What's that you say? I DO have that choice?
Think again.
The CPA has passed a law that all children's items must be tested for lead. While that's great for big businesses (read, WalMart, et. al.), it is devastating to small businesses who cannot afford the testing. Even those who do not sell out of their home will suffer. Less people will be putting money into the economy simply because they don't have the money.
And don't forget that you won't have a choice in where you buy your cute little baby things. Your choices will be dwindled down to Pooh and Elmo.
Environmental issues will be pressed, too. Even with lead being tested, what about all the chemicals used to produce the items in the big businesses. Think about it.
My story - My oldest son sadly inherited the thyroid cancer gene from me, so I have done my best to keep other toxins away from him so that he doesn't have to deal with more problems in his life. He will have surgeries and be on medications for the rest of his life.
If that wasn't bad enough, our youngest was born with an immunity deficiency not yet fully diagnosed. There is an entire sub-class of antibodies he's missing. I struggled with what to do about work. I worked in a fashion design school - clothing construction, pattern drafting, etc. When it appeared he could no longer leave the house without getting sick - forget daycare! - I struggled myself into tears. My sign came when I was let go from my job.
I stay at home with my youngest 24/7, only leaving the house to take the oldest to preschool and the twice monthly trip to the grocery store. We've recently been trying to go to playgroups, which is working out ok.
To supplement the family income - to make up for the loss of my paycheck - I dove deeper into selling my baby items, unaware of the new CPSIA law. I have no other source of personal income. I can't leave the house to work. So where does that leave me? I will switch gears, angrily, wiping away the tears, to men's shirts. It's something I like to do, but not as much as baby items.
My etsy site will dwindle into oblivion until Feb. 9th when it will close. I have lowered the prices in hope to sell what I have listed. http://katrinabelle.etsy.com
But I'm not the only one. Please, please, please, check out other kid's items on http://www.etsy.com to show your support for handmade toys, clothing, etc.
A friend of mine who sells delicious designs for children - http://www.themilkmantees.com - please give them your business before they have to close down.
For more information on this law--
A copy of the actual law as it stands today: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf
The general CPSIA website : http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Total Lead : http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/CPSC-CH-E1001-08.pdf
Original CPSIA FAQs http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.html#educational
Most recent updates to FAQs : http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/newfaqs.pdf
4 comments:
Thank you so much for posting this info. Although, the new legislation is not affecting me as adversely I feel very frustrated with the new law and will continue doing what I can to help with the fight. I have drafted a letter to the local Consumer Product Safety Director here in Utah and plan on sending it out to Senator Hatch and Senator Bennett. Please keep your fingers crossed. Your in my thoughts.
Great post. Thank you.
Your boys are beautiful and you are so passionate about parenting and giving them the best...you have inspired me to look further into this issue...thank you...
Wow - that was a powerful post. Thank you for posting.
Post a Comment