If LJ goes PLOOEY

You'll find me at http://dampscribbler.blogspot.com

also:
http://www.last.fm/user/dampscribbler
http://twitter.com/dampscribbler

Where will I find you?  

(FYI)
and


Edit to add:  I'm screening comments in case anyone wants to post email addresses.  Email addresses will be deleted (after I put them in my address book) rather than un-screened. 

Save handmade and second-hand toys, clothes, and furniture

The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act may be well-intended, but the consequences to parents, to crafters, to resale and consignment shops, to swappers, to small toy manufacturers, and even to charities like Goodwill could be devastating.  Because the act will require third-party certification assuring that all items that change hands -- toys, clothing, and furniture -- are free of lead and phthalates.  Third-party certification being a lab that the manufacturer and/or seller must pay.  Is your consignment shop going to foot the bill to assure that your second-hand Carter's blankets or Gymboree footie pajamas are free of phthalates?  Are you willing to have your old sandbox tested for lead before taking it to Goodwill or putting it in a garage sale, even though there was never any risk of it containing lead to begin with? What about that teddy bear you bought your niece on Etsy last month?  As of February 10, that Etsy seller may be considered an illegal operator.  

The government is taking comments on the CPSIA through this month, and we also need to contact our congressional representatives while they're in session this month.  More details about how to help are at Cool Mom Picks and at Baby Cheapskate.  Please send a message to your legislators -- this well-intended act may have terrible unintended consequences.