I'm back from my (unintentional) blogging hiatus and promise to post some updates on us, the adoption, the holidays, etc. very soon. This issue was too important to postpone though...
National Bankruptcy Day - 2/10/2009
In a nutshell, from February 10th, 2009 going forward, all products (clothes, toys, etc.) that are meant for children 12 and under must be tested for lead and pthalates. Now, there have been dozens of interpretations of this, naturally. Everyone reads the law differently, and it seems that the experts even give different answers from day to day, so I urge you to read about it and make your own decision. I just want to bring it to your attention. It seems (and I've been known to be wrong, lol) that thrift stores, Etsy seller, independent "mom & pop" type businesses, etc. will all have to perform this testing as well.
I agree 110% that we do need a law that protects our kids from lead and pthalates. This really is a huge step in protecting them. It seems though as if this was thrown together hastily without thinking about all of the effects.
If anyone is interested in reading about this, you can find some good info here:
http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/2009/01/end-of-kiddie-consignment-shops.html
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/
http://www.apparelandfootwear.org/
*Edited to add: http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/ is a very good, understandable resource as well. Smart Mama indeed.
The problem is that the testing is expensive and time consuming. Thrift stores are saying they would just have to send all those items to the landfill (um, so these contraband, toxic chemicals can leach in our groundwater??). These items are a huge portion of their sales...not to mention that a lot of people depend on being able to buy items at a lower cost at thrift stores. Smaller businesses, consignment shops, ebay and Etsy sellers simply can't afford to do this testing and will be forced out of business.
I can't imagine that this law will stand without some sort of provisions for small business owners and nonprofits. Especially with the economy the way it is now. The government is promoting economic recovery through spending. This would be disastrous. Which is why 2/10 is being called "National Bankruptcy Day".
Consider signing the petition. Or writing a letter to the CSPC or your congressional representatives.
You can sign a petition to the CPSC here.
Write them a letter here.
Or write your representatives here.
Here's the letter that I wrote. You can use the text provided on the websites, or write your own.
Dear CPSC,
I am, first and foremost, a parent dedicated to the safety of my children. I am also a small business owner. I commend you for being concerned about lead and pthalates in products made for children 12 and under. It is a huge concern of mine as well. I do, however, believe that the restrictions that go into effect on February 10th, 2009 regarding testing of these products will do greater harm than good.
I don't have an answer to this problem, but I urge you to investigate one.
You see, if owners of small businesses like consignment shops, Etsy sites, eBay businesses, and "mom and pop" retail stores have to test all of their items, well, they won't be able to. They'll have to close down. Non profit thrift stores can't afford to test their items either, so they'll be forced to send all of these items to the landfill. Then what will the people do who depend on buying clothes and toys for their children at thrift-store prices?
I want children to be safe. I want MY children to be safe. But this law needs to be changed so that it doesn't put tens of thousands of small businesses and non-profits out of business at the same time. This would be catastrophic to our already struggling economy.
Sincerely,
Kellie Brown
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