On June 7–8, 2025, Toxics-Free Corps joined the “Forest Slow Journey” — the Jingcao Carnival — at Beijing’s Xishan Forest Park, a truly one-of-a-kind event.
Centered on the theme “GO FOREST, FOR REST,” this two-day eco-cultural festival gathered pioneers from the environmental and public welfare sectors, drawing hundreds of citizens and visitors. Toxics-Free Pioneer showcased its "Public Interest Testing of Consumer Products" and the nation’s first "AI Interactive Children’s Shoe Safety" feature, engaging in in-depth conversations with health- and safety-conscious citizens and fellow environmental advocates.
01
Nonprofit-Led Product Testing
Revealing Chemical Risks in 150 Daily Items
With equipment and technical support from Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co., Ltd., engineer Sha Jiameng used handheld XRF and FTIR spectrometers to provide on-the-spot, professional chemical safety screenings for everyday items brought by citizens.
In just two days, we tested 150 samples, ranging from children's toys to stainless steel spoons from kitchens, covering various categories such as children's toys, stationery, daily necessities, accessories, and tableware. Citizens queued up orderly, patiently awaiting health-related test results—this cautious approach to the safety of everyday items reflects a growing awareness of health.
Alerts for Children's Products:
The testing table was filled with playful children’s items — giveaway dolls, bubble-blowing toys, tiny sandals, flip-flops, and balloons. While children stood on tiptoe to peek curiously, the testing instruments silently screened the samples for phthalate plasticizers and heavy metals.
Thankfully, the vast majority of samples met safety standards.
However, there were still alerting cases:
#A thermos cup gifted by a close relative or friend was made of non-304 stainless steel
#Phthalates were detected in a plastic doll received as a shopping giveaway
#Phthalates were detected in children's sandals
02
Raising awareness for Children’s Shoe Safety:
From Artistic Warnings to AI Protection
Children’s shoes have been one of the key categories in Toxics-Free Corps’ independent investigations into toxic and hazardous products over the past three years. Since we began investigating the children’s footwear market in 2023, data collected from multiple channels have shown that chemical substances exceeding national mandatory safety standards are widespread, with unclear or misleading labeling on product packaging frequently observed.
To visualize the problem of phthalate-exceeding sandals, we collaborated with artist Jian Ren to create a set of children’s shoe installations.
From the Author
Work Title: "Bunny Baby Children's Sandals Installation"
We enlarged a pair of children's sandals found in actual investigations to be severely exceeding phthalate plasticizer limits, turning them into an eye-catching "warning device." Through exaggerated forms with twisted, parasitic sensations and highly saturated colors, we simulated the process of chemical penetration from surface to core, creating a stark contrast with another safe children's shoe to intuitively convey: not all children's shoes are safe.
We hope this "mutated children's shoe" can be the starting point for parents to pause and reflect.
Meanwhile, to empower parents to not feel confused or lost when purchasing children's shoes, in June, Toxics-Free Corps proudly launched three major AI assistant functions for children’s shoes: "Check Children’s Shoes Public Opinion," "Read Children’s Shoes Factory Labels," and "Read Children’s Shoes Quality Inspection Reports." These support parents by providing precise interpretations and judgments based on photos and text of children’s shoe tags, factory labels, shoe box packaging labels, certificates of compliance, and quality inspection reports provided by merchants.
Toxics-Free Corps AI Assistant
"Mom, let me scan this shoe!" — Besides parents, children also eagerly experienced the AI assistant’s tag-scanning feature.
When a phone camera is aimed at a real factory label, the AI assistant can immediately identify whether the product production standards meet national requirements and whether label information is compliant, transforming engineer-level professional identification capabilities into a tool accessible to the general public. Nearly 100 families completed the initial tests on-site, with parents exclaiming, "Finally, we can decipher what’s written on shoe boxes!"
03
Forest Reading: Planting Seeds of a Toxics-Free Future
The samples and educational materials we displayed were repeatedly examined in the shade of trees. Curious children asked, “What’s this?” — moments like these mark the very beginning of environmental awareness.
One child spent a long time reading "Toxics-Free Home," and we believe they, too, will become a little "Toxics-Free Pioneer" at home.
04
Thanks to Every Partner Spreading Warmth
Thanks to community members, on-site donors, and all participants
As the carnival’s sounds faded into the chirping of insects, the data from testing instruments, the beeps of AI interpretations, and the rustling of flipping manuals merged into the rhythm of urban life.
Although the event has ended,
the journey to protect children continues!
We welcome all parents to participate in our AI-powered children’s shoe safety campaign.
