Hooray! I'm taking a break from our regularly scheduled Seven to announce that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a one year stay on the CPSIA for crafters.
By no means is the fight over, but this is a step in the right direction. A little win for handmade.
Basically, while we don't have to have items tested or provide certification, we still cannot sell items with lead content over the specified limit. So if you know your items don't contain lead, you're good to go for another year.
I can't possibly list all the details, but follow these links for more info:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/398225_leadtesting31.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html
http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/30/breaking-news-cpsc-votes-for-one-year-stay-on-cpsia/
http://www.pointoflaw.com/archives/2009/01/federal-cpsia-e.php
Showing posts with label Save Handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Save Handmade. Show all posts
1/31/09
1/28/09
How Will the CPSIA Affect You?
The following was copied from a post on etsy for CPSIA blog-in day. I didn't write it, but I added the links at the bottom.
********************************************
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
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. The links below will give you more information about the law and ways to respond to this new law (letters to congressmen, petitions, etc)
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/
http://www.etsy.com/forums_search.php?search_type=forum_title&search_query=cpsia
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12525486
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/
*******Some people seem to be under the impression that since an exemption was made for secondhand stores, they won't be effected by this law. This is untrue.
This will still be a huge deal for secondhand stores. The only exemption they got was that they don't themselves have to get their products tested.
They are still prohibited from selling anything with lead levels above the "safe" levels defined by the law. Since there's no way they can really know the lead level without having it tested, they'll probably have to toss out all their current inventory and won't be able to accept any other children's items unless they've been previously certified safe (and permanently tagged) under the CPSIA. These certified toys will be more expensive whether you buy them the first or second time around.*******
Also, I'm happy to answer any questions, but please follow the links and read about it yourself if anything is unclear or you want more information. I'd just be relaying to you what I remember from the information I've read at the websites I've linked to.
********************************************
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
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. The links below will give you more information about the law and ways to respond to this new law (letters to congressmen, petitions, etc)
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/
http://www.etsy.com/forums_search.php?search_type=forum_title&search_query=cpsia
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12525486
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/
*******Some people seem to be under the impression that since an exemption was made for secondhand stores, they won't be effected by this law. This is untrue.
This will still be a huge deal for secondhand stores. The only exemption they got was that they don't themselves have to get their products tested.
They are still prohibited from selling anything with lead levels above the "safe" levels defined by the law. Since there's no way they can really know the lead level without having it tested, they'll probably have to toss out all their current inventory and won't be able to accept any other children's items unless they've been previously certified safe (and permanently tagged) under the CPSIA. These certified toys will be more expensive whether you buy them the first or second time around.*******
Also, I'm happy to answer any questions, but please follow the links and read about it yourself if anything is unclear or you want more information. I'd just be relaying to you what I remember from the information I've read at the websites I've linked to.
1/24/09
Saturday Seven - Children's Accessories
Check out the "Save Handmade" button on my sidebar, then check these out:
1. Baby Gift Set - Two super sweet burp cloths and an appliqued onsie, all on sale from MERICREATIONS.
2. Mini Monkey Flap Hat - OMGosh these little hats from citefuzz are adorable!
3. Kool Kid Legs - I love that these warmers from mamarunswithscissors work on arms or legs and for boys or girls.
4. Car Seat Strap Covers - rubyjean has all her cute strap covers on clearance. Get 'em while you can!
5. Custom Tutu - I added this not only because I love it, but because GreenEyedLillies gives you a glimpse of the prices you'll be paying for handmade children's items if this law isn't amended. Check out her post on the issue.
6. Baby Sling - Baby slings are just one of those must-have items, especially those that can adjust with your child, like this one form libertyworth. Check out her blog, too!
7. Snail Clippie - Sally the Snail would love to find a home on the head of your little girl! From hairsprinkles, whose whole shop is on sale.
1. Baby Gift Set - Two super sweet burp cloths and an appliqued onsie, all on sale from MERICREATIONS. 2. Mini Monkey Flap Hat - OMGosh these little hats from citefuzz are adorable! 3. Kool Kid Legs - I love that these warmers from mamarunswithscissors work on arms or legs and for boys or girls. 4. Car Seat Strap Covers - rubyjean has all her cute strap covers on clearance. Get 'em while you can! 5. Custom Tutu - I added this not only because I love it, but because GreenEyedLillies gives you a glimpse of the prices you'll be paying for handmade children's items if this law isn't amended. Check out her post on the issue. 6. Baby Sling - Baby slings are just one of those must-have items, especially those that can adjust with your child, like this one form libertyworth. Check out her blog, too! 7. Snail Clippie - Sally the Snail would love to find a home on the head of your little girl! From hairsprinkles, whose whole shop is on sale.Please please please do what you can to help these shops out. I don't think most people realize how many shops are going to go out of business because of this new law. If enough people make a big enough deal, we can make a change. Sign the petition, email your congressmen and call your local newspapers and news stations!
1/17/09
Saturday Seven - Kid Garb
Up until February 10th has passed, all my Saturday Sevens will focus on handmade children's items. Visit the Handmade Toy Alliance to find out why.
It was super dificult to pick only seven items this week! To see tons and tons of cute kid stuff, go to etsy.
1. Baby Bird Tees - The only non-etsy entry today comes from Curious Bird. These little tees were too irresistable not to feature! They're also on sale. Bonus!
2. Bright Little Peasant Dress - I could fall over dead at how cute this patchwork dress is! bonbonoriginals has lots of other adorable styles, too, so be sure to check them out!
3. Rocket Applique Tee - The baseball tee really takes this applique from magicalscraps from great to awesome! You can see more of her stuff at her website here.
4. Flutter Butterfly Dress - theprincessandme has free shipping on this cutesy little dress! I love the color and pattern combo!
5. Red Squirrel Hoodie - The best thing about this super cute hoodie from freerangebaby is that it's reversible! Visit the blog here.
6. Who T-shirt - This funky little owl tee from CatsCranny would make the perfect addition to your little one's wardrobe!
7. Monster Hoodie - This sweatshirt is just too much! I mean, just look at that lil moster face. What kid wouldn't be totally excited to wear this hoodie from MyPreciousGrandchild? And I don't normally do this, but I'm going to throw in another shout-out to this totally rad scarf. Have you ever seen anything like it?
It was super dificult to pick only seven items this week! To see tons and tons of cute kid stuff, go to etsy.
1. Baby Bird Tees - The only non-etsy entry today comes from Curious Bird. These little tees were too irresistable not to feature! They're also on sale. Bonus! 2. Bright Little Peasant Dress - I could fall over dead at how cute this patchwork dress is! bonbonoriginals has lots of other adorable styles, too, so be sure to check them out! 3. Rocket Applique Tee - The baseball tee really takes this applique from magicalscraps from great to awesome! You can see more of her stuff at her website here. 4. Flutter Butterfly Dress - theprincessandme has free shipping on this cutesy little dress! I love the color and pattern combo! 5. Red Squirrel Hoodie - The best thing about this super cute hoodie from freerangebaby is that it's reversible! Visit the blog here. 6. Who T-shirt - This funky little owl tee from CatsCranny would make the perfect addition to your little one's wardrobe! 7. Monster Hoodie - This sweatshirt is just too much! I mean, just look at that lil moster face. What kid wouldn't be totally excited to wear this hoodie from MyPreciousGrandchild? And I don't normally do this, but I'm going to throw in another shout-out to this totally rad scarf. Have you ever seen anything like it?1/12/09
Saturday Seven - Getitwhileyoustillcan Children's Toys
I think most people don't realize the ramifications of this new law, cause if they did, I'm sure there would be mass hysteria.
Anyway. Here are some of my personal favorite toys from etsy. Buy 'em while you can!
1. Little Red Riding Hood Set - I love this little playset from tenfingerworkshop. Because they're made from wood, they're sure to hold up for ages!
2. Rainbow Play Silk - It's a cape! It's a ballgown! It's a tent! It's hand dyed, from BeneathTheRowanTree.
3. Felt Sack Lunch Set - bugbitesplayfood includes everything you need for a yummy lunch! Well, everything you need for a pretend lunch, anyway.
4. Storybook Blocks - Each block nurserylove makes is unique and so adorable!
5. Custom Cloth Book - I love this idea from exlibrishandmade! The name you choose for the front gets spelled out throughout the book. You can also pick your own theme!
6. Joshua the Dinosaur - I'm a big fan of wooden toys (if you didn't notice already) and I love the simplicity of this dino from BBCrafts!
7. Mini Baby Doll - This tiny doll from PolarBearCreations is precious! Perfect for little hands and small enough to tote anywhere! You can visit her website, too.
Good Grief - Overreaction, much?
This isn't really a joking matter.
Remember all the toys imported from China that were recalled because they were basically death traps? Well, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently passed a new law that will effectively put anyone who sells any kind of child-related handmade item out of business.
For more information and how you can help, please go here. It'll only take a minute. And this doesn't just affect the crafters. If you've ever bought a handmade item for your child, this affects you, too. You won't legally be able to buy anything handmade for your child ever again.
That would be a very sad world to live in.
Remember all the toys imported from China that were recalled because they were basically death traps? Well, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently passed a new law that will effectively put anyone who sells any kind of child-related handmade item out of business.
For more information and how you can help, please go here. It'll only take a minute. And this doesn't just affect the crafters. If you've ever bought a handmade item for your child, this affects you, too. You won't legally be able to buy anything handmade for your child ever again.
That would be a very sad world to live in.
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