that a 20% price premium is fine. I pay at least that premium for Whole Foods groceries, Shaklee vitamins and other products which purport to be better for me than their competitors’ products. Mostly it’s the labels which influence my decision. The scientific evidence that I’m getting my money’s worth is scanty and contradictory. I just hope that the anecdotal statements are correct, and trust that I benefit.

The PMA seal doesn’t help me, though. What the heck is PMA, or ASTM Standard D4236 anyway? I don’t know before I buy pencils. I cannot research it while I’m selecting pencils, and it’s too late after I’ve purchased them. Now, if the seal said something like “The Pencil Makers Association certifies that the materials used in manufacturing this pencil will not harm you, because it is made in accordance with ASTM Standard D4236″ I’d be comforted. And if I see that verbiage on every pencil package manufactured by X company, then I feel comfortable buying all pencil products from X company. Moreover, the trust is carried over to the brand’s other products.

Governments are quick to regulate when individual citizens feel insecure and powerless to protect themselves from harmful or environmentally destructive products. If a serious issue arises, collective action is called for, and that means legislated rules of conduct. The tougher the Pencil Manufacturers Association is in its self-regulation of members, the more impact it will have on potential legislation. That alone may be a good enough reason to keep the Association together and to support it with your talent and your money.

The bottom line for me is that informative, comforting product labels are important. Brands whose trustworthiness is established by participating in meaningful self-regulation get my votes at the cash register.