Ok I'm on a borrowed computer right now and just found out tomorrow (Wed) is a day for uniting (according to Etsy) and blogging about the CPSIA. I've been pretty quiet about it, I know, but that doesn't mean this terrible law has just gone away. So, I'll join all those other bloggers of handmade children's goods or other outraged people and blog away. Feel free to copy this and blog about it too! Below is the latest and greatest news links. If you don't read anything else, then read the Forbes magazine article. It explains it so well and it's an easy read. As far as my shop goes, I will not be selling children's items after Feb 10th....unless of course they extend the deadline. I have plans for other things, though and don't worry, you can always ask me to make something for you personally. Nothing that I make is hazourdous. No lead....no phylates or however you spell that....I know it's a harmful plastic and that it is not in any of the materials I use. Why can't I test for this and keep selling? There are just too many components to my stuffies. The cheapest I've seen it is $5 per thing($5 per color of embroidery thread, each fabric, stuffing etc). That adds up quickly. I would have to buy bolts of fabric and make duplicates of things to make testing worthwhile financially. I have no desire to be a factory! I also don't have a way to permanently label my items. I thought about making fabric labels through a computer printer......but then the ink is considered toxic. Oh and I know the last time I posted about this, I said that thrift stores are exempt from testing. This is still true, but the law says they are still liable for what they sell. Anyway, if you have read this far, thank you for caring!
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
4 comments:
Sorry, I was signed in under my son's account so I deleted my comment.
This is all SO SICKENING that I'm in shock they haven't ammended this law by now! Thanks for taking the time to disseminate this information for us and keep us rallied behind the cause! You're super!
Yikes! The whole thing is such a mess. I am really sorry that you are a victim of it directly, but sad that I am a victim indirectly... miss you and your posts.
I wrote my congressman and senators back at the beginning of the month. One responded already, but there was not anything of much substance to the letter. Basically, he said, "Yes, this is a problem. Hopefully something can be done about it before February 10th. Boy, is it unfortunate. But the law is a good one." It really kind of upset me. I expected him to actually care about his contingency's opinion about stuff. Anyway, I'm doing what I can. I will be very sad to see your products be taken off the site. You are so talented. Hope your computer gets fixed soon. I miss your posts and your sweet little boy's videos. Hope the house selling is going well.
Post a Comment