I just heard on NPR that a new Federal rule goes into effect Feb 10th requiring all used children's items to be tested for lead!! Clothes, toys, books- you name it. HELLO?!!! Consignment and thrift stores are saying this will put them out of business. The new rule mandates all EXISTING stock to be tested as well as incoming. Can you imagine? One caller said that the zippers, buttons, lace, all parts of every article of clothing has to be tested, requiring several tests per item. This means your favorite used children's clothing stores could close or stop carrying childnren's stuff.
This will CHANGE OUR VERY EXISTENCE IN THE HUNT HOUSEHOLD. My kids each own about 3 NEW articles of clothing. I looked back at them in their car seats when I heard this story and determined that everything they had on except Odessa's shoes (and underwear) were used- even their socks I got at garage sale!!! ACKK. I decided it's not even about the money as much as me feeling good about providing for them in a thrifty and (less wasteful) way. Why buy new when they grow so fast? Why buy new when you can get SUCH CUTE USED CLOTHES? We even buy some of their Christmas presents used. They got a Fisher Price Farm and an art easel used this year. Last year it was a play kitchen and rocking horse and mini-tramp. I am ready to cry at the thought of losing out on all those future sweet deals.
Well, there may be hope of them amending the law to make it a bit easier on these small businesses that can't handle the testing and what-not. But mark this, it will change things, that is for sure. In an economy such as ours, what a great kick in the head, right? Can't save money anymore buying used things for your kids.
Ok, I know- it's about safety for my kids. Well, my kids get tested for lead poisoning and I keep a tab on things they have. But I had no idea their clothes could prove such a threat.
Stephen's solution: "Maybe you should go buy up a lot of used clothes before Feb 10th". I love that man. Did he just give me permission to shop?
6 comments:
I think he did!! Good thing too for 2 girl's because whatever you buy for Odessa, eventually Ada will wear!
The government's always finding new ways for people to pour more money into circulation. Thanks for the warning.
i think maybe you need to get that in writing and then go crazy! :)
crap. what am I going to do? I was sort of counting on using craigslist to get all the baby stuff that is too expensive to buy from the store! yikes. I have my doubts as to how effective they'll be at regulating thrift stores, etc.
Thanks for the heads up! I'm glad that you have girls and I have boys so we won't be looking for the same things when we head out shopping. Hee Hee!
I can't see how the government is going to regulate garage sales though. So it's not over yet!
Interesting though.
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