It Needs Tweeking - Get Involved!

If you have ever or plan to ever sell items that you make (craft show, etsy shop, etc.) you really need to check this out. More government intrusion, although the idea behind the law is quite good from what I've skimmed through.

Think: China sending poisonous toys to be sold to American children this past year - something does need to be done. And with that thought - China also sells toys in Ukraine - have they been tested for lead and other problems? What about baby formula? Was it sold here, too? I don't know the answers to those questions.

This law affects hundreds of thousands of innocent Americans who sell handmade items - knitted objects, craft fairs, second-hand stores, Christmas items - the list is endless.

I encourage you to read up on this law. Contact your congressman. Get involved. Americans are losing their liberties.

Read about it: Information on the Consumer Product Safety Act (CSPIA)

http://liletsyshop.blogspot.com/2008/12/why-you-should-care-about-cpsia.html

Cool Mom Picks, We Find It, You Flaunt It Overview: We're all for strengthening the safety standards of mass-produced toys, clothes, and accessories made in China, and banning toxins like phthalates and lead. But this year, congress passed the ill-conceived Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, a law which goes into effect in two months and will absolutely decimate the small toy manufacturers, independent artisans, and crafters who have already earned the public trust. The very same ones that we often feature here and in our yearly special edition gift guides.

With this act going into effect February 10 2009 so many people we love will be affected: Moms who sew beautiful handmade waldorf dolls out of home, artists who have spent decades hand-carving trucks and cars out of natural woods, that guy at the craft show who sold you the cute handmade puzzle--even larger US companies who employ local workers and have not once had any sort of safety issue will no longer be able to sell their goods. Not without investing tens of thousands of dollars into third-party testing and labeling, just to prove that toys that never had a single toxic chemical in them still don't have a single toxic chemical in them.

Find your congressman: Congressman