The chants of “USA” in President Obama’s speech last week gave rise to a renewed sense of patriotism, and fervor for Made In The USA. Whatever side of the aisle we stand on, I’m sure we all agreed that it behooves us to attempt to buy products that are made in the USA. We all want to try to boost our economy, and one of the most positive ways we can do this is to not only purchase products that are eco friendly, but also that are made in America.
With the recent economic downturn, I’ve heard of countless women who have lost their jobs, and yet have turned it into something positive by starting their own business. I’m hugely supportive of these cottage industries where women and families are gathering together to make artisan baked goods, skin care, perfumes, furniture, clothes and much more.
I am proud to realize that over the past few years, at least 80% of the companies that I recommend, manufacture in the U.S. The primary reason why I recommend these products, however, is because of their incredible quality and/or craftsmanship.
Whenever possible, I want to buy my pots and pans from a family-run green company like 360 Cookware, who take take great pride in the nuts & bolts of their manufacturing process. I want to buy dog food/dog toys from companies who don’t use ingredients and products from unknown sources. It’s way preferable to buy baby products like Mayron’s Goods that are created on our home shores. The list goes on and on, and I would say that a very high percentage of the skin care brands that I rave about are US-made. You may pay a bit more for organic, American-made products, but you vote for a vibrant, healthy economy & environment with your dollars.
The other way of shopping is to shop local. Within a ten-mile radius of where I live, there is an organic/artisan baker, an organic clothes designer, a jewelry designer, a skin care formulator – and I haven’t even got to my local farmers market. I think its imperative that we support these local companies.
I have 2 girlfriends who have a clothing line called Raw Earth Wild Sky. Because they are stellar human beings with strong ethical and moral standards, they insist that their clothes are environmentally friendly, and made locally. They have struggled to stay alive through the downturn, but are managing to just stay above water. A huge shout-out for them, for staying true to what they believe in. Please share with us if you have a U.S.- made company or product that needs a bit of love!
