Made In The Usa

 made in the u.s.a.! American made! Made in america! Despite living in the greatest nation on earth, in recent years, it has gotten more and more difficult to find products labeled, "made in the u.s.a. " in fact, recent reports have shown that 98% of the clothes sold in america are made overseas. Then, when you think about the electronics, food items and a plethora of items used daily that are produced outside the american borders, one may wonder if americans made in the usa are manufacturing anything. Rest assured, americans are still in the production and manufacturing business. According to hal sirkin of boston consulting, america makes about 75% of all the manufactured goods - components included -it consumes; chemical and plastic industries are thriving again, and foreign automakers have begun opening plants in the u.s. Yes, there is still a large amount of textiles not being made in the usa, but even that number is slowly beginning to increase. As many know, the reason so many designers outsource their work to beyond the us is simple economics- it cost less to make things in other countries. If you are more interested in buying those items that proudly proclaim, "made in the usa", then the following list may be a bit of a no-brainer, but if you are undecided about choosing american made then consider the following reasons to buy made in the usa. Foreign labor standards allow unsafe working conditions, child labor and a variety of other aspects - cleanliness, pollution, etc. That are unacceptable. Jobs sent overseas don't typically return to america. This takes money out of the american's pockets thus hurting our already damaged economy. Many countries have no minimum wage restrictions, or if there is one the wage requirement are ludicrously low. Us manufacturing processes are much cleaner for the environment than may other countries. When you buy a product made in the usa, you are helping to keep the world a little cleaner. Buying american means that you are helping to foster american independence; the us trade deficit leads to unsustainable borrowing from other countries... Debt is never a good thing! Factories and money are shifted to countries that are not friendly with the us or democracy. Buying american made items helps guarantee that america does not find its access to vital goods impacted by political conflict. Buying "made in the usa" products might cost a bit more at the outset, but in the long run, the benefits for the country and the environment far outweigh the expense. So, as you head to the store later this week, think about exactly what you are buying -made in the usa or a cheaper product with a sketchy background. Then, chose american made -it's worth it!