Jan 09 2009
Childrens Used Clothing
Imagine my reaction when a friend of mine told me yesterday that our government passed a law last year that, as of February 10, 2009, will prevent me from purchasing my children’s clothing at resale shops, thrift stores, Goodwill, and even GARAGE SALES. The law was written with the intent of protecting children from lead poisoning, mostly with an emphasis on toys. Now, however, it seems that the law also covers children’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, backpacks, books and toys. Any business who sells these items gently used will be required to pass each item through a test for lead prior to placing the item on the shelves for the public to purchase. Of course, the cost to implement the testing is extremely cost prohibitive for any small business.
I visited my local Goodwill store yesterday and the associate with whom I talked had no idea what I was talking about. She said she would ask her manager about it the next time she saw her. If indeed this law will impact the resale community the way it seems it will, why haven’t they been notified? Children’s clothing, toys, books, and other items are a large part of most resale shops’ income!
Several articles I read mentioned that after February 10, 2009 (which is just a few weeks away!), all used children’s clothing, books, etc. will have to be thrown into the trash (per the LAW) and hauled away to the landfill. Hmmm…how does that help our earth or our communities?
Garage sales are mentioned in several of the articles I’ve read concerning this law. How is it that the government can tell an individual what they can or cannot sell at their personal, private garage sale????
For those of us who depend almost exclusively on resale shops to clothe our children (and our family for that matter), is the government now going to send me a check each month so I can shop the mall for my children’s clothing, books, etc.?? If they want to take away my source for resale items, shouldn’t they reimburse ME somehow??
I urge you - if you shop your local thrift stores, Goodwill stores, and consignment shops on a regular basis - contact them as soon as possible. Ask them if they are aware of this law and the manner in which it will impact their business. Ask if they’ll be able to comply with the lead testing requirements. Take along printed information too so they can see what you’re talking about.
Make noise! I will be conducting more research on this issue and trying to get out more information as the days go by. In the meantime, here are a few links to which you can refer.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=85542
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/shopping_blog/2009/01/consumer-produc.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf
