Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Cramp my style

I was doing a little perusing today on craigslist when I came across several postings referring to "CPSIA" or the Consumer Product SafetyImprovement Act, which- from what I gather - pretty much means that on February 10th it will become illegal to sell used childrens items. Clothing, toys, shoes, high chairs, doesn't matter. And I don't know if you've noticed but that's like .....my life. Love garage sales, love craigslist, etc. Have you heard about this new law? What do you think? I appreciate that they are trying to make childrens products safer....but what about those of us who don't want to buy all brand new things for our kids...or better yet, what if it is not a matter of preference but a matter of finances. Anyway, two giant thumbs down for this law and I guess I better buy clothing for my kids and all of their toys they'll need for the rest of their lives by February 10th.

Please write an angry letter to your congressman. I did.

9 comments:

Jen and Beth said...

Is this everywhere? That does make me mad. What about all the thrift stores too? Buying used stuff is the only way my kids get things except Christmas and birthday and even then sometimes....good grief. Our government is so screwed up!

Stefanie Miller said...

This is an outrage! It is with the sole intention of protecting manufacturers who's sales have most likely been hurt by movements such as Craigslist, Kid2Kid, garage sales, etc. It would create lots of waste because so much of this stuff is only used for a short time before children outgrow it and is still in excellent condition. An outrage. Thanks for the encouragement to write to our congressman. Good idea.

Brooke said...

That's insanely ridiculous! I think I might start crying. Is it just in Texas or here in Utah too? Honestly I really don't hear about the good things congressmen do- just the stupid things. I don't even care that their point is to make things safer for kids, that is going to make a TON more waste on good usable SAFE items. Wow, I'm pretty upset.

Eric said...

Smells like a lobbyist to me. Some crap-head that works for Mattel or Fisher Price that has long since made too much money off plastic and batteries sold at an insanely high prices trying to make sure that you and I are forced out of "competing" with him (or her).

I think this same thinking is why we don't have flying cars yet.

Do you have more links to this bill? I couldn't seem to find it...oh and sorry for my flippant use of the phrase "crap-head".

Sarah said...

I think that this legislation is meant to protect children against products that could have chemicals and lead in them. Retailers have to have products certified and tested before sale that the products are fit for the use of children under the safety regulations. I haven't seen anything about not being able to re-sell used products unless resellers have to provide this certification too I think its business as usual. But maybe I haven't done enough homework. Where did you get this information? This is why I think I am a Libertarian now. Too much legislation and stupid nitpicky laws make me want to move to a more remote part of the world. Technically the sale of used items doesn't count towards the national GDP, so it wouldn't surprise me that this is the case.

JoAnna said...

I would love to hear your follow up to the comments. This is truly the craziest law I've ever heard!!

Kristi said...

From the actual government website explaining the law I wasn't able to get any information...anyone with a law degree care to go and interpret?

I found this article though, which was good

http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=23

Stefanie Miller said...

Here's a link to a website with a link to contact your congressman and senators: http://sites.google.com/site/handmadetoyalliance/

This website is taking the angle of handmade toys instead of second hand stuff, but it's the same bill and effectively gets you where you want to go.

Chunk N ME said...

Looks like we'll be havin us some toy swaps & clothes swaps within our neighborhoods and wards if that happens. They'll be shocked how many of us are budget conscience and don't buy brand new things for kids!! Why bother! they get broken and destroyed in a matter of minutes. right? :)

Call me! I got all boys stuff lol