Category: Campaign

Of all the good reasons why we should all make efforts towards sustaining American manufacturing, from safe environment to safe economy, some would argue that the most important of those reasons lies in our most precious legacy to the world, our children. And surely enough, the future generation of American adults will indeed benefit if we choose to take action now and invest our money back into the country. What’s more, by creating this type of culture around how and where the average American buys, we’re setting the ground for future generations of more educated consumers that will help exponentially raise the economy of the country and the well being of American citizens, no matter where they live. Buying American is extremely beneficial to our children, and you can continue reading about the reasons behind this fact in what follows.

Being able to make a decent, honest living

Entire towns are dying in the US, living on welfare, fallen into depression, alcohol and drug abuse, poverty and crime. And a big reason why this is happening is because of lack of jobs. Helping such towns to get out of this rut, and bringing them back to being healthy and active should be of prime importance in the process of stopping this phenomena from spreading, and protecting future generations from being faced with the same dim perspectives. By committing to buying American-made products, we will eventually be able to create a big enough need in the market to justify serious investment in US manufacturing, hence creating well-paying jobs and opportunities for future generations.

Living in an independent country

As Americans, we are particularly lucky to live in a free and independent country. And as parents, just like our forefathers did for us, we should always go that extra mile to ensure that we leave this country to our children in a better shape than it was when we arrived into it. And keeping the US independent has a lot to do with supporting American-made goods and services. Less importing and more exporting means we can put a stop to the ever increasing trade deficit, and subsequently avoid getting into more unsustainable debt. Pumping money into countries that don’t operate under a democratic system is another potential threat to American independence, a threat that can be removed by keeping our factories and companies here versus outsourcing everything, and by buying American.

Health and safety

Buying products that are made in the USA doesn’t only help secure a certain level of prosperity for the generations to come, but also helps protect us and our children now. By buying toys, clothing, and household items that are made in America, you can make sure that you’re not exposing your family to low quality products that may malfunction producing disastrous accidents, or to toxicity levels that are found in products that come from developing countries, such as the high levels of lead that are found in the millions and millions of toys that are imported in the US and sold all across the country every year.

 

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The last two and a half centuries have seen our great nation develop immensely in its intake of products from foreign countries. These countries are as close in proximity to the United States as Mexico or Canada but have also expanded into countries that are further away like India and China. Therefore, the origin of each product in our households provides us with a glimpse into how that product was designed, manufactured, and shipped into our country. Once these items cross our shorelines, they must also stand up to Americans’ views about their countries of origin. This is particularly true regarding countries like China, which is why we will be providing you with more information about what it means to be “Made in China” and how that might impact an American’s perspective.

When our American products and technologies are shipped overseas to China for manufacturing, they enter a well-oiled manufacturing machine with centuries of experience. However, this machine doesn’t function the way we have come to expect from American manufacturing companies. This machine employs thousands of Chinese workers who live in dormitories within several miles of the manufacturing plants themselves. While these individuals often have access to housing via their employers, their working hours are sporadic and unpredictable. In the event a manufacturing deadline is not being met, plant management, has the liberty to call upon the thousands of housed employees to report to work. This allows for extreme scalability to meet manufacturing demands while also placing these employees in a position where they may be unable to make plans with their friends and families. Obviously, something that should concern American citizens who believe in human rights.

This infringement upon human lives is expanded upon as these employees enter the manufacturing plants where they work. These facilities are often constructed without meeting the appropriate codes required of them by the province in which they were built. This has sometimes resulted in some facilities being built without proper ventilation for employees.  If, for example, a manufacturing company does not properly ventilate their facilities and they work on chemical components for some project, they could be exposing their employees to deadly toxins. Obviously, this is of a great deal of concern for those concerned about these employees’ work environments. Unfortunately, in many of these cases, employees also do not receive benefits such as sick leave or vacation time. Without access to these options, Chinese employees and employees in other countries, often go years without seeking out medical attention. This obviously impacts the health of those individuals and ultimately will decrease their desire and ability to create great products!

It is for those reasons mentioned above that all American’s should consider buying American products before they seek to buy products from foreign countries like China. When purchasing items from foreign countries, we urge you to do your research so that you can identify how your purchases impact the well-being of the workers in those countries.

 

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Anyone who has studied American history should remember what happened during the late 18^th century gold rush era.  Gold would be discovered and people would flock to that area looking for riches they could only imagine.  As a result, towns were built and the economy flourished.

When the gold ran out, however, most of the townspeople left and the towns died as a result.  They became Ghost Towns.  In the early 20^th century things began to change and we evolved from an agricultural to an industrial age and some of those towns began to flourish again.  Manufacturing products from irons to automobiles became the new “Gold” of the era.

Soon towns began turning into cities then states began competing for manufacturers to come to their communities by offering incentives like tax cuts, utility breaks and land deals.  And it worked and towns and cities thrived making steel, building automobile plants, producing American goods for the American people.

Then, in the middle of all of this, manufacturers discovered they could increase their profits by outsourcing to different countries who solicited their business just as the states solicited their business by offering deals and incentives.  And the manufacturers bought into it and much of our country has suffered as a result.

Manufacturing is essential to the health of any community.  It not only brings employment for those lucky enough to get a job but it brings tax dollars to assist in the infrastructure of the area, provides dollars to the shop keeper, the school district, and the utility companies.  Any good economist could calculate the benefits of what one small manufacturing company would contribute and explain why we need to get back into manufacturing our own products in the United States.

There are creative ways to keep small manufacturing in this country.  It is time to start implementing them and help the American economy regain its pride once again.

 

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No matter what your political affiliation, you want the best for your kids. The best education, the best food, and the best in modern games and toys (without turning them into spoiled brats, of course!). But, many folks miss one important caveat: the dangerous toxicity levels of foreign made toys.

Lead Kills

The CDC warns toys from foreign countries (such as China) often possess high concentrations of lead. Lead is invisible to the naked eye. The paint and plastic used in faraway, third world nations do not face the same rigorous standards we have in the United States. When your children touch the paint or plastic, and then put their fingers in their mouths, a serious health risk is afoot. A child died from putting a lead charm toy into his mouth, as reported by the CDC. According to the World Health Organization, lead is especially dangerous for young kids. Lead can accumulate in the body, and reach fatal toxic levels quickly. Once in the body, lead is carried to the brain, kidney, liver, and bones. Its stored in bones and teeth, where it accumulates and can kill or cause major health problems.

Prevent Lead Exposure by Buying American

Americans have high standards for toy manufacturers based in America. They have to pass rigorous health inspections, and prove there is no lead content in their toys. This not only makes the toys safer, but creates a better, higher quality product. It might cost a little more than the cheap toys from overseas, but it will last longer, and will not harm your child via lead poisoning

 

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Have you ever bought a shirt or a coat that fit perfectly fine at the store, but self-destructed after a few wash cycles? Sometimes you get one wear and that’s it; straight out of its first laundry day and into the trash. You’re not alone; the average American throws away way over 60 pounds of clothing and other textile products per year! If you’ve ever wondered why clothes today don’t seem to last the way they used to, there’s a reason for that: they’re usually made that way on purpose!

Fast Fashion at the Forefront

It’s called fast fashion, and the usual suspects are brands that many of us know and buy from: H&M, Topshop, Zara, and more. While the term originally meant that retailers scrambled to encapsulate the latest catwalk trends and provide ready-to-wear alternatives to the mainstream public at lightning speed, the definition has grown into a whole business optimization process. Because fast fashion is always in season, the designs are marketed to make wearers feel like they’re no longer trendy after a few months or even weeks. Quick manufacturing serve to lower production cost and retail price; a side effect is the noticeable dip in quality–which works to the retailers’ advantage. Fast fashion brands want their clothing to fall apart quickly. Customers will be a little annoyed, but will think that it’s so cheap that they still got their money’s worth; and they’ll probably just buy new clothes from the same brands.

Sadly, this booming business model has outperformed many well-loved American retailers; mostly the ones that insist on carrying the “Made in USA” label. Recent examples are American Apparel and True Religion Brand Jeans; both were based in California and both manufactured the majority of their products within the country. Not all US-based brands are struggling under the weight of fast fashion, though; California-founded Forever 21 is one of the most well-known fast fashion advocates.

What It Means to Support What’s “Made in USA”

Today, most Americans don’t make an effort to find out where the clothes they are buying come from, but they should! That “Made in USA” label may literally come at a higher price, but it is by far the more ethical and sustainable choice. Below are five reasons why you should stay away from fast fashion.

#1 You Can Help Provide Both Current and Future American Jobs

Before the 1960s, the US manufactured over 90 percent of its clothes. These days, it’s quite the opposite–way less than 10 percent, with the rest outsourced. Wouldn’t it be great to reinvigorate what was once a thriving manufacturing sector? Helping to create or save jobs for the current generation and future generations to come must be one of the best reasons to buy American.

#2 You Can Help Strengthen the American Economy

When you buy local products, you don’t support just the workers who made them. You are choosing to put your hard earned money back into the local market and helping the manufacturing sector support jobs and investments in other parts of the local economy. When one part grows, other parts grow, as well.

#3 You Get Products of Guaranteed Higher Quality

“Made in USA” may as well be a certification of quality, when compared to fast fashion. Yes, USA-made products are more expensive, but cost per use is usually lower as they last much longer. The higher price tag often indicates more care, craftsmanship and  pride put into the creation of the product; and also more standards put in place to meet environmental and safety regulations and avoid issues with possibly dangerous or hazardous materials.

#4 You Will Support Safe and Fair Working Conditions

Federal and local governments regulate and control working conditions in the US, elsewhere the rules and standards may not be as humanitarian. Many fast fashion products bought in the US are made in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India and Vietnam; where labor laws are lax and wages are cheap. When you buy clothes made in these third-world sweatshops, you are supporting poor working conditions and a lack of protection of human rights.

#5 You Will Help Save the Environment

American-made products are manufactured with cleaner, eco-friendly, sustainable processes; as compared to less-regulated counterparts. Without the need for international shipping, supporting locally made clothing means there’s less pollution and a lower carbon footprint to worry about. And because the clothes last longer, there’s less to throw away each year.

 

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The United States has, in recent years, provided and continues to provide assistance to a number of countries who do not really share the nation’s ideals. A good number of these anti-American regimes have been supported with your tax dollars in various sectors including arms, healthcare, military training, and technical support.

The US government has provided various reasons to justify the continuous support for these countries that glaringly operate contrary democratic ideals, a far cry from what is obtainable in the US constitution. Today, anti-Americanism is particularly strong among the Middle Eastern nations. Let us take a quick look at three such regimes that have had economic ties with the US.

Iran: The past US administration created new openings to Iran resulting in taxpayers’ money being used in the funding of Middle East’s arms race. As it stands, the US involuntarily pays for some of Iran’s military expenditures. This comes with the reality that there are no formal diplomatic relations between the US and Iran. Both countries do not have direct diplomatic relations.

Egypt: Egypt has been an important and longtime economic and political ally with America. But studies have shown that in Egypt, very few members of the public favor the United States influence. This stems from perceived political interference by the later. Even as the new U.S. administration has been reexamining foreign assistance priorities, there are still chances of taking assistance to that country despite their political instability. However, reports have it that The United States has more interest in relating with a stable Egypt that is at peace with itself and its neighbors.

Saudi Arabia: Over several decades, the US and Saudi Arabia have been allies in certain economic and political interests such as support of stable oil prices, stability in the oil fields, and opposition to Communism. However, both countries have disagreed over some international policies such as that which concerns the state of Israel. There are some Saudis who view the American influence negatively. A good number of the populace has had hostile feelings towards Americans and the country’s ideals.

While it is ideal for the American government to uphold, service, and expand its foreign relationships, there have to be clear cut goals that should aim, not only at assisting the associating countries economically but also improve social harmony between both countries. If those goals are unrealistic both ways, the United States can still extend assistance to these nations with a minimum involvement of our tax dollars.

 

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About 100,000 Americans get sick from contaminated food each year. Buying products from an American manufacturer is a smart way to protect yourself and your family from this havoc. The food safety standards in other countries aren’t as high as they are in the U.S., food production industries in these countries are least regulated and most corrupt. Unlike many foreign countries, in the United States of America, organic foods are carefully formulated and crafted, free of pesticides, chemicals, and genetic engineering.

Many countries are dealing with environmental pollution from unrestrained and unregulated industrial growth which has polluted their soil and waterways with toxic heavy metals that nothing grown in them is safe, much less organic. Many vegetables and fruits are irrigated with untreated industrial wastewater. Also, there is so much fraudulent labeling and rampant corruption within the government and manufacturing sectors that it’s not smart to trust what is put on the packaging.

Foods that are particularly vulnerable to becoming tainted include Fish, Chicken, Apples and apple juice, Rice, Mushrooms, Salt, Black Pepper, Green Peas, and Garlic just to mention a few. Many of this so-called organic food contain unsavory additives and drug residues, are mislabeled or are just generally filthy. It is paramount to get these products from a trusted American manufacturer, in order to avoided eating contaminated tainted foods.

A similar issue is seen in the electronic industry, many foreign countries’ manufacturers use parts that are not brand new for their products and some use substandard parts for their products. This can lead to a malfunctioning of these devices and sometimes can lead to these devices exploding. These substandard products threaten commercial transportation systems, medical devices and systems, and the computers and networks that run today’s financial markets and communications systems.

A savvy consumer can often tell at a glance whether a designer handbag or a pair of shoes is genuine or counterfeit. But electronics counterfeits, hiding deep within products and systems, are not so easy to detect. Very few of us open up gadgets to inspect the components inside, and even if we did, almost none of us would know how to distinguish good components from bad. The smart step to take in buying safe electronics is to buy electronics made by an American manufacturer. There are strict laws and regulations in the U.S. that prevents an American manufacturer from producing substandard electronics products.

To manufacture products in America, a company must comply with rigorous standards when regulating the use of toxic chemicals and dangerous materials that can cause either injury or health hazards. The large scale problem affecting many foreign food and electronics industries include confused and underfunded regulatory system, an over-centralized processing industry, and careless, or downright unscrupulous, food producers and electronics manufacturer.

Assuming more personal responsibility for our food safety requires some thought and effort, and it’s by no means fool proof. But it can also return a welcome measure of meaning to our food-buying routines. You can reduce your risk of eating tainted food by buying well-known brands, buying locally grown produce as much as possible and buying seafood only from an American manufacturer.

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American industries have long been the stalwarts of global trade. American-made products have been known for their craftsmanship, durability, and innovativeness. At home, these industries provide jobs to millions of Americans, which in turn strengthen the national economy. With the advent of globalization, there has been a dramatic change in the international trading landscape, which threatens to eradicate the American industries. Trading policies, changes in technology, and cheaper wages from developing countries have made American-made products less competitive in the international market.

Although the United States remains an economic powerhouse, American industries are on a rapid decline and are in danger of being completely eliminated by foreign competition. Cheaper imports diminish the demand for US-made products and without demand, industries will inevitably fall.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that several industries are headed for a massive decline in the next 10 years and the American workforce will continue to shrink as much as 50% across industries. Some industries decline faster than others depending on how vulnerable they are to changes in trade agreements and shifts in business trends.

Here are some of the American industries that have been destroyed by foreign competition as evidenced by the considerable decline in their growth, operations, and workforce.

Apparel and Textile Manufacturing

It’s significantly cheaper to outsource textile and apparel production to developing and emerging countries because of lower wages. Cheaper production costs means cheaper prices for consumers.

Leather and Hides

Weak domestic demand and the inability of US tanners and leather makers to export their products competitively contributed to the decline of the industry.

Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Although the conceptualization, design and innovation of equipment like televisions, radios, and smartphones are still being done on American soil, the actual production is done elsewhere where wages are much lower.

Computers and Peripherals Production

Although the high-end computer products are still being produced in the US, companies in this sector have moved manufacturing plants and jobs overseas where cheap mass-produced computer and peripherals are manufactured.

Spring and Wire Products

The industry was hit hard by the recession and was slow to recover. Factories and manufacturing plants were moved overseas where production costs are cheaper. It did not help that the overall demand shrank because of corresponding contractions in auto and homebuilding industries.

 Hardware Manufacturing

The fall of the hardware manufacturing industry is attributed to the influx of cheap imports. This made recovery from the recession very difficult.

One can argue that the easy access to foreign markets and cheap labor can increase corporate profitability, which is beneficial to the US economy in general. However, the results are less than favorable. Outsourcing has its advantages, but the current trend forces industries to rely heavily on it without regard to the long-term negative effects to the manufacturing sector. Shifting production overseas not only constitutes job loss, but also an outflow of American money and technology.

The decline of American industries is detrimental to the US economy in the long run. The eventual catastrophic effects will take the form of job losses, reduction in wealth, a lower standard of living, and possibly the collapse of the economy.

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According to a 2015 report by Consumer Reports, 80% of Americans say they prefer to purchase products made in the United States. More than 60% say they’d even pay 10% more for an American-made product. Think of the label “Made in America.” What brand images come to mind? Chances are, you’ve conjured up a picture of quality, class and durability.

Manufacturers in the United States of America have a reputation for getting it right the first time. Since The top manufacturing companies in America often can’t compete on price with the manufacturers that benefit from lower labor costs overseas, they have to compete on quality, service, or speed–and they have a reputation for doing all they can to defend that brand edge. This made American manufacturers invest more in advanced plants and technology, which give them an edge in manufacturing precision and flexibility.

The top manufacturing companies in America abide by strict labor laws. They ensure that products are made under humane working conditions and meet today’s stringent safety standards. Low pay and child labor will never be factored into getting products made. This cumulates in producing products of high quality.

To manufacture products in America, a company must comply with rigorous standards when regulating the use of toxic chemicals and dangerous materials that can cause either injury or health hazards. Not only are there rules for what the manufacturer can use during production, but also how the product should be handled from beginning to the end. This is not so with many products made overseas. Safety standards are often weak at best in many overseas countries. They do not regulate toxic chemicals such as lead or formaldehyde.

American made products are known for innovations and craftsmanship. For example, you can tell the difference between a well-crafted piece of furniture and one that was produced quickly to get it off the line. You can feel it in the wood. You can see it in the quality of the fabrics. You can sense it every time you pull open a drawer. Many American furniture makers craft their pieces by hand from solid wood and other natural materials. Same story with American made shoes, most styles are made from genuine leather, and many are sewn by hand. American manufacturers ensure they produce a resilient product that will withstand the test of time.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ensures manufacturers produce quality products that are safe for consumers. Buying goods made in the U.S. means you can rest easy knowing your products comply with American consumer protection laws and safety standards. In 2007, dozens of types of children’s toys made in China were recalled because they were unsafe. Some posed a choking hazard, while others contained dangerous chemicals like lead paint and kerosene, according to The New York Times.

It’s actually possible to buy nearly anything, from a new sweater to a washing machine, from an American manufacturer – if you know where to look. Various websites exist, along with ours, for the purpose of helping U.S. consumers spend their shopping dollars on quality products that are “Made in America.”

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Even though today there are fewer American-made goods for consumers, this does not mean that these products do not exist anymore. Quite a few American startups and longstanding veteran brands churn out various US-made products such as kitchen supplies, beauty products, accessories, and clothes. Customers have various reasons for opting for American-made goods such as:

–    Buying goods manufactured in America supports the workers who made them and it strengthens the American economy. Every U.S. manufacturer supports more jobs in other sections of the economy.

–    You might find there is a lack of safety and environmental regulation overseas, which threatens the health of the foreign workers and that of American consumers.

–    Countries that produce some goods bought by Americans at times have no laws in favor of the protection of workers’ rights.

–    Even though it is cheaper to manufacture in developing countries, you might find few or no regulations for environmental protection meaning they have higher amounts of pollutants in the environment.

–    U.S. made goods have a lower carbon footprint compared to those made overseas. Goods made in India or China must be shipped across the ocean to get to American stores, resulting in the production of greenhouse gases and burning of fossil fuels with every mile traveled.

–    Creation or saving of jobs is one of the most common reasons given by shoppers for buying American.

The Federal Trade Commission or FTC requires all products with ‘Made in USA’ on the label to have nearly or all their content made in America; this includes labor, processing, and parts. However, regardless of the regulation by the FTC of the usage of the words ‘Made in USA’, some products labeled ‘Designed in USA’ or ‘Assembled in USA’ do not necessarily have US-made parts. The best way to identify goods manufactured in America is to look for a ‘Country of Origin’ label.

The aim of this website is to provide American Manufactured Companies to guide you when looking to buy American. This will help the U.S. consumer to spend their dollars in a way that supports the U.S. economy. Here are lists of examples of American manufacturing companies below for various products.

List American Manufacturing Companies for Shoes

–    Kepner Scott

–    Red Wing Shoes

–    Chippewa Boots

–    Allen Edmonds

–    New Balance

List American Manufacturing Companies for Clothing

–    Socks: Fair Trade, Maggie’s Organics, Wigwam Mills

–    Underwear: Union House Apparel, Victoria’s Secret, Hanky Panky

–    Outerwear: Stormy Kromer, L.L. Bean, Filson

–    Formal Wear: Etsy, BL Couture

–    Casual Wear: Karen Kane, Eileen Fisher, Spreadshirt

–    Blue Jeans: Texas Jeans, Diamond Gusset, Levi’s

List American Manufacturing Companies for Furniture

–    White Lotus Home

–    Ultimate Sack

–    Simplicity Sofas

–    Online Amish Furniture

–    Vermont Woods Studios

List American Manufacturing Companies for Appliances

–    Bosch

–    Kitchen Aid

–    Frigidaire

–    GE

–    Maytag

–    Whirlpool

List of American Made Cars

–    Buick Enclave

–    Chevrolet Corvette

–    GMC Acadia

–    Honda Odyssey

–    Toyota Sienna

–    Chevrolet Traverse

–    Toyota Camry

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