Top Ten Reasons to Buy USA Made Products

Recently, I have been learning more about products that are imported to America. It is rather depressing to realize that many of the products bought here were made in another place that does not have the same environmental, health, and safety laws/regulations that are in America. So I decided that I am going to try to buy more American made products or handmade products.

I found this list of reasons to buy USA made products from Made in USA forever.


Top Ten Reasons to Buy USA Made Products:

10) Foreign labor standards allow unsafe worker conditions in many countries. When you buy American you support not only American manufacturers but also American workers, safe working conditions, and child labor laws.

9) Jobs shipped abroad almost never return. When you buy goods made in the USA, you help keep the American economy growing.

8) US manufacturing processes are much cleaner for the environment than many other countries; many brands sold here are produced in countries using dangerous, heavily polluting processes. When you purchase American-made product, you know that you're helping to keep the world a little cleaner for your children.

7) Many countries have no minimum wage restrictions, or the minimum wage is outrageously low. When you choose products made in the USA, you contribute to the payment of an honest day's wages for an honest day's work.

6) The growing lack of USA ability to manufacture many products is strategically unsound. When you seek out American-made goods, you foster American independence.

5) The huge US trade deficit leads to massive, unsustainable borrowing from other countries. Debt isn't good for you and it isn't good for America.

4) Foreign product safety standards are low. For example, poisonous levels of lead are in tens of millions of toys shipped to the USA. When you buy toys and other goods made in the USA, you can be confident that American consumer protection laws and safety standards are in place to protect your family.

3) Lack of minimum wage, worker safety, or environmental pollution controls in many countries undermines the concept of "fair and free trade". No Western nation can ultimately compete on price with a country willing to massively exploit and pollute its own people. When you buy only American-made products, you insist on a higher standard.

2) Factories and money are shifting to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy. When you avoid imported goods in favor of American-made items, you help ensure that the United States doesn't find its access to vital goods impacted by political conflict.

1) As the US manufacturing ability fades, future generations of US citizens will be unable to find relevant jobs. Buy American and help keep your friends and neighbors-and even yourself-earning a living wage.

10 Reasons To Buy Handmade

It isn't easier than buying from a 'regular' store. You can't readily find handmade items in bigger chain stores. This might be a reason people simply stick with buying gifts that are manufactured. Although they may not be as easy to find, handmade gifts are great, and here is a list why.

1. Unique! Interesting! Special! One of a kind! Many handmade items are different than what you would find on the shelf. You'll probably come across something that you would NEVER see at a big box store. Giving someone that cool gift would make everyone else a little envious and curious as to where they could get one too.

2. Customization! Can't find something unique enough or can't find exactly what you want? Many handmade artists are willing and eager to make you what you want. This is ideal for that family member that is a little odd, but lovable. Or great when you need something to be a certain size, but the store only sells the standard.

3. Improving local economy. Supporting local artists means you are also supporting the local economy. Your community really does benefit when you keep the dollars circling around your area.

4. Recycled! Upcycled! Trash to treasure! Handmade items that reuse and recycle can easily be found. This is a great way to keep some things from entering a landfill. You can be proud of buying a 'green' product.

5. You are directly supporting the artist. And because you are buying from the artist, you are cutting out the middleman who makes a profit by marking up items. It feels great to know that you are putting money right into the pocket of the creator.

6. Quality. People are complaining all the time that things aren't made like they used to be and that things fall apart too easily. Artists work very hard and put in a lot of care to make sure their items are quality.

7. Smaller or no crowds. You can avoid the shopping mall that is over crowded with hurried shoppers. You can attend craft fairs, or if you want to avoid venturing out all together you can shop online.

8. Connections. You are creating a connection with the artist. You'll probably remember them for a long time if not forever. And returning during the next holiday or next year will make them extremely happy to have repeat customers.

9. Knowledge of product origin. You know where the product came from and who made it. You don't have to wonder if child labor was involved or if people were exploited in order to make this product.

10. Encouraging creativity. You are supporting someone's creativity and skills. It feels great to know that someone appreciates what you do and is encouraging you to continue. Let handmade artists know they have your support!

What are your reasons for buying handmade?



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