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It is more than fair to suggest that the American public as a whole is now much more environmentally conscious than ever before. Perhaps it is the fact that we have access to so much information nowadays that allows us to make choices that are better for the planet. The materials we use for packing, the types of vehicles that we drive, and the type of fuel that we use all impact the planet in one way or another. If you are making choices without considering the impact on the environment, then you are definitely leaving a larger carbon footprint than your friends and neighbors.

While people are now getting smarter about the choices they make when it comes to the environment, there is one particular item that slips through the cracks. What we are talking about here is consistently purchasing goods that are made overseas. All the hard work that you put in to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive mark on the environment can quickly be wiped out if every item that you buy is made somewhere other than in the United States.

Yes, we understand that many of the items in question are more affordable than the American-made version, but they are very often less durable or well made, which often means that you end up spending more money in the ling run. That aside, have you ever taken a moment to think about how all of those products end up in the store at your local mall. They have to get them from pretty far away, so it stands to reason that massive amounts of goods are transported in from places all over the globe on a daily basis, and therein lies the problem when we are talking about the carbon footprint.

There are a variety of different ways to get foreign goods from Point A to Point B, but none of them can be considered environmentally friendly. Some manufacturers will use air freight to deliver products, using up massive amounts of airplane fuel in the process. Other will take to the ocean to deliver goods, and we all know what sort of state that the waterways of the world are in now thanks to pollution and common trade routes being used to death.

All of this is not to suggest that US manufacturers do not leave behind any sort of carbon footprint, because they very obviously do. The reality, though, is that there are shorter distances to travel to get those goods in the hand of the American consumer, and when you consider that Many American companies are now actively going out of their way to manufacture their products using environmentally friendly practices, it stands to reason that their carbon footprint will be a whole lot smaller than a company shipping in items from halfway across the globe. Buying American is smart and patriotic, and it can also be argued that it is better for the environment.

 

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In many parts of the world, the national flag tells you little about the country that it represents. This is certainly not the case with the Stars and Stripes, the flag of the United States of America. Each element of the flag tells you a little about the history of the country, while the colors used also have meaning. For the average America, the flag of this great nation invokes a sense of pride and patriotism that cannot be matched, but those people would probably feel even more proud of the stars and stripes if they were aware of just how important it is to the USA.

The Stars and Stripes, which was approved as the national flag back in 1777, actually came to prominence before it received that status. During the American Revolution, which ran from 1765 to 1783, the flag would be hoisted at the headquarters of General George Washington. It’s no real surprise then that flag became known as a symbol of freedom and independence, as the United States prevailed and broke away from British rule during that war. Soldiers leading their men into battle would wave the flag and use it to show the freedoms that they were fighting for.

As most people are probably already aware, the flag of the United States is comprised of 13 red and white stripes, as well as 50 white stars with a blue background. The stars are in place to represent the current number of states, with that number changing over the years, while the stripes are used to signify the 13 original colonies in the US. While there is no official reasoning behind the colors used in the flag, a member of the Continental Congress suggested that the red stood for valor, the white for innocence, and the blue for perseverance, all of which are outstanding traits.

The Stars and Stripes has become one of the most recognizable icons in the world and is also used as a way to honor those who have fallen in protecting the rights of the individuals of this nation. Soldiers killed in action on foreign shores are returned home with the flag draped over their coffins, while the families of fallen police and firefighters are presented with the flag at the funeral, with the Stars and Stripes presented in a folded triangular fashion at these solemn events.

While not as important as the reasons discussed previously, the use of an American flag on the products that you buy today shows that those items were manufactured in this country. There are many different ways to honor the flag and all that it stands for, and it can certainly be argued that buying goods made right here in the United States is one way to do so. Many of us proudly wear the colors of the flag every single day, and it’s certainly great to know that by doing so, we also honor the people who choose to maintain businesses devoted to keeping jobs in America.

We have several high quality American flags featured on our sister site.

Please visit: http://buyamericancampaign.com/american-flags-for-sale/ 

 

 

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Companies often move their manufacturing overseas because they believe it to be less expensive than manufacturing in America. That said, there are plenty of good reasons why some businesses choose to stay. Here are 5 ways to effectively promote your “Made in America” products.

1. Use marketing to promote your American-made brand.

   Consumers in this country want to support businesses that choose to operate in the United States, but they need to know that you are a US-based company. Let them know your stance by making it clear that your brand is totally American. Make sure that the “Made in America” stamp is visible on not only your products, but also your marketing materials. For example, consider placing that label right in the header of your company website. The moment that people land on your home page, they are clearly going to see that you are committed to manufacturing right here in the US. Keep in mind that there are an increasing number of vendors who only want to sell US-made products, so track those guys down and make them aware of your stance.

2. Remind consumers of the importance of local jobs.

   While major corporations are outsourcing jobs to foreign interests, there are still businesses determined to put Americans to work. If your business is among that group, you need to remind consumers that you are part of the unemployment solution in this country. It’s easy to look at a small US business that employs less than 10 people as not being a great help in creating local jobs, but you need to look at the bigger picture. That business will deal with suppliers and other companies that are committed to the “Made in America” cause. Once you start connecting those businesses together, it becomes clear that 1 business with a small workforce is actually connected to a group of hundreds, or potentially thousands, of other locally employed folks. It is important that your stress your role in this movement when talking to consumers.

3. Get creative in your all-American marketing.

   There is a company called Seedling Kids in Ohio that is committed to the “Made in America” brand. They make garments for kids, but take their marketing efforts to the next level by getting creative with the hand-tags on their products. Those tags contain seeds and flowers that are native to Ohio, and which can be planted by the people who buy their products. This is smart, because it gives you a clear idea of what the company is all about, while also positively reinforcing the “Made in America” brand.

4. Prove that American-made products are better.

   People need a reason to spend their hard-earned money beyond just supporting the “Made in America” cause. Imagine for a moment that you need a new custom-made dress shirt for an upcoming special event. The need for this shirt slipped your mind and you now have to get your hands on one in a couple of days. You are simply not going to get that shirt from a company based overseas, whereas a US-based business can get it to you within a matter of days. These are the types of conveniences that need to be highlighted in your marketing efforts.

5. Make your business personal by telling stories about the people who work for you.

   Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be a truly effective tool in your quest to get your “Made in America” message out to the masses. Besides being able to clearly show that you are committed to manufacturing in the States, as we showed in point #1, you can also take time to explain why you chose to go this route. Perhaps you have a story about the creation of your business that is sure to tug at the heartstrings of the average patriotic American. Even if that is not the case, there are people who work for you that may have a story of their own. Take to social media and tell these stories. Show how committed you and your employees are to staying and working in the US, which may well be more than enough to convince consumers that buying American is the only way to go.

 

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If you want to support companies that do business in the United States, you may need to do a little more research than simply looking at the company name. While many jobs are leaving our country, there are still many major corporations committed to bringing new job opportunities within our borders. It may come as a surprise to learn that these companies were not founded in the U.S. Many are foreign manufacturers looking to make an impact on one of the largest consumer markets in the world, which is why it is so important to focus less on the company and more on the location.

One of the more common industries where you will see this happen is with the automotive industry. When you think of American vehicles, you very often think of Ford, yet the vehicle you buy may have been made somewhere other than in the U.S. Ford Motor Company has a plant in Mexico, so there is a very real possibility that your Ford vehicle is not quite as American as you think. While Ford are still committed to remaining an American company, they also move operations to other regions they want to make an impact in.

Similarly, you might look at Kia Motors and decide that you cannot support them because they are a company from South Korea. What you may not know is that they operate a massive production plant right here in West Point, Georgia. Not only does this company provide high-paying jobs locally, they are also very active in the community, which is why they need to be considered the next time you are thinking about buying a new car. Being founded in another country is not necessarily a guarantee that they do nothing to help the American community.

One thing that you do need to keep an eye out for in these situations is the products that are actually made here. While Kia does operate that massive Georgia plant, they do not make every single model at that facility. The Sorento and the Optima are the vehicles that are made at that facility, and to this point, more than a million vehicles have rolled off the production line. The success of this company in recent years is a sign that the work being done here in the United States at the Georgia facility is of the highest quality.

The example that we have provided here may help you understand why a vehicle made by a foreign manufacturer may cost less than one made by an American company, and it all comes down to location. The Kia vehicle that was made here in the United States may end up costing less than a similar Ford model made in Mexico. This proves that there is more to a company than simply the name. As in real estate, location is everything, so keep that in mind when you are thinking about making purchases that help the American economy and bring manufacturing jobs back to America.

 

 

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Every July 4^th, we gather together to eat, drink, set off fireworks, and show our patriotism towards the country that we love. Independence Day in the United States is one of the best days of the year, as it’s one where we can all reflect on the freedoms that we have in this great nation. Underneath all the pomp and circumstance lies a problem that most people are simply not aware of, which is that we are perhaps not as independent as we believe. We are not talking about civil rights here, but rather the position that we are currently in when it comes to trading with other countries.

Over the course of the last couple of decades, production and manufacturing jobs formerly held in the U.S. have been heading overseas at an alarming rate. It is tough, although certainly not impossible, for companies to compete with the costs of running a business overseas, which is why so many have chosen profits and sustainability over keeping jobs at home. It is not just the employment rates that have suffered due to this seismic shift, as the trade deficit that we currently have with other countries is very much tipping in their favor.

We are now in a position where we have become too dependent on other nations for the items that we need on a daily basis. This situation puts those other countries in a position of power when it comes to set prices for these items. Since they are well aware that those items cannot be produced here, they essentially hold the country, and the consumers who live here, over a barrel. The sad news is that the average consumer blames the companies who provide these services, blaming them of price gouging, when in fact they are forced to charge more because of the cost of importing products and services.

This is an issue that even extends all the way to our military personnel. You would imagine that all the items used by our military and sourced and manufactured in our own country, but that is not the case. When you consider the massive amounts of money spent on running the military, think about how much extra money is being shelled out to cover the cost of items that need to be imported from locations that lie outside our own borders.

All of these things have a trickle-down effect that usually negatively impact the consumer. You are forced to pay more for products and services that we need to get from other parts of the world. While there are certainly some items that we will never be able to fully make at home, there are plenty more that can be manufactured domestically. This is why buying American made products is so important, as it can begin to shift that trade deficit a little more in our favor. This is something to seriously consider the next time you go to make a purchase and see that “Made in America” label.

We also need to consider our vulnerability to foreign countries who provide us with essentials products and raw materials such as steel. Our military can also be compromised because a lot of things they require to operate come from abroad. In the case of a military conflict, access to these items could be restricted and may limit our ability to defend ourselves effectively. In order for American companies to be able to produce things here in America, we as consumers need to support them buy buying their products made here in the USA.

Only when we lose our dependence on foreign countries for the essential items we need can we truly celebrate our independence.

 

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It has been more than 15 years since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), yet in that time, they have failed to make good on the trade-liberalizing commitments they made in order to have their membership approved. Their reluctance to follow through on those promises has had a negative impact on economic growth and health of innovative industries in both the United States and Europe. China made 9 specific commitments that they have not followed through on, and they are:

1. Refraining from requiring technology transfer as a condition of market access

One of the main stipulations of the WTO accession agreement that the Chinese signed was that they would not tie foreign investment or market access to technology transfer, yet it is a practice that still regularly takes place. Many companies still need to hand over their technology before they can do business in China.

2. Significantly reducing intellectual property (IP) theft and violations

China was required to recognize the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) when they became part of the WTO. This agreement is in place to protects patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, service marks, digital content, and all other forms of property. Numbers in the IP Commission Reports on the theft of U.S. Intellectual Property clearly show that China is responsible for as much as 80% of such thefts from businesses in the States, a figure that adds up to roughly $300 billion annually in lost sales.

3. Substantially reducing production and/or export subsidies

When China joined the WTO, they clearly stated that their government would eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, production and export subsidies. Since then, the Chinese have handed out subsidies in excess of $115 billion to just 4 industries: glass and glass products, auto parts, steel, and paper. Just imagine how much money has been subsidized if you take all the other industries into account.

4. Liberalizing foreign film distribution

When the agreement was made to allow China into the WTO, they agreed that they would allow 20 films to be imported on a revenue-sharing basis over the next 3 years following their admission. The joint ventures were set to include sound recording, videos, and software entertainment, as well as allowing for the owning and operation of movie theaters. As you may have already guessed, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) reports that all such entertainment entering China does so on a flat-fee basis as opposed to the agreed up revenue-sharing model.

5. Joining the Government Procurement Agreement

Another part of their inclusion into the WTO was that China would immediately join the Government Procurement Agreement, which is in place to have restrictions on government purchases between member nations. No such credible offer has yet been made.

6. Requiring state-owned enterprises to make purchases based on commercial considerations

Another item that China agreed to was that their state-owned and state-invested enterprises would buy and sell with commercial considerations as the basis for each transaction. In short, they agreed to purchase the best tools for the job without ever favoring a particular vendor or nation. They have continually gone against this agreement by simply refusing to allow those state-owned enterprises from buying products made or developed in the United States.

7. Giving foreign banks national treatment

Part of their membership to the WTO required China to treat foreign banks just as they would national entities within 5 years of admission. To this day, it appears as though China has not fully implemented all of the commitments required within this particular agreement, with national banks still being given an advantage over the foreign branches.

8. Opening the telecommunications market to foreign producers

China committed to several things in the telecommunications industry, including to allowing foreign suppliers to use whatever technology they deemed fit to deliver services, the implantation of pro-competitive regulations, and the liberalization of foreign investments. Things have not gone to plan, though, with USTR finding that China essentially forced foreign companies into joint ventures with Chinese-based firms, while also implementing incredibly high capital requirements. The end result is that foreign suppliers are not granted even the most basic access into the Chinese telecommunications market.

9. Abiding by the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement and not manipulating technology standards

Members of the WTO abide by the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, which states that no member can use certifications and standards as a means to block trade. While China agreed to this agreement to gain access to the WTO, they have once again failed to live up to their end of the bargain, instead opting to develop indigenous technology standards as a building block in their strategy for economic growth.

The question now is about what can be done to mend these broken promises?

The bad news here is that the WTO enforcement system is simply not strong enough for them to take action. Furthermore, a weak WTO settlement system means that China continually goes unpunished for their infractions.

The best way forward would appear to be for the U.S. and European policymakers to get a little more creative in their confrontation methods when dealing with China. Rather than focusing on the legal process, they need to instead create a results based process that will effectively hold the Chinese to task for their broken promises.

 

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Watch the average American sitcom and you will get the idea that dads are wise men who are always there with answer to every problem their children face. The TV dad is a caricature of the real thing, but most kids will tell you that their father is indeed the hero they need in their life. It is often mother’s who get the majority of the love, and deservedly so, but it’s always nice to give dad’s their due, which we do every Father’s Day, which falls on the third Sunday in June in the United States. You may well be wondering how this celebration began, and how you can best wish your dad a happy Father’s Day.

In Europe, the history of Father’s Day stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages, but here in the U.S. it did not take hold until the 20^th century. The history of Father’s Day is rather sad, as it all began in 1908 in West Virginia after a major mining disaster killed over 350 men, 250 of whom were dads. Grace Golden Clayton lost her father in the disaster and asked that her church remember the men who were lost at the next service, which they did. It was an event that had local appeal, bur which did not register anywhere else in the country.

It took a little more time for Father’s Day to be officially recognized in the United States, with Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane playing a major role in establishing the holiday. She began the celebration in June, 1910 to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised his 6 children. Bills were eventually introduced to Congress to make the holiday official, but it wasn’t until 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson spoke at a Father’s Day event in Spokane, that the movement gained some ground.

The idea was shot down for fear that the day would become too commercialized, but after another few failed attempts, Father’s Day as we know it now was signed into being by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. It became a permanent feature in 1972 under President Richard Nixon. Now that you know how much effort was put into creating a special day for your dad, you probably now understand the importance of honoring the most important man in your life.

 

America has a drug problem! When you hear that, you probably imagine people struggling with addiction to cocaine, meth, or many of the other harder illegal drugs, but that is not what we are talking about here. The drug problem we are now facing is with opioids, many of which are delivered via a legal prescription from your local doctor. That said, the illegal trade in opioids is also booming, as the American people go in search of a substance that heals their pain, while doing so in a way that they believe to be safe and harmless.

Opioids are far from harmless, though, and they are also incredibly addictive. The fact that opioid addiction treatment options are now becoming more prevalent than other forms of treatment is a sure sign that more and more people are finding themselves in trouble. We will get to the link between these drugs and unemployment in a moment, but we first need to talk about what opioids are used for. They are used for a variety of purposes, but most commonly as a treatment for pain, both mental and physical. If you have spent a good portion of your life in pain and you see those symptoms relieved with an easy to attain drug, chances are you are going to want more and more of those pills.

The link between increased opioid use and unemployment is clear to see, as people turn to something to ease their stress and depression when they are unable to find work. As more and more jobs move overseas, hard working American citizens are either left unemployed or stuck in a job that is well below their skill and talent level. For many, that means taking on low-paying physical jobs that put a strain on their mind and body. What starts off as a legitimate attempt to ease that pain ends up becoming an addiction that can lead to more serious health issues.

It’s no real surprise to learn that opioid use is more commonly found in depressed regions where unemployment is high and job opportunities are scarce. The sense of hopelessness in these areas is very real, and opioids help mask the pain, if only for a little while. It’s not long before people need more than their prescription has to offer in order to dull their pain for longer and longer periods of time, which is when the real problems and illegal purchases of opioids begins.

One of the most effective ways to help opioid addiction become a thing of the past is to create more opportunities for people in this country. People want to work and have a feeling of accomplishment, but we need to start looking at buying American products again to make that happen. If we all make an effort to buy American made products every time we shop, we will be doing our part to make our nation healthy, in more ways than just economically.

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As the month of May is close to its end, and most of us are already thinking of our summer vacations this year, this particular period of time also tends to leave us on the brink of sentimentality. And the reason why the end of May has such a bitter-sweet feel to it is because of Memorial Day. On the 30^th of this month, Americans as a nation will have the opportunity to honor the memory of those men and women who have fallen in battle fighting for our country.

The wrathful roar of war transpires through our everyday lives as there is no way of escaping it. Even if someone has not been personally affected by the death of a soldier, we can still clearly see the marks of warfare with its unsettling echoes in our day-to-day life – when crossing paths with a neighbor, when at work, when passing the writing on a wall. And because this country’s armed forces – or better put, the notion of our country’s armed forces and what it means to fight for freedom is so deeply ingrained in our civil culture, it’s often hard for Americans to not make a habit of reliving in remembrance. Likewise, often enough, finding a natural balance between honoring those who have sacrificed themselves for this land and living our normal lives doesn’t come easy. When all is in the shadow of such morbid events, grief and the general disgust towards everyday trivialities may take us on a different path of self-destruction. Nonetheless, days like Memorial Day, on top of giving us the chance of remembering and honoring those who have given their lives while serving, is also a country-wide social outlet which allows us to compartmentalize, and helps us to – as much as humanly possible – not constantly live within the constraints of a cult of the dead.

Because of the wide-spread cultural effect of over a century’s worth of military conflicts, it is indeed true that these battle field deaths are reflected in how we operate not only as a country, but also as individuals. From said perspective, at the Buy American Campaign, we admit that this mixture of sadness and pride is also present in our organizational culture, and that we never step back from standing up and speaking loudly for our soldiers, for those who have passed on the torch, as well as for those who keep it burning. We support our troops in various ways, but the thought we feel the need to communicate today is one of encouragement towards the general public.

Thus, we encourage our readers to think about how much this country has lost – and will continue to lose – for the sake of our civil rights, for the sake of independence, for the sake of economic and political freedom; and to also think about how this is strongly connected to the way we live our lives at home, how we sustain and provide for ourselves and for our loved ones, what we choose to put on our table and on our backs. Yes, this is a call to action. Buy American-made products. Not everyone can – or should – sacrifice their lives for their country, but as long as we’re a part of it, we can and should make small sacrifices to help our local businesses, help our economy and help preserve our economic independence.

Regardless of what we do, what our political orientations are, or where we stand on the issue of war, we believe that if our Armed Forces will never let the U.S. die, it is our duty as American citizens to not let the U.S. economy die.

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In today’s world, the phrase “buy American” is something that is tiring to the ears of many. We see it on TV, we read about it in the newspapers, and it has even become some sort of slogan in some quarters with many people not really knowing what it truly means and the benefit inherent in it.

Buying American simply means to buy made in USA products by the people of the United States. Buying American is more than just a show of patriotism, rather it has a lot of benefit for everyone.

The first of this is that it ensures that manufacturing industries are able to continue functioning and provide more jobs for our teeming youthful population. Purchasing American-made products ensures that industries stay in business and the manufacturing sector continues to grow thereby reducing unemployment.

 

Secondly, to buy made in USA products ensures that quality goods are continuously in circulation. As everyone has come to understand that many products made outside the country are more than half of the time inferior because of the fact that manufacturers can mass produce at a cheaper quality outside the country, a situation which regulations in the United States will forbid.

Lastly, to buy made in USA products puts more money in the pockets of American families and investors. It means that more American businesses can open and enjoy the patronage that they deserve. And as anyone knows, a key attraction for any investor is the presence of a market. If American people can come together to increase the demand for made-in-America products, then we would see a huge turnaround in the growth of business investments and household income.

How to recognize an import (even if it says ‘Made in America”)

It is not unusual to find a product that says “Made in America” with a big American flag but on close observation it may carry another statement saying its parts are sourced from another country. Misleading labeling such as this are far too common as many manufacturers are either trying to skip the barrier of regulations or appealing to consumers. But whatever the case may be, you have the right to know if you are genuinely purchasing a made in America product.

As a consumer willing to buy American, you need to pay close attention to labeling despite the American flag that may be boldly placed on these products. Many products may carry the flag and the statement, but on close observation, they may carry a label that reads “Country of Origin”; a requirement by the regulatory agencies. This label will often be in a conspicuous place where by casually handling the product, you will easily see it. For instance, when buying a new refrigerator, you can easily see the country of origin of the manufacturer on the wall of the interior. If you are buying a gas grill, you may see this on the back of the metal frame. But you must keep in mind that for a truly made in America product, it is not required.

In conclusion, as a consumer and patriot, the choice to grow our community and economy by buying American lies in part with you. When next you go to the store, pay attention to that made in America label. It might after all not be truly made in America.

 

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