After Feb. 10, Forget About Buying Used Kids' Gear
During last year's debate over phthalates and lead in children's toys and clothes, I thought it must be a positive step for Congress to make kids' gear safer. So I was shocked to learn from friends (and an excellent Los Angeles Times article) that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will also have the effect of banning sales of used clothing, toys and equipment for children aged 12 and younger unless the items are tested for hazardous materials - which is cost-prohibitive for most thrift stores.
This is a problem. A big problem. I buy most of my daughters' clothes secondhand, and many of their toys and books used. Last year I scored a Peg Perego double stroller for a fraction of what it would've cost me new.
I could understand the ban if it only applied to toys, especially those items that babies love to put in their mouths. But a law that prevents me from buying lightly used Gymboree or Baby Gap outfits is simply ridiculous. And during a recession, being forced to buy brand new clothing is the last thing working families need.
Are you upset? Here are some things you can do to make your voice heard:
- Join the Facebook group devoted to the topic.
- Write your senator and member of Congress to express your dismay over the law.
- Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is accepting comments on the rule.
Also, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below.
Photo credit: Inti St. Clair/Getty Images
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Comments
I’m sorry, but I think this pending legislation is a great thing! I worked for years in a nonprofit organization that gave clothes away to needy families. Our biggest competition was a well-known FOR PROFIT organization. It never ceased to amaze me how they could justify their existence by handing over a miniscule portion of their profits to needy organizations and then claim they were ‘helping society’.No one seemed to grasp that the amount of money they were charging desperate parents for their used goods was nothing less than thievery! In some cases, they received 100% profit on some items they sold WITH NOT ONE PENNY OF INITIAL OUTLAY!!! How can anyone justify this? I am THRILLED to see these robber barons brought to heel. BTW, I raised four children for many years on my own. Not once,since they were born, did I ever sell a piece of clothing or anything else. People shouldn’t be selling them PERIOD! I hope many more organizations and common folk, learn to help their fellow man (child, woman) by donating where it will do most good.
There is no need to be an alarmist. This new law specifically exempts thrift stores. Read the related articles and lighten up!
Get the government off the backs of native americans and other crafts people who sell clothes and toys
Lead is more likely from china..let’s boycott China goods if the US is doing this to us!!!!
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