Thrift no more?

HR 4040 was passed back in August 2008 and honestly I did not think anything about it. After reading several articles in the past few days about it, I wish I had been more aware of how it was going to impact me, a lot sooner.

This law is retroactive and says that all products designed to be sold to children under the age of 12 be tested for lead and pthalates. That includes toys, clothes, books, furniture etc.

This has the potential to harm millions of people. Not just us consumers that shop thrift stores and consignment sales, but small business owners who can't afford to have every single item they have in stock tested. Not only will this apply to brick and mortar stores but sites like ebay, Craigslist, even YARD SALES!

The potential impact on the environment is huge as well. If you can't use it, or donate it, or sell it on ebay or in a garage sale, there will be a lot more waste in landfills.

There are a couple of articles out there that explain better than I can the possible impact this will have on us. Go here and here.

Then go here to write your Representative and here to find your Senators contact info, and here to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Do they not realize that not only will this ban us from buying used clothing at thrift stores, but it will also cause the cost of buying new clothes rise? How much more financial burden can the average working class tax payer afford?