Monday, January 5, 2009

Feb 10th - National Bankruptcy Day

I put this on my personal blog but it needs to be heard so I'm putting it here too.

A law was passed requiring extensive, retroactive lead and phthalate testing on all products, including clothing, that are sold for children ages 12 and under.

On the surface, it sounds like a good idea, but if you dig in just a little you find the problem. This testing has to be done on each and every item that is sold, resold or GIVEN to consumers. The law covers consignment, thrift stores, garage sales, ebay, etsy and hand me downs. EVERYTHING.

Technically, I could be prosecuted for giving old, untested baby clothes or toys to a friend.

What does this mean for us? Small business are looking at $500-$900 per article of clothing to be tested. That is unreal and so high that it's not even possible to pass the cost onto consumers. Small businesses, boutiques and thrift stores are going to be forces to declare bankruptcy and close their doors.

The places that can afford the testing are going to raise their prices to offset the costs.

To see more about National Bankruptcy Day SEE HERE

To see how it will effect the prices of your children's clothing, SEE HERE

An article to see how this will effect thrift stores SEE HERE

How it will effect small business like Etsy SEE HERE

For a Facebook group that helps you to see how you may be able to change the law SEE HERE

Write your congressman!

bored?

So last night I was bored. Misty told me of this fun site. nymbler.com. You put in names you like and/or the names of the kids you already have and then it gives you suggestions of other names you might like. It kept me busy for an hour or so.