We're on the heels of another Republican Presidential Debate (it aired 11/9/11). Regardless of political stance (this is not a partisan post), the debate brought to light a few issues I think most Americans are unaware of...the dangers of us buying the majority of our goods from China. Oftentimes we buy gifts, clothes, toys, etc. in a hurry. We pay little to no attention to where the item was manufactured. Even if we do, we may see such an attractive low price that we buy it anyway...even though our hearts tell us we should be more supportive of American made products. Sometimes quality is a driving factor in our decision (one might think electronics), but most times...especially when toys are concerned (and the holidays are near) we shop purely on price. Well, here are some little known facts that may cause you to re-think your holiday purchases this year:
- Too much public debt. The U.S. owes China over $1.1 trillion. This is public debt that the U.S. government has borrowed from China to pay for various programs / policies etc. (to put it very simply). This revenue helps build another country's infrastructure and economy, the lack of it helps to diminish ours.
- Currency manipulation. There is broad consensus that the Chinese have been manipulating their currency for some time. This makes their exports to the U.S. cheaper, and our exports to them more expensive. Economists say... Chinese currency (the yuan) is very undervalued compared to the U.S. dollar, and has been for some time. This likely is a primary reason why a toy made in China may be much less expensive than a similar toy made in the U.S. (questionable manufacturing processes aside). A typical consumer would buy the toy made in China based on price, not realizing s/he is helping to support this unethical practice.
- High unemployment. U.S. jobs move to China to fulfill the demand we have on their products. It is a vicious circle, and many of us are unknowingly contributing to it...unknowingly putting our neighbor out of work.
- Intellectual property theft. China is allegedly stealing U.S. intellectual property, including piracy and counterfeiting of U.S. software. This contributes to lost revenue, lost jobs, and lost tax revenue. Read more at Huffpost.
This is a
very basic explanation of what is going on...put into terms that everyone can understand. Why am I writing this? It's clear...
supporting handmade and supporting mompreneurs is a primary way one can support the U.S. Some of the very same people who are unemployed because of the economy, are the people who are getting entrepreneurial...starting little businesses crafting in their homes, hoping to make extra cash, or hoping to create a career for themselves. So, the next time you have a gift to buy, plan ahead. Instead of running into a big box store and buying something at random, shop around. Shop around on Etsy, on Facebook business pages, on Mama-press (see my
Candy Cane Catalog and Mompreneur Business Directory), or similar sites. Support a mom who's trying hard to make ends meet, or trying hard to be a success at her craft or biz. Don't support unethical practices that contribute to our poor economy and high unemployment. These issues don't go away overnight...they will affect future generations. Each purchase you make is a statement. What will you support...made by Mompreneurs or made in China?
13 comments:
Great post. I love etsy! new follower from the hop, would love a follow back.
http://cumminslife.blogspot.com/
It's so hard sometimes! I try to chose American-made products for safety reasons AND the fact that I'm helping an American business, but there are times I just can't afford it or the stores are so limited, I don't have a choice. Then I feel badly and worry... Especially when it comes to children's products. There isn't a huge supply out there... *sigh* I feel like if there was more government support, production would increase, people would buy more, prices with lower because of it... I guess all I can do is my part :-)
Jenn,
I totally understand! It takes more time and sometimes more money to buy handmade. There aren't many handmade items in a typical store, and shopping online definitely takes more forethought. I think if each person just committed to buying 1 or 2 handmade items per year, given the 309 million people in the U.S., it would do a lot to support mompreneurs. We do what we can and at the end of the day, no one should feel guilty, that's for certain.
I love that you posted this and all that you do to support small women-owned businesses. There are a TON of options for buying American-made and handmade, both online and in retail stores. We just need to research the options and ask for them. I don't think it's an issue of governmental regulations. I think it comes down to the consumer. We vote with every dollar we spend. If we choose to spend it on something made in China, we are supporting the exporting of our economy, a lack of environmental protections and unfair labor practices. The Holidays are a perfect time to make your purchases really count!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
We have added your blog hop to our site. Please stop by and check out your button on our new blog Blog Hops Everyday.
Bobby
Your One Stop Blog Hop Shop
Blog Hops Everyday
31 Days to Build a Better Blog
Sarah, I agree. It takes a little more time, but that's why there are sites like mine and yours...to help consumers find other options more easily!
Bobby, thank you for adding me!
This is a great post! I do a lot of craft fairs here on Maui, my husband and I have a screen printing business. I wanted to add some items to our line and looked on ebay. I was so tempted to go with a distributor in China because the price was so super cheap, but went with a mompreneur in Florida. It's great to support each other as mompreneurs. Yes, it does cost me a little bit more, but it's worth it!
Luana, I think it's great you bought from a mompreneur! I'm sure she was thrilled about your order!
Hi - I'm your Newest Follower from the hop - nice to meet you!?
Love all the features on your blog ---
Hope you'll follow back!
Happy Tuesday -
Linda
beachside cottage
(Sand and Sea)
Great post! I love your blog and would love to share your post on my blog. I agree we need to support mompreneurs and American owned companies. I will be spotlighting lots and lots of mompreneurs and I would love to spotlight you. Can I interview you? email me or leave me a comment and let me know.
Allison, thanks for the nice compliment! I would be happy to have you interview me. I just sent you an email.
This article is so true yet sad and while nothing is done to change things. Nicely done on the topic, keep up the good work
Thanks John Joseph. I think time and money are big reasons why things are the way they are...and the economy surely doesn't help. Like with many things...change can happen one person at a time.
Post a Comment