Reader Jill E writes in today about her experience with Oeuf's Sparrow dresser:
Hi Denise and Alan – I'm still such a big fan of your book. I wanted
to let you know what happened to me with the Oeuf Sparrow collection
so you could tell your readers.
I ordered both the Oeuf Sparrow Crib
and Dresser/Changer. I wanted an eco product and a modern look. The
dresser drawers smelled so bad (off gassing?) that I tried airing
them out. I couldn't put clohts in the drawers because the clothes
would pick up the odor.
3 months later…. I'm in a new store in LA
called the Green Cradle. They have only organic baby furniture and
clothes and accessories. I was telling them about my problem and to
my surprise they told me about another customer of theirs who had the
same problem with the Sparrow changing table. That customer called
Oeuf and got her money back.
I've since returned mine to the store
and in doing so have learned that this is a problem with this
furniture. Please let your readers know that this is not an ECO
friendly option. I'm now looking into the Q Collection which is crazy
expensive (but not reviewed in your book) but completely ECO
FRIENDLY. Although a part of me is tempted to just go get an Ikea
Gulliver crib and call it a day since my little girl needs a crib
fast! Thanks for your great book. I now have the 411 book, but with a
new baby, I have no time to read it!
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Before my twins were born, a friend offered a used crib. It was missing a few nuts and bolts, and one wheel was wobbly, but I fixed that with $5. Since then it’s worked great for almost two years. I hope I can give the crib to a friend when I’m done with it.
In my opinion, passing down used goods is ECO friendly, because it prevents landfill and doesn’t consume new materials in construction. When no money is involved, this also spares me from working to earn extra money. Working consumes energy and resources, just as landfill and construction do.
The Oeuf team was very concerned to hear about this issue when Jill contacted us. We want to reassure her and others that this is a very rare issue, affecting one product per thousand sold. We have only had two customers, including Jill, where the issue did not resolve itself after the product was aired for a few days.
This issue can happen when the product is packed before the paint is fully cured (which can take up to three weeks). However, as we use extremely low-VOC, water-based finishes which meet the very toughest Californian and European emissions standards, you can be confident that the paint smell does not indicate the presence of harmful chemicals.
At Oeuf we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Our products are made in an FSC certified facility in Europe. Wood wastes and finishing materials are recycled. Packaging is made from recycled cardboard. Please get in touch if you have more questions on these issues.
Sophie McNeill, Oeuf Marketing Director
I recently ordered the Oeuf sparrow dresser and have the same exact problem. It’s already been a few weeks and the smell is not going away. We tried putting it outside for a few days to air it out with the windows constantly open when placed back inside. It’s making me nauseous and I’m unable to put my baby clothes in yet. My other friend had the same experience. It smells extremely toxic and am returning it. It’s just unfortunate because I’m due in a few months and have to look for another dresser.