An American buying American

[Kristen]

*** I don't know if this belongs here or not, but I think it kind of fits. I know we've talked about it before, and Becca has posted about it a lot, but I wanted to share what I posted on another site, and hopefully we can share good things we find as we shop.***

****************************************************



Do you consciously try to buy American made?


With all the topics about Chinese imports on the news, I have really started paying attention to where things are made, and I am disgusted. Not just because of the possible dangers from some of their products, but because just about everything thing I see is made in China!


So, for the last two months, I have made a conscious effort to try to buy primarily American made items, and if I can't find what I need made in America, then I try to choose a product made somewhere other than China, preferably where their manufacturing guidelines might be similar to the US, or where the economy is emerging and I feel like it's a good thing to help boost it.


Add to this that I am a vegetarian, and I try to buy leather-free products, and it has become exceedingly difficult to buy anything. But I'm not going to focus on that aspect of my shopping guidelines here, because I know that doesn't apply to everyone.


However, I feel that buying American, or avoiding Chinese products, does apply to just about every American. Take a look next time you go to the mall. For me, it is REALLY disgusting when I see designer clothes are made in China, and most likely in sweat shops. Or at least what I would consider sweat shops, even if they don't necessarily fit the exact definition of one. I will not pay $250 for a name brand dress that was made in China. When it's from Walmart, I get it. There is very little room for profit at those prices. I still don't want to buy it, but I get it. But at designer and name brand prices, there is PLENTY of room for profit, so why can't they set an example and keep it in our economy, and under our regulations?


A lot of people think it's too expensive to buy American made products. I have found some truth to this in some areas, but when it comes to name brand clothes at the mall, they are all expensive so it really doesn't make a difference. And when you choose to only buy non-China products, you will suddenly find that you are not buying nearly as much, and you are saving money big time!


As a military wife, sometimes I feel the need to be more patriotic than I was before I married a military man. I think that this is definitley one of the ways that more Americans should show pride in their country. I don't want to let capitalism over shadow patriotism anymore. My Grandfather, a World War II vet, was adamant about buying American made products, and he was the most patriotic, intelligent, and honorable man I've ever know. I'll show my pride as an American, and honor his memory, by keeping it American, and I hope more military wives will do the same.

[Kristen]

And here are some of my most recent finds that I think fit the bill:

Lucky Brand Jeans - Made in the USA (and super comfy and cute!)

New Balance Sneakers - Some are made in the USA. You can search their website for products made in the USA, or at the store, the boxes will have little flag stickers on them if they are made in the USA.

Correlle and Corning dishes - Made in the USA.

Williams Sonoma dishes - Made in Italy but that's better than made in China.

Ray Ban sunglasses and cases - Made in the USA. ***ETA - the glasses are made in Italy, the cases are made in the USA.***

Charlie Brown's Christmas Music CD - Printed in the USA.

Little Tikes Toys - Their website allows you to search only the products made in the USA.



There's more... I'll add later because I'm drawing a blank.

And please, please, please, post anything you find made in the USA, or at least anywhere but China!

[Becca]

I'm finding that it's just about down right impossible to find toys or baby items of any kind made in America (or somewhere other than China). If someone could pass on some sites or info that would help me out finding american made toys that would be much appreciated.

K'Nex is made in America, but DD is still a little too young for their items.

[Kristen]

Originally Posted by Becca I'm finding that it's just about down right impossible to find toys or baby items of any kind made in America (or somewhere other than China). If someone could pass on some sites or info that would help me out finding american made toys that would be much appreciated. K'Nex is made in America, but DD is still a little too young for their items.

I'd like to add to this request! I'm having trouble with finding dog beds not made in China, or the coats/sweaters for them. I know that sounds silly, but Angus is built like a greyhound, and I'm worried about him handling the cold when we go to VA, MD, and NY in the next few weeks. And since he always ends up chewing on his beds, I really don't want Chinese made.

So if anyone notices any that aren't Chinese made, please share!

[=Mrs.AiNokeA=]

American Toys
American Made
American Made Products
American Made Pet Supplies

[Becca]

WOW Stacey, thanks!!

[=Mrs.AiNokeA=]

Originally Posted by Becca WOW Stacey, thanks!!

You're welcome. I added a couple more.

[rosebud*]

I made my last dog bed/jacket for my dogs. it was really easy. if you want to go that route.

[harrisonsdream]

great post

[Kristen]

Originally Posted by Stacey American Toys American Made American Made Products American Made Pet Supplies

That pet one is awesome! They have a link to "West Paw" design that has GREEN beds with recycled plastic bottle filling, and they're made in the US! Now dh and I just have to agree on one. Of course I want the kind that will match our decor, and he wants the kind that look like Lazy Boys for dogs.

Thank you for posting that. I have done so many internet searches, but never found that one.