Comments on: Cheerful Frugality Steels Herself

By: DeputyHeadmistress

DeputyHeadmistress — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:03:39 +0000

I am sorry to by a rain cloud, but that clarification is really not as nice as it sounds. For one thing, Julie Vallese, who issued that clarification, says she was misquoted by the paper. For another, she resigned the same day. I blogged about this on my regular blog on the 8th, you can read my concerns here You should know that a number of people, including lawyers, do not find that clarification reassuring. Resale shops are still at risk. All they really said is that the shops don’t have to test, but they are still liable to be prosecuted for selling untested items. Allan Adler, VP for legal and government affairs at the Association of American Publishers also looked at the ‘clarification’ for resale shops and sees it as unclarified as I do. He:

believes the clarification is contradictory to the Act and would not necessarily protect resellers from liability.

(the Smartmama also sees that clarification as I did, see her January 10th article both for her take on that, and a very helpful list of those things she finds typically have lead). Random House and other publishing houses are now involved in fighting the CPSIA, and the ALA has sought further clarification from the Commission as well, as their lawyers do not see how the Commission can legally exempt them. In addition, the ‘clarifications’ are not binding. They aren’t legal advice. And they have an expiration date- the current Commission of two will have three more people added when Obama becomes President, and they may well be replaced altogether. The new Commission can overturn whatever this one has done. See my regular blog and click on the CPSIA label to follow the latest on this bill.

By: Hollie Fike

Hollie Fike — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:06:10 +0000

whew…I am truly glad about the resale issue being resolved….but what about the handmade small businesses. Does anyone know if they dealt with this yet?

By: Mar

Mar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:02:43 +0000

The CPSC issued clarifications to this rule today. The press release is at the top of their page at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html

In reading it, it basically says that manufacturers have to test items made on or after 2/10/09 and the resale shops are not responsible for doing so – WHEW! They do caution the stores and everyone else to be careful what they sell anyway, but it appears that the stores can sell these items. I think this will still be onerous for some of the small toy and clothing makers, though.

Personally, methinks they probably got a LOT of grief once this came out AND the sponsors of the bill called to tell them what they INTENDED the bill to say, even if it’s now what the bill actually said!

By: Gina @ Six in the Country

Gina @ Six in the Country — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:58:02 +0000

Since my kiddos are all almost out of the “toy stage” of life, this one is not my biggest fear. I wonder if the same rules will apply to yard sales? I have no idea how they would regulate this, but it makes me wonder.

The clothing is my biggest fear. Although I am an avid clearance rack shopper, I don’t like the fact that options are being lost. The economic impact, especially in such fragile times, is also worrisome.

What are they thinking?

By: Jenny M

Jenny M — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:07:05 +0000

It’s not necessarily a done deal – I have written my congressman about this issue, and if anything is to be done about it, it would be great for more people to do the same. They may not have considered the far reaching effect that this law will have, on the environment (hello, landfill?) and on the economy! Write!!

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:33:35 +0000

Thank you for the silver lining. I have also been panicking a bit about this.
The waste and loss of such a wonderful frugal resource makes me sad, but I like the perspective you’ve provided.
I suppose it’s time for me to really learn how to use that sewing machine, and count my blessings that my baby is a girl–it must be easier to learn to sew dresses before pants!

By: Emily@remodelingthislife

Emily@remodelingthislife — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:41:59 +0000

My brother and I started making wooden toys for my kids over the summer. I think I am going to have to start up again.

I am panicking over losing my $1 gymboree clothing and $2 brand new stride rites source.

By: lynette355

lynette355 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:21:58 +0000

Thank goodness we have a local clothes closet for reused clothes. Look into the local food pantries. Many have a clothing area too or know where to go.

By: Mod Girl

Mod Girl — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:07:32 +0000

And… we’ll create a closer-knit community with others by sharing {no cost involved there!}!

By: Shannon M

Shannon M — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:57:35 +0000

This is really weighing on my mind, too. I don’t buy many toys (Grandma more than provides!) but clothing could be a real issue. I wonder if it will affect our local twice yearly kids consignment sale. Hopefully it won’t come o that. But I totally agree that it’s time to start adjusting – taking better care of things we already have and buying much less are high on my list this year.