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Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:53 am Post subject: Made in the USA

This morning I had some idle time so I decided to pick up my Nintendo DS Lite and play a few games. As I handled the console I noted the MADE IN CHINA stamp. This got me thinking about all the things that I and many others enjoy that are made in China. Anything and everything from clothing to electronics, to circuit boards that create those electronics, are all manufactured in China.

Then I contemplated a post I had seen sometime ago here on PFer that implied "boycotting China". Now, I say implied because I don't remember what it read word-for-word or even who the poster was. Regardless, it was food for thought and got my thinking-cap on. I know that China has a bloody and dirty track record that easily justifies the boycott movement and awareness. But this, is not that discussion. I'm curious as to how many of us here are actively boycotting? Do you selectively boycott or boycott China?

As for myself. It's pretty obvious via introduction of thread that I am not boycotting.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:40 am Post subject:

I didnt vote, because I wouldnt put it in those terms, exactly. I make a marked effort to only buy made in the US items. Sometimes it's impossible, so I wouldnt say I am boycotting. I just go out of my way,or spend more when necessary to find things that arent made in China, or other countries, although I'll admit that I concentrate more on Chinese products. Even if you find things that are made in the US, that dosent mean that some of the parts werent made in China! It's frustrating, but I do try because it's something that I feel strongly about.

I am also this way about fresh food, and I feel even more strongly about this. I buy all of my meat, dairy and produce from local, or at least Texan, sources. This is much easier, as I have access to local farms in my area. Even at the grocery store, there are Go Texan! stickers on food grown/raised in Texas.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:51 am Post subject:

I buy products from China, but its not always something I'm aware I'm doing. It's hard when everything is made in china. Sorry, it just seems like everything is made there.
I love shopping at the local dollar store- i pick up my holiday decorations from there versus paying a higher price at a decorations store. This year I bought a cute scarecrow, scarecrow wreath, and fall leaves cling. I couldn't afford to buy decorations if it wasn't for the dollar store (same scarecrow would have cost 10-15 dollars at other stores, and wreaths are just way too overpriced as it is). Kmart has wreaths- starting around 20 dollars.
The local dollar store also has kitchen utensils, and I bought what I needed when I moved into my house last year- otherwise I would have been broke trying to buy them somewhere else. I got a pizza cutter, rubber spatulas, and measuring cups of differents sizes, all for $1 each, $1/set.
I could be mistaken, but I'm assuming alot of Dollar store items are made in china. I think in today's economy, dollar stores are great. They are actually booming from what I read the other day on a newsfeed.

With that said, I would probably never buy baby formula made in china.
Razz

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject:

I also wouldn't say I boycott as I still end up with items made in China. However, I do try to find items made in countries that are not China. I actually have no issues with buying items made in Canada or western Europe. For food I do try to buy locally grown, although that is very difficult. I have yet to find a place that sells local meat, but there are three grocery stores that do sell locally grown vegetables and fruits.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:30 pm Post subject:

I don't think I boycott China as much as I just try to shop locally and secondhand. I'm sure I end up with stuff from everywhere else, but when I buy it secondhand, it's pretty much done its time in the retail circle and it still benefits local causes.

I'm not a bigtime consumer anyway, and I try to practice responsible shopping habits as best I can with the information available to me, doing things like making sure the coffee I buy is fair trade (for example). I guess I'd say I try to boycott what I believe to be unethical or irresponsible business practices.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject:

It is staggering how much of our products are made in China! When I was a kid, most things were made in Japan.

It would be very difficult to completely stop buying things made in China but I have made an effort that nothing that we eat or drink from is made there. I am worried about ingesting poisons and I don't think they have very strict laws about that....although, I'm not so sure American made things would be any more safe.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject:

I can't say I fully botcott Chinese-made items, because sometimes that's not feasible. I do try to buy US-made things when possible, or when I need something, I try to find a non-Chimese-made item at a similar price, and if I can, I'll buy that. If I can't and it's something I need, I reluctantly buy the made in China item. I do not buy pet food or toys or toys for my neice that are made in China. I drive an American car and I do try to buy local produce.

On a side note: Koronin, have you tried Mooresville Meat Co. on Route 21? I haven't, though I drive by often and mean to stop in.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject:

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

I didn't even know about them. I must attempt to stop in there sometime. I usually end up buying my beef at Lowe's Foods. They sell Laura's beef which is a better company and a more humane company. They are strict with their humane practices. Stacey told me about them and try to stick with them. But I'll definitely be checking out Mooresville Meat Co.

The issue with trying to drive an American car is knowing which ones are actually made in the US. Toyota actually manufacturers more of their vehicles that are sold here in the US than Ford or GM do. Although I do know that the entry level GM (Pontiac and Chevrolet) cars all made at the Lordstown, Ohio plant. I'm not sure what the names on them are at this point. They used to be the Caviler and the Sunfire, but have changed names at least twice since then. (That is the plant my dad used to work at and retired from.)

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:44 pm Post subject:

its almost impossible to NOT get things made in China. I do however refuse to buy any consumables from them. (If I know its from there. Its likely we dont know every time)

I try to buy made in America whenever possible.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject:

I had an interesting experience along these lines this past summer. My DH was traveling to China for a business trip and asked that I buy some gifts for the family of the man he was meeting with in China. I can tell you all that I had a very difficult time buying gifts that were not made in China!

I ended up finding a nice bracelet for the wife, a coloring book for the child, and a book about our home state for the husband. I also had a hard time finding gifts that would easily pass through customs. I was truly amazed how many things here are made in China. It was a real eye-opener for me.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:06 pm Post subject:

I realize that my shopping habits are perhaps radically different from many (most?), but can anyone explain how it's almost impossible to avoid products from China (or anywhere, but China specifically since it's been named)?

I'm trying to figure out whether it's a matter of people being unwilling to go without particular widgets that happen to be made most frequently there, or if it's a matter of being that hard to find day to day items that don't come from afar. I'm not really experiencing this shopping difficulty, so I'm curious about those who are.

If I'm understanding correctly, it would seem more accurate to say, "it's hard for me to get the things I want without purchasing foreign made products," than to say, "it's nearly impossible to avoid buying foreign made products."

That's not a judgment, by the way. Just an observation and a bit of curiosity.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

I think it depends on what you want, how much time you have, and how much money you can spend. for isntance, clothes shopping. if you check the labels, a HUGE amount of the clothes in the stores are made in China.

electronics as well. The made in America products are also usually more expensive.

also theres the time involved. I dont like to shop, and going from store to store to find things not made in a foreign country is very time-consuming.

I wish I knew how to sew, cuz I'd make most of my own clothes if I did.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:37 pm Post subject:

I generally hate shopping. I make lists and budgets and stick to them. I've heard a lot of people (like my best friend) talk about shopping mega stores because they're so much cheaper and more convenient, but I don't get how she's saving money or time when she goes in for a pack of toilet paper, browses around for a couple of hours and comes out with a cart full of impulse purchases. That pack of toilet paper she went into the store for might end up costing about $100. Shocked

I guess it's also another benefit of secondhand shopping. I can't think of the last time I bought a new clothing item and even if it's foreign made, it's done its time in the retail circle. I'm all about Happy Hour at the local thrift shops-- half off $3 shirts, for example. Often new stuff with tags still on for a buck fifty. I'm so fashion forward. Laughing

Again, no judgments. I'm a people observer. I just don't share the experience that it's difficult to shop locally.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject:

I have often shopped second hand stores, but the one closest to me has closed. I dont shop alot, or buy alot. and yes malls can cause impulse shopping. so I avoid them

I am picky about my food, so thats probably the priciest items I buy.

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