The CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in toys (obviously a good thing) but it mandates enormously expensive third-party testing and certification for all products intended for children under the age of 12. It’s the ridiculous expense of the third-party testing and certification that will close businesses and make it illegal for work-at-home moms and dads to sell their handmade goods.

5 Minutes for Mom

If this passes, basically, all we will be able to buy will be products from stores and big businesses. No more homemade baby blankets, no more homemade dolls or doll clothes, no more homemade baby carriers or cloth diapers. It will be a big change, and I don’t think it will be for the better. I understand the intentions are good. Truly, I understand that. However, let’s not pass something just to do it. Let’s get a good, effective, and implementable law in place from the start.

Let your voice be heard. Here’s what you can do:

• Write your congresspeople. Find your Representative here and your Senator here.
• Write the CPSC.
• Post your concerns on your blog, on Facebook, or on MySpace.
• Send an email directly to the CPSC or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301–504-7923
• Twitter: Search using the #CPSIA hashtag
• Join the CPSIA Facebook Group
• Join these Etsy folks and send a handmade toy to Congressman Rush.