There is an amazing number of websites dedicated to Made in America products just by using any search engine. The best of them give specific brand names so you can translate that knowledge into a local purchase.
Of course, not every product is available locally and you have a choice to make: buy locally but imported or buy American from a out of town source. Complicated!
You alone have that choice to make, but if you can't find that product in Racine you may want to let that local business know they missed out on a purchase with a friendly call or email. If they never know, they won't order it in the future!
Manufacturing in the U.S. generates about $1.6 trillion, or 12 percent of our gross domestic product, accounting for nearly three quarters of the nation’s industrial research and development (R&D), two-thirds of our nation’s total exports of goods and services, and supports more than 20 million high-paying jobs.
Inside modern American manufacturing facilities, you’ll see the most productive, highly-skilled labor force in the world applying the latest in information, innovation, and technology.
American families and communities depend on a strong manufacturing base to improve our quality of life. However, rising health care and retirement costs, a trend towards outsourcing jobs to low-wage countries and currency manipulation have created a staggering set of circumstances that has resulted in millions of layoffs and threatens the foundation of our economy.
As a result of our concern, many people have made the commitment to seek out "Made in America" products when making a purchase. But one trip to a "big box" store can test even the most sincere resolve of consumers. Shelves are filled with imported products that are often significantly cheaper. Sometimes consumers cannot even find American made products to compare.
In 1965, 95% of American clothing was made in the U.S.A.; in 2009, only 5% is manufactured here. Additionally, we have learned that many products labeled "Made in America" were actually assembled in U.S. territories like Saipan and through a loophole in laws were to able to mislead consumers. Ironically, Saipan workers were not subject to U.S. labor laws and were mistreated and shamefully exploited all in the name of the "Made in America" label. This is one of the many considerations we as consumers face. Who knew buying a pair of blue jeans was so complicated?
It is not impossible to make informed consumer choices, but it does require extra shopping time and perhaps extra trips to stores that cater to American made products. The Internet is also a great resource, we have posted links to some of the best resources for American products. Lastly, talk to your local business owners and let them know your desire for American products and follow up with a purchase. Our local retailers want to provide you with what you want!
Ask questions and read labels. The more informed you become, the more confident you will be that your dollar is supporting American workers and a strong economy!
Racine's Strong Tradition Of Manufacturing
Southeast Wisconsin has a long history of manufacturing from Horlick Malted Milk to SC Johnson, many products made in Racine have been household names for generations. The present economy has been devastating to manufacturing; affecting our area at every level. Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) maintains a listing of area manufacturer members. Check out this
impressive listing of businesses that are
keeping that history of innovation alive.
American Made on the Internet
Have an idea to share? Send us an email and let us know!
If you're like a lot of Americans, you may have asked "Does the kind of car I buy really matter to America?" The Level Field Institute has developed a great tool to measure the Jobs Per Car Rating. It's cool and informative!
"Made in the USA"
There Oughta Be A Law!
There is! The Federal Trade Commission website lists the exact wording on how products can be labeled "Made in America"
What Happened?
In 1965, 95% of all clothing was made right here in the US, today only 5% is made here. HBO recently broadcast the film "Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags"
Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags brings to life the vibrant, unexpected history of the Garment District which for many years was the heart and soul of Midtown Manhattan, but is now in danger of disappearing. For thousands of immigrants the garment industry was a path to their American Dream, but today most of those jobs are gone. A microcosm of the economic and social forces transforming our nation over the past one hundred years, Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who have experienced its highs and lows.
Be warned! you may find it difficult to not buy Made in the USA garments again.
Food Imports: What You Need to Know
In 2007, USA Today reported just 1.3% of imported fish, vegetables, fruit and other foods were inspected and those government inspections regularly revealed food unfit for human consumption.
Frozen catfish from China, beans from Belgium, jalapenos from Peru, blackberries from Guatemala, baked goods from Canada, India and the Philippines — the list of tainted food detained at the border by the Food and Drug Administration stretched on.
Add to that the contaminated Chinese wheat gluten that poisoned cats and dogs nationwide and led to a massive pet food recall, and you've got a real international pickle. Does the United States have the wherewithal to ensure the food it imports is safe? At that time, food safety experts said no.
Recently, Congress has moved to step up inspections with the Food Safety Bill with provisions that will certainly help, but are not fool-proof. Experts all agree you are more likely to encounter food bourne illness from imported food than from food produced right here.
While the Internet is full of wild stories that may leave you feeling like you never want to eat anything again, the best advice is the simplest. Eat close to home, the closer the better. Farmers markets and local producers of food provide the freshest and therefore, some of the safest food you can find. Never assume any food is completely safe, so always follow safe food handling procedures.
Wisconsin features many food cooperatives specializing in healthy produce, meats and dairy. Some can be shipped to your home or are available at nearby retail outlets. Check out these:
