Hello there, I'm Deb.
I'm a 31 year old, opinionated ex-Texan, that doesn't always know what I'm talking about but always acts like I do. I was raised in the suburbs of Houston where we were surrounded by cow pastures and strip malls. I shopped at Walmart and never thought twice about where anything I bought came from. When seams in my pants came unraveled, I threw them out and bought a new pair.
This is how I was raised, why change? I remember back-to-school shopping at JC Penny's, Mervyns and Bealls. Each year we would stock up on socks, underwear and a whole new school wardrobe. Looking back through photos, not only did I look horrible, but I'm sure my entire wardrobe was imported cheap crap.
Even when I lived on my own, I thought buying quality goods was shopping at the mall or a department store (not like the crap they sell at Ross). "I love it, I got it at Ross."
I'm growing up and learning. Now I think about where things come from, what they are made of and how far they traveled to get here. I'm not saying all imported items are bad, not at all. But if I can reduce my carbon footprint & support my country at the same time by purchasing "local" goods, it's a win win.
Now it hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows, but I'm getting closer to that now with my new way of life. Back in 2006 it all started with me watching documentaries, starting to eat better, listening to others and learning. Up until then I really thought I knew it all. I realize now I only knew enough to get by and really I was doing myself a disservice by going through life putting minimal effort into my actions.
Last week, in the final days of 2009, I looked at the country of origin on all my regularly purchased products. I had a big sigh of relief when I discovered my makeup is made right here in the United States of America. I quickly went through everything in the bathroom. "Shit! My organic cotton tampons are made in Germany." So the thought crossed my mind, "do I run to the market and stock up?" No! I went online and with the help of a simple google search I found organic cotton tampons made in the USA. Big sigh of relief, there is always an alternative.
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Michael. I'm an old friend of Deb's from many, many years ago. I am a nice person.
Anyways, this blog is hilarious. Despite the certain "AdBusters" undertones of hostility (particularly towards China/communism), I like what you guys are doing. Please don't give up! What I like best about this scenario is that by buying American, you will have no choice but to spend more and receive less. Hopefully, the less is of higher quality, lasts longer, promites American jobs, keeps the nation strong, etc. I am curious to read more over the next year about how satisfied you are with American made products.
Since we live in a Capatilist Democracy, our nation's survival is entirely dependant upon the purchasing power (and willingness to spend) of every American. It makes sense that we import so much from China. Lower cost of goods = more purchasing power for the dollar. We are Capatilists, so spending more seems like a good thing for our nation to most Americans, and I agree that most Americans don't consider where that money is going. While I don't think that China is the problem (I have family that lives and works in southern China and can attest to their work ethic, strong sense of pride and craftsmanship, that child labor was abolished years ago, etc.), I do think that buying American is an amazing step in the right direction. If the American attitude toward purchasing can shift from a lot of flashy temporary materials that will be obsolete next year...to higher quality, better local materials, higher standards of craftsmanship and thoughfulness...in otherwords make each purchase an investment, and be willing to spend more for items that we should want to keep and cherish, then every American's standard of living could increase substantially. The responsibility then lies in every American's ambition to be thoughtful and take pride in their work, in order to create something that is worth that extra investment. Unfortunately, there are rumors that American's are apathetic. Hopefully, this isn't true.
OK, that's all. Just wanted to let you guys know that you have at least one reader who will be following your progress. I am excited for you guys, and look forward to reading more!