Buy "Made in America"!
A recent report by Diane Sawyer has me thinking about the things we do and how we impact our own world. In her report, she noted that when all items from a typical, middle class family’s home that were not made in the USA were removed, there was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink.
Literally!
The special report shows truckloads of items made in the USA that could easily replace things bought from other countries. According to Sawyer’s report, if every American spends just $64 more than normal on USA products, it can create up to 200,000 new jobs in the USA!
If you don’t believe how many things you purchase from other countries, just start checking the labels. Everything from oranges at the grocery store to furniture, books, clothes, shoes, soap, and dishes are imported.
Before you make another purchase, think about how you can support the US economy and US citizens.
- Farmers benefit when you purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from them instead of buying imports. Many local farmer’s markets provide locally grown products including beef, chicken, eggs, pork, and more.
- You can find tons of great handmade products on Etsy.com and support local or USA sellers, and get great quality products. We are all watching our pennies with the current state of the economy, and Walmart does offer some great bargains, just like Target and other discount stores. But remember that many products in Walmart and Target are imported from other countries and each purchase lines the pockets of someone who is not in the USA.
- Visit local businesses and support the local economy whenever possible.
- When shopping online, search for products that are made in America.
Join the hundreds of US citizens who recognize the value of purchasing US products and make a conscious decision to buy as many USA goods and products as possible. Help boost the economy and support local vendors, businesses and stores whenever possible. Diane Sawyer has challenged every US citizen to purchase only products made in America for a full month and see what a difference it makes — you may be surprised at how many products you purchase from other countries when you start reading labels.
You can start by taking advantage of the local farmer’s markets in Richmond and the surrounding area. Not only will you support local farmers and businesses, you will purchase healthier, fresher foods for your family.
The following links will also help you find goods produced in the United States:
- Made in America Resource Guide
- Etsy (artisans, artists and crafters)
- Made in USA
- Toys Made in America
- Where Products are Made in USA
- Made in USA Certified Network
- Richmond Farmer’s Markets
Let us know how you support the USA and provide comments below for our readers with any tips and ideas on how we can be better US citizens by supporting our own country.
Visit this link for more about Diane Sawyer’s report.
