China, think about it.
Ms. Hooks I apologize if this offends I don't intend it to.
Have you ever stopped and checked to see just how much of the things we buy are made in China? We are currently on a " no made in China purchases " kick. It's hard to contribute to a country's economy so much when there are so many unsafe products being produced there and we have such strained relations with them that could cause conflict in the future. Take a minute and look at the things around your house and you'll realize just how many items you own or pick up to buy that are made in China. It's a little scary.
posted by The Bean at 10:30
6 Comments:
I will think about it and look. Does my computer and its innards count? ;o) Kinda hard to get around that one, isn't it?
Nice to have you back, by the way!
I am not at all offended - but thanks for thinking of me. :) yes, it is important to notice where your products are coming from, but be careful - its a slippery slope. where did your shoes come from? they may not have a sticker, but chances are they were made in a factory in asia somewhere, where the worker was only paid 5 cents American. of your sweater - was it purchased at a store known for supporting local workers, or one that expolits their workers and outsources their labor (ahem..walmart to name one) and m'elle brings up a good point - do you only stop at clothing and toys? what about electronics? hitting home a little for me...what about your coffee? can guarantee it wasnt grown in the States...
i think it is vital to support the local ecomony of wherever you are, but just as vital to not forget that the reason we have products that are made in other countries, is because it is one way our country supports another - through trade. but, it does no good if that trade is corrupt and all the money is going to some middle man corporation. to stop all imports could thrown a struggling country into even more poverty.
i would suggest checking out the following websites - the offer very helpful information about supporting workers, local and otherwise, in ways that truly make a difference
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/fairtrade/
http://www.puravidacoffee.com/
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/where_we_work/united_states/news_publications/food_farm/art2564.html
I would also highly suggest checking out the documentary The Corporation as well as Barbara Kingsolver's latest book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"
Above all, before you make any major decision, like only buying local, or only buying fair trade, or whatever - do your research. find organizations that have been in places for years, and benefit off their studies and data. ask around. its crazy what we find when we open our eyes
Ok, I'll step off my soap box now :)
I like when you get on a soap box. :) I have actually done some research and I don't stop at just toys and clothing. We look at everything. And it's not supporting Asian countries that we are having trouble with. It's China mainly for their lack of quality lately and other things that I have trouble explaining (having to do with Mr. Bean's line of work). And we don't shop at Wal-Mart and haven't for a while. I do miss you though and am getting a care package ready for you as I type.
I don't shop at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club anymore. It's been about a year for Sam's Club and about 2 or 3 years from Wal-Mart, and it is true - low prices aren't everything. I don't buy as much useless junk either.
Liz - there are so many books I want and need to read - I either next access to someone's library or brave the Montgomery libraries. I don't even know what their selection is like.
Thanks for the links and, Bean, thanks for the question! How is your quest for non-Chinese products going?
I know I can't do it all, but we are trying to make little changes here and there at The House of Many Feet. Cloth napkins and the compost bin are our current projects. The rats and raccoons love the compost. Any suggestions?
Canvas bags for shopping are next on the list!
(sigh)
Great post and fantastic online conversation .....we should all try harder to buy American!
Its a win/win for everyone really....
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