I'm renewing my vow to seek out quality Made in USA products when I need to buy something. It's easier than you think, especially with the internet, but it also requires some thoughtfulness and energy and sometimes spending a little more money, which is why I think many people do not do this. It is much easier to go to Wal-Mart or wherever and grab something cheap and move on.
For example, it is easy to go to Target and buy $4 t-shirts made overseas. However, if you look for occasional sales, Patagonia will sometimes put their Made in USA organic t-shirts on sale for $12-15. Yes it's triple the price, but it's cheaper than buying most t-shirts full price. Note you may have to put up with a sometimes cheesy graphic on the Patagonia t's.
I guess things get more committed when we start talking about big ticket items like my favorite product, cars. Here is a link to a NY Times article with info about vehicles Made in USA and what major parts are also Made in USA. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/19/automobiles/20090619-auto-plants-4.html (hmm...Mustang manual transmission made in China?). If you are buying used, you can still research where your car was made. Worst case, look inside the door before you buy and there should be a plate riveted on. I hope when I need a new car I have the balls to buy something Made in USA. I want a 4runner (Japan) but maybe I can compromise to an Xterra (Tennessee, USA).
I am starting a list on the side of my blog of Made in USA items that I am familiar with. If you know of more products to add, please let me know. If you need help finding something Made in USA, please contact me through the comments and I would be glad to make a suggestion.
Even more of a commitment is Working for USA. How many of you work for an American (note I mean USA however I'd be glad to include our Canadian brothers here) company offering Made in USA products or services? I've worked for Chinese-owned companies and it is really a soul killing exercise. You know you are earning money while you help move the money overseas. I extend my vow to try to also work for and with American companies.
I don't know how much of a difference my efforts are really going to make, or if I'm going to succeed, but at least I will know I tried to do a little something for the country I live in.
