Countless times I've sat down at this computer o' mine with intention to write on my blog about something that has increasingly become more bothersome to me~ but the fact is, I have been so positively livid at the situation I couldn't possibly fashion my thoughts in a coherent way.
Then, with expected company over the weekend and unexpected company yesterday, I was given the gift of DISTRACTION. Diversion from the thoughts that are pervading my moments of every day.
But here I sit, once again, seething.
I can categorize the blogs I read into four different genres.
FAMILY/FRIENDS blogs
CRAFT/SEWING blogs
PHOTOGRAPHY blogs
FRUGAL blogs
The greater percent of blogs in ALL categories are written by homeschooling moms~so, I guess that could be considered a category too.
The last few weeks, the crafting community has been up in arms about the new "Big Brother" regulation on kid toys. (A more explanatory blog post here) This upset me with empathy toward all the ETSY moms who create, in my opinion, products WAY better than could be found in the stores or the products created by very talented entrepreneurs in other arenas. The cost to test their supplies would be too great for a VERY large percentage of them to continue. I was angry with the intrusion of government and even more angry that people were actually believing it was for THEIR benefit (or in this case, the benefit of their children). Anyone who puts MERCURY in vaccines and says it's okay clearly does not have our best interest in mind. But THAT my friends, is for another day. Better yet, I better not.)
Well~ the law has become increasingly expasive and more all-encompassing. It then was revealed that THRIFT stores would not be exempt from the testing. So. No SECONDHAND toys, either. All of the sudden~ the FRUGAL blog community became involved. But still. The imposing of the government angered me-but... toys are toys. Superfluous. Fluff. Unnecessary. It didn't really affect me because TOYS are not usually in my budget anyway. Frankly, children don't NEED toys to be entertained and quite possibly, with their lack might become more imaginative (by creating and making due), healthy (by playing OUT of doors) and even establishing closer bonds with one another (because, let's face it: entertaining each OTHER is more relational than playing with a videogame.)
Ah. But NOW.
Only yesterday was it revealed just how inclusive (and bothersome) this law is. Not only TOYS (the unnecessary) but CLOTHING. Big stores, little stores, creators and stitchers of kids clothing and accessories, AND thrift stores are all required to toss in the landfill anything worn by ANYONE 12 years old and under (just another question mark in my mind on their supposed concern for our children. What about the children that are 13 years old? Does their health not matter to anyone?) and put up the cost of extensive testing on future products sold. Period. No exceptions.
And right there is where the suckerpunch gets me. And hits HARD.
My family is clothed primarily by thrift stores or yardsales. About 5% of purchases are "brand new"~and everything besides undies and socks better be 75% off or MORE off of original price. Yes. I am a stickler. Yes. I am a cheapskate. And yes- I am DEPENDENT upon secondhand clothing. And I would not classify us as poor. Think of all the truly poor people that are going to be affected, who depend solely upon thrifted clothing. Think of all the truly poor children who are not going to have clothing, because the government is "looking out for their wellbeing".
So right now I am frantic at the thought of clothing my children in the future-without the help of secondhand stores-thanks to pesky "Big Brother" I know how to sew (and enjoy it)-but even disregarding time restraints, the fabric alone is often more cost-prohibitive than simply using gently worn clothing.
I hate talking about unpleasant things on my blog. Hate it. Loathe it. Despise it. But for those of you who are not aware:
Please DO NOT donate used clothing or toys to thrift stores. Starting February 10th, they will be the newest layers of padding to the landfill. (oh-and weren't we supposed to be trying to SAVE the earth?!?)
Rather~ save them. Give them directly to those who need them. Share them. Or sell them at yardsales.
There is only ONE beneficiary to this law and it is NOT our children.
17 comments:
Hmmm. perhaps they are trying to "boost" the economy by forcing people who are all ready in debt into buying brand new. Yeah, that'll work.
I have decided child experts know nothing about children, and that people who try to "help" the economy, know nothing about normal blue collar people, trying to make ends meet.
I have more I could say, but I won't.
Here's a thought though (well 2 actually)A. Pray really hard that the decision makers see how foolish this notion is, and reneg on it.
and B. in order to make clothes for the kids, buy adult clothing and use the fabric. Jumpers can provide enough material for shorts and pants, and skirts can be used for dresses, tops, etc.
My $0.02 worth.
Mrs. Bonnie~ holy mackeral you and I are on the same wavelength! While in the shower I was considering buying adult clothes and using them for fabric. You know what they say about great minds... ;-)
I should've mentioned from the thrift store (adult clothing), but I'm sure you figured that out ;0}
I have always loved going to the thrift stores and perusing all the goodies, and clothing has never been something we have bought, because well we have no little ones, but I have to say I am more than willing to stand up beside you guys, Bonnie and Rebecca, and say this whole thing is ridiculous! Welcome to the next four years with Barack Obama! God Bless. He, our Savior, (Not Obama) can get us through ANYTHING! Love you both.
Oh good grief! I am sure Canada will be next. We seem to like to do utterly ridiculous things in this country too!
I love the idea about remaking adult clothes. I better get much more efficient on the sewing machine very soon!
Thanks for the heads up on this Rebecca!
I think this is just so stupid! Who thinks of these things? My 2 daughters just started an etsy store and will now have to take down their things as they were for children. We aren't sure if they'll just make different things geared for adults, but it's just the whole point. I wholeheartedly agree with everything written in the post and the comments!
~Karen in Ohio
P.S. I completely agree about the mercury in vaccines, but you're right, it's a whole 'nother topic! :-)
Unfortunately, I believe this new law even prohibits giving these untested clothes away!
And as far as toys go, I just bought myself a book, with Christmas money, on knitting toys. It sounds like it would be "illegal" for me to make knitted toys for my own children or to give away as gifts.
And Americans like to boast about living in a free country. [rolling my eyes] Once upon a time we were but we haven't been for a very long time.
Yes the WAHM comunty has been talking about this for a few months..I don't live in the USA but if this isn't changed I will not be able to sell my items down there. Many WAHMs are closing or have already closed because to this.
Also small publishers of HOMESCHOOL curiculum are also upset. As it stands they may have to have all of there books tested, for every print run they do. This would aply to used books also.
The only ones this wont hurt to badly are the huge corporations who can easily aford this.
Sorry for all the typos I have a bouncy baby helping me type LOL.
Oh I forgot to say, using adult dresses cut down for girls works great! I do this a lot for my little ones, mostly because its so hard to find long skirts/dresses in their sizes.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that I thought was perfect. It said "Sure you can trust the government" and on the right hand side of the statement was a picture of an Indian Chief. I too, think there is more to this than they want us to think.
~Martie
I think that Leah's right. even yard sales and giveaways are to be prohbited by the new law. You could be prosecuted. What is our country coming to?
HA! I haven't heard about yard sales and charity but I'll tell you something. I'll be a rebel if necessary. It is my Christian duty to share with those in need and I'll be darned if anyone is going to stop me from giving something I don't need to someone who DOES need it~and is thankful for it.
So there! ***Phlaaaaa*** (btw, that was me blowing a rasberry at government regulations.
As an Etsy seller myself, I have looked into this - and actually have an attorney friend making calls for me, but it looks as though most all of the hand-made 'custom' artisans will be exempt. The law as it is written is so vague, that it is questionable at best if it will even be enforceable if a legal petition is filed. The idea of the law is a good one, but has been admitted by the enforcing agency themselves that it was not well thought-out or well written! They did not realize the impact on small business when they wrote it.
I trust that in the coming weeks the feathers will be able to settle back down!
~Kristie
It makes no sense. So an infant cannot wear little dresses that have not been approved, but a mother can snuggle, cuddle, hold and breastfeed her baby while wearing a lead-infused blouse? What about nursing bras...since they are obviously for women over 12, and yet the fabric touches sensitive areas that babies put in their mouths....it seems that something else is going on.
I don't guess this should come as such a shock. First it's Monsanto wanting to control all the seeds planted, then it's the threat of NAIS for our animals and now it's regulations on children's items. Makes you wonder what's next.....
Beth
Thought I'd share what I just read here - http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
"Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards."
However, it also goes on to say this, "The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties."
... just thought you might be interested to read this!
Kris
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