Gov’t: Don’t resell kids’ stuff!

This comes from Baby Cheapskate, who gleaned information from a variety of sources, including:
The L.A. Times
KCBS in San Francisco
The Simple Dollar
The National Bankruptcy Day website
The I Heart Handmade website

Apparently, it appears that children’s items including clothing and toys will need to be certified as tested free of lead and pthalates in order to be resellable. So, if you want to put those newborn items your 5-month old has outgrown on eBay or Craigslist, be prepared to shell out some dough to test them for this stuff! Ridiculous.

This is taking consumer protectionism way too far, IMO. It will likely put resale/consignment shops which deal heavily in children’s products under great strain, and render sales by private individuals (including yard sales and crafts) “illegal” (though how the government plans to enforce this, I have no idea). In theory, too, it’s Washington indicating that they probably care far less about going green in this country than they let on. (let the chorus sing “duhhhhh”). This promotes our disposable society to remain disposable for longer, and in greater quantities.

Also, from what I’ve read so far, places like Freecycle (which we use!) are no-nos, as well. What’s next, no more hand-me-downs? Geez. Good thing we already handed off Ivy’s too-small stuff and her Moses basket to an expectant mother on our local freecycle. I’ve read also where Salvation Army has refused donations of children’s toys. So, keep that in mind, or call before you take a big bag of stuff to a charity. They might not accept it anymore.

Ugh.

If you have a blog, please spread the word by posting about it. If you have email, spread the word that way. Baby Cheapskate has provided an image (below) to make a virtual vocal opposition to this new bit of legislation. Feel free to copy and paste it into your emails or blogs or wherever.