If you haven't heard yet, this ridiculous new law will put all retailers of children's clothing that cannot afford testing for lead and phthalates out of business. Literally. It's absurd that this is happening in the middle of a really tough economy. According to the LA Times:
"Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing.The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead....
...The new regulations take effect Feb. 10 under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was passed by Congress last year in response to widespread recalls of products that posed a threat to children, including toys made with lead or lead-based paint."
So if you've got an Etsy shop or shop at Once Upon a Child and the like, you oughtta care. Write or call your congressman and senators today! Click here if you need a template. A really good blog that explains how it might affect home-based businesses and what you can do about it is here.
ETA: There is an exception for retailers of used childrens clothing and toys (consignment stores, ebay), per a press release issued by the CPSC today.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
About Me
- Leanne
- I am many people. I am the loving wife to Cory (the captain). I am the proud momma to Cole, Matthew (Matty), and Jack, and now...a daughter, Clara. My kids are my life. I am a Realtor, living the dream of being able to work from home so I can raise my kids. These things are important to me: my faith, my family, my world, my friends. I believe in surrounding myself with good people. I believe in good energy and teaching my kids to love. I believe that we all want the same basic things in life, although we sometimes think the road to them is different. I love to read, be with my kids, my quiet evenings with the captain, who never tires of me talking his ear off. That I got blessed with such an amazing husband is nothing short of a gift from God. I am very blessed!
4 comments:
SIGNED. That is so ridiculous. I buy almost everything for the boys from thrift shops and Once Upon A Child.
Just an FYI- they are doing the same thing with cosmetics. A law is in the works for all cosmetic ingredients to be individually tested- something the companies are supposed to be doing anyway. There will also be a yearly fee, none to cheap, to register your company with the FDA. All the proposed legislation would do nothing for company's like Estee Lauder and Clinique but if passed, will absolutely put an end to my mom's business. She buys natural, high-quality ingredients that are tested already and would not be able to afford to have each ingredient re-tested (by a lab) before using them. Here's more info on that subject and a petition for that. http://good-thymes.com/wordpress/2008/08/04/the-soap-room/fda-issue-heating-up-call-for-action/
I'm all for keeping consumers safe but at some point we need to take individual responsibility. We don't need government for everything. If something is a concern to us, then pass it up. Don't buy it. Most of the toys out there are cheap crap anyway.
Irritated,
Julie
Absolutely, Julie. I'll sign your petition too. Ridiculous. There are REAL problems out there.
Ridiculous. Completely and utterly ridiculous. I totally agree with the two of you.
Yay to you for taking a stand. I shall sign.
I've seen this on a few blogs lately. It makes me so mad! I tried to sign but it said it isn't available for my zip code. (Odd!!) Why should that matter...?
Julie said it best about taking responsibility for oneself. The government does not need control of everything! I'm off to sign her petition...
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