The Downfall of Changing CPSIA

[Former_Member]

So many miss-posted topics on this forum (that get continued and not closed) and the fact that relevant posts are hours and hours in-between on this forum are an indication to me that many are not seeing any importance any longer in getting CPSIA changed.

This was a hot and heavy forum when everyone thought that they were going out of business - next month, next week, tomorrow. Then the Stay of Enforcement happened and just as was intended by CPSC when the Stay was issued all the pressure came off - but it also came off those who were making progress toward change in a reforms bills that would change CPSIA to a more workable form.

Problems are coming, I am sorry to say, when the labeling part of CPSIA goes into effect in August (see you don't have to until Feb 1010) when it will be impossible to label every item (not packaging) with what must be included on the label as specified under the law. This could be a more insurmountable problem than the testing - and the reform bills are not even addressing the labeling requirements.

There may not be on-going concerns to post here but there is certainly indication that this is not all important to many who it effects any more.

[Former_Member]

You make a very good point, pastperfect.

[Former_Member]

I am not sure what to do from here. I see there are two that have been invited to speak before the congress on this difficult issue. Perhaps we could help in someway with their expenses to get there to testify. I could not help a whole lot, but could help some. Perhaps if we came together to get our voice before the Congress and see if they can take something to represent us when the go that would help the congressmen and women to see a real face on this problem, including the labeling issue. What does anyone else think?

[Former_Member]

Yep. Me too.

The labeling issue does seem to have a little wiggle room as they included the words "to the extent practicable". I know I'm hoping beyond hope that those words apply to me.

[SusanAnna]

What a mess!

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

marking. I'll comment in the morning

[SusanAnna]

The poor people are getting hit the worse. The second hand stores still do not take any children's products.

This country is soooo headed into turning into a 3rd world nation where the discrepancy between rich and poor is sooooo huge. I can see that the only super rich will be The President, his cabinet, and all those who work in Washington... Every other industry will be so controlled by laws, regulations, bills, big brother, censorship, religious un-freedom... You name it. Wait until the press, talk shows, or the film industry get what is coming to them. But, then, maybe they will become the 4th branch of government, and they will also be allowed to continue to be super rich.

Then the powerful and rich will be our government. And the rest of us will just have to bribe our way into what is left of their moral conscience.

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

It's not that we don't see any importance, I don't think. I suspect it's more that there's nothing new to report, and I for one was getting burned out on being angry all the time about it. At least at one point there was some media coverage about it, but even that has tapered off.

We're still riled up, but for me, ATM, creating is taking precedence. If it doesn't, I won't get anything done EXCEPT the letters and the griping. :-\

[Former_Member]

I personally burnt out on tying to follow every CPSIA update, writing letters and blogging. I planned to be in for the long haul, but it's too much. I can't do it all. I'm just me and I'm over scheduled as it is.
So when my listings expire, I'm done.

That said, I'm still a concerned parent and if there is something more I can do that I haven't spent months doing already, I want to help. I just can't devote my life to the CPSIA anymore.

What can I do? Tell me, and I'll do my best.

[AuntCindysAttic]

I have an idea for us... I'll make a new post.

I do agree that it's hard to stay angry and work at this for so long. It's disheartening to do that and create. I needed to focus on creating for a while. We need to be ticked off again though as a whole.

[Former_Member]

What can be done and what needs to be done is for every Congressman and Senator's office to be flooded with letters - and the labeling sections must be addressed as well. Read this -
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/103faq.html

Don't be lured by the clause - “to the extent practicable,”. Who decided what is practicable? And will it be decided before or after you are charged with a violation of non-compliance to a Federal law?

Component testing would mean nothing if you have to permanently label each finished item with all of the details as required for each component used. Even just the basics for one take up more room than is practicable for anyone of us. And where will these labels come from - remember each lot needs new compliance testing and labeling. How many of anything do you make in a "lot"?

And this (labeling) all hits in August! Pressure is needed on Washington - if you want to continue making children's items.

Maybe the idea is that we all just stop doing that. Maybe this was the intention of the Toy Industry Alliance all along when they co-wrote the regulations. We don't hear them complaining about CPSIA anymore - do we?

[AuntCindysAttic]

pastperfect said:
Maybe the idea is that we all just stop doing that. Maybe this was the intention of the Toy Industry Alliance all along when they co-wrote the regulations. We don't hear them complaining about CPSIA anymore - do we?
__________

I think you've hit the nail on the head. If the government can take over GM, do you think they give a rat's heiney about crafters' businesses?

[Former_Member]

The Dems. don't care about this issue, it is voted on & done. They have other things to do now, like investigate, have a trial & execute the Republicans BEFORE the next election cycle!
Helene

[SimmonsCreek]

I have been trying to follow this thing from the moment I found out about it. I don't make childrens items, however, I run a charity for needy babies. I think there is alot of misinformation floating around in cyber space and I also think that everyone interprets the law to make it say what they want it to say. I have asked several times what I can do and I have never gotten a response. This whole thing infuriates me and I have seriously considered shutting down my charity.

[handsewn]

Simmonscreek- I hope you don't shut down your charity. If there's anything I can do convo me.

[SimmonsCreek]

Thanks handsewn,
I honestly don't know what to do. I've got the greatest group of volunteers who are working really hard to provide the things we need without using 'forbidden' items. I have a lady in the UK who crochets buttons and sends them to me so that I can replace all of the buttons on all of the sweaters that I have sitting here. I have boxes and boxes of gently used clothing that I can't do anything with. I'm just hoping that this thing gets amended so that we can continue to help those that need it.

Lora

[Former_Member]

Its crazy, it really is.

There was a post that insinuated that some of us were over the top in our worries. I figured that I was one of those crazies, so I've been trying to lay off the CPSIA forums and do more happy things. It works well to call people crazy. They just shut down.

In real life, I am anticipating the August change. I am trying to develope a new line of products to sell. I don't want to violate any laws and I don't create the volume of things that would make it reasonable to adhere to the new regulations. I will try to use up some of my baby item materials and sell them before August. Once August is done, I'll save all unsold products for my babies and friends.

My decision now is to decide what I want to focus on. I'll miss making baby items. I really get joy out of making a blanket, knowing a little one will be held and cuddled in it someday.

I guess it sounds like I've given up. I have. When the government takes over the banking industry, that means they are taking over businesses. My little business doesn't have a chance.

[BebeChicBoutique]

My Mother Mary, your sentiments are mine. It will break my heart to think I cannot make baby blankets and other baby care items. It may sound silly, but it brought a lot of joy to my life.

I also am trying to reinvent myself into other sewing/craft areas because I do still need to create and sell. I just find myself being pulled back to the baby items as hard as I try to focus on other projects.

I live in an area where the main industry was coal mines. Now I know that brings up a lot fears as far as pollution, and I do agree, but I watched as the gov. closed down the mines in our area and people that depended on those jobs were suddenly jobless. Our whole area is so depressed now. So... yes, you are right, our little businesses don't have a chance. So sad.

[Former_Member]

Oh, Bebe, you break my heart! I think we are kindred spirits. I just love making baby things! I want to stay in business, too. It will just be harder. When I think of making new totes, I think of baby totes and little kids back packs. I just made a pattern for a little back pack! I dont think I'll be able to make one. It needs a zipper, and I will NOT buy more fabric. It would be throwing good money after bad. It would be adorable, but illegal. Illegal to make a back pack. Who would have ever dreamed.

In a town north of us, factories are shutting down left and right. Meanwhile they are planting TREES in the islands in the streets with pot holes. Can any one tell me where common sense went to?

[BebeChicBoutique]

To add to this, it also makes me sad to think that future children may not know the beauty and specialness of handmade. I still cherish the things my grandmother and mother made for me as does my daughter. All many children know is what comes from the big box stores and that is usually cookie cutter. Craft fairs and sites such as etsy provided a way for people to buy outside the box if they themselves did not sew or craft or have the time for it. I could go on but think I need to focus elsewhere today. Helps to know someone else can identify with me.

[Former_Member]

this makes me think the business to go into is to teach others how to make things for themselves. So many women no longer know how to sew a simple hem! If they want beautiful handmade blanket, they will need to learn how to do forthemselves.

HMMMM...wheals are turning in my head! I may have to do a workshop!!

When one door closes, God will open a window!

[SkyviewClay]

Amen MyMotherMary!!

I'm working on a licensing deal with right, hoping the finalize soon. My letters may come to an end, but I've learned in my years that something else will follow. :)

As far as labeling goes, I guess I won't have to worry about that since my work will get destroyed in the testing process...ugh!

[Former_Member]

I'm one of the ones who was invited to testify before congress. Please convo me with information on the labeling. I've been so focused on testing that the labeling has kind of slipped from my radar. I want to be sure to represent a lot of people like me, so if you can convo (or make a post here) that gives me a succinct rundown of the labeling and how it is detrimental to our businesses, I'll for sure bring it up in my testimony.

Thanks!

:D

[Former_Member]

I just sent you a convo, Starbright.