A fellow Longaberger consultant posted a comment on Facebook about buying American made and she included a link to a video that had been shown on ABC Nightly News. I've attached it here. It really makes you stop and think -- even with good intent of buying American made -- we've gotten away from buying what's made locally here in the USA. How sad, especially when we also think about the jobs we've lost with this change.
I hope you'll take a look at this. (Here's a comment from Tracey Oetterer Clines, the fellow Longaberger consultant.) "Take a second and watch this video... it's an eye opener. I've also said... it's cheaper to pay a little more for something made in America, than to pay unemployment for your neighbors."
Made in America: What's In Your Home?
abcnews.go.com
World News' new series looking at how we can bring jobs back to the U.S.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Dollar General carries American-made products
I stopped at the Dollar General Store in Bowling Green, MO yesterday, mainly because I thought I could get in an out of there quicker than I could Wal-Mart. What a nice store! First Dollar General I've been in where the aisles are spacious, shelves well stocked and there wasn't a lot of inventory sitting in the aisles (looking like it's waiting to be put on shelves). Layout was a little different than others I shop in, but the clerks were very courteous and told me where to find what I was looking for.
Came across a brand they carry called "Clover Valley". I picked up a couple boxes of cereal in this brand (those that resemble more popular-name brands), to give them a try -- because they were labeled as "Made in U.S.A." (Distributed by Dolgencorp, LLC, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072), and much less expensive. The crunchy peanut butter in this brand is also labeled "Made in U.S.A." so am giving it a try as well. And haven't had time to bake recently, so bought a pkg of Clover Valley Real Chocolate Chip Cookies -- yep, Made in U.S.A.
Also am trying the DG Home brand Soft Bath Tissue -- says it's comparable to Angel Soft Bath Tissue -- that's labeled as "Manufactured in U.S.A. from domestic and imported materials". It's labeled as containing no inks, dyes & perfumes, and is septic safe. Will let you know how I "feel" about this brand, ha -- and will continue to look for brands that are fully made in U.S.A.
Came across a brand they carry called "Clover Valley". I picked up a couple boxes of cereal in this brand (those that resemble more popular-name brands), to give them a try -- because they were labeled as "Made in U.S.A." (Distributed by Dolgencorp, LLC, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072), and much less expensive. The crunchy peanut butter in this brand is also labeled "Made in U.S.A." so am giving it a try as well. And haven't had time to bake recently, so bought a pkg of Clover Valley Real Chocolate Chip Cookies -- yep, Made in U.S.A.
Also am trying the DG Home brand Soft Bath Tissue -- says it's comparable to Angel Soft Bath Tissue -- that's labeled as "Manufactured in U.S.A. from domestic and imported materials". It's labeled as containing no inks, dyes & perfumes, and is septic safe. Will let you know how I "feel" about this brand, ha -- and will continue to look for brands that are fully made in U.S.A.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Is American Still #1?
This is a copy of an email newsletter I receive from Agurban. Thought I'd share it with you since it pertains to what's happening with manufacturing in the U.S.
From Manufacture This - The Blog of the Alliance for American Manufacturing
Is America Still #1?
· In 2011, the U.S. is poised to lose its 110-year run as the world's leader in factory production to China.
· China's economy surged ahead of Japan in 2010 to become the world's second largest. While the U.S. remains the largest by gross domestic product, analysts predict that the U.S. risks losing that position by 2025 - if not sooner.
· China has moved into the #2 position in the publication of biomedical research articles.
· The U.S. has lost its position as the world's leading high-technology exporter.
· A recent survey found that 77% of global firms say they plan to build their new research and development facility in China or India.
· The United States now ranks 27th among developed nations in the proportion of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science and engineering.
· Roughly half of America's outstanding public debt is now foreign-owned-with China the largest holder.
· China is poised to lead the world in patent application filings in 2011, surpassing both the U.S. and Japan.
· In 2010, China passed the United States as the world leader in auto sales.
U.S. manufacturing today.
· 5.5 million - the number of manufacturing jobs lost in the last decade - roughly one-third of the manufacturing workforce.
· 51,000 - the number of manufacturing plants shuttered in the last decade.
· 2.4 million - the number of American jobs lost or displaced between 2001-2008 due to our massive and growing trade deficit with China.
· 40 - the percent that China's currency is undervalued.
· 83 - the percent of our trade deficit in non-oil goods in 2009 attributable to China.
Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy and expanding and deepening our nation's economic recovery cannot happen without reinvigorating our industrial base.
· In 2008, manufacturing produced $1.4 trillion in national income, making it one of the largest sectors in the American economy.
· Nearly 90 percent of all patents filed come from the manufacturing sector.
· American manufacturers are the leading buyers of new technology in the United States.
· American manufacturing directly employs roughly 11.7 million Americans and directly supports millions of additional jobs in other sectors.
· American manufacturing has a higher multiplier effect (4 to 5 indirect jobs) and pays better wages (20 percent high on average) than other sectors of the economy.
· In 2010, manufacturing was viewed by American voters as the most important sector to the overall strength of the American economy and for our national security.
· In 2010, 83 percent of American voters expressed support for tariffs on Chinese imports if they continue to cheat through their trade policies.
www.americanmanufacturing.org
________________________________________________________
We are hopeful that American manufacturing will continue to rebound from the Great Recession. Stay tuned as we will keep a watchful eye on vital sector of the U.S. economy.
From Manufacture This - The Blog of the Alliance for American Manufacturing
Is America Still #1?
· In 2011, the U.S. is poised to lose its 110-year run as the world's leader in factory production to China.
· China's economy surged ahead of Japan in 2010 to become the world's second largest. While the U.S. remains the largest by gross domestic product, analysts predict that the U.S. risks losing that position by 2025 - if not sooner.
· China has moved into the #2 position in the publication of biomedical research articles.
· The U.S. has lost its position as the world's leading high-technology exporter.
· A recent survey found that 77% of global firms say they plan to build their new research and development facility in China or India.
· The United States now ranks 27th among developed nations in the proportion of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science and engineering.
· Roughly half of America's outstanding public debt is now foreign-owned-with China the largest holder.
· China is poised to lead the world in patent application filings in 2011, surpassing both the U.S. and Japan.
· In 2010, China passed the United States as the world leader in auto sales.
U.S. manufacturing today.
· 5.5 million - the number of manufacturing jobs lost in the last decade - roughly one-third of the manufacturing workforce.
· 51,000 - the number of manufacturing plants shuttered in the last decade.
· 2.4 million - the number of American jobs lost or displaced between 2001-2008 due to our massive and growing trade deficit with China.
· 40 - the percent that China's currency is undervalued.
· 83 - the percent of our trade deficit in non-oil goods in 2009 attributable to China.
Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy and expanding and deepening our nation's economic recovery cannot happen without reinvigorating our industrial base.
· In 2008, manufacturing produced $1.4 trillion in national income, making it one of the largest sectors in the American economy.
· Nearly 90 percent of all patents filed come from the manufacturing sector.
· American manufacturers are the leading buyers of new technology in the United States.
· American manufacturing directly employs roughly 11.7 million Americans and directly supports millions of additional jobs in other sectors.
· American manufacturing has a higher multiplier effect (4 to 5 indirect jobs) and pays better wages (20 percent high on average) than other sectors of the economy.
· In 2010, manufacturing was viewed by American voters as the most important sector to the overall strength of the American economy and for our national security.
· In 2010, 83 percent of American voters expressed support for tariffs on Chinese imports if they continue to cheat through their trade policies.
www.americanmanufacturing.org
________________________________________________________
We are hopeful that American manufacturing will continue to rebound from the Great Recession. Stay tuned as we will keep a watchful eye on vital sector of the U.S. economy.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Menards shares list of American-made products
A friend of mine shared with me an email from a Menard's store ad. It gives the products they offer
that are made in the USA. Check it out!
that are made in the USA. Check it out!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
American-made clothing
This seems to be another category that it is "hard to find" items that are Made in USA anymore. My daughter mentioned that New Balance shoes is the only company that offers American-made athletic shoes now. At one time I thought all of Carhartt Brand clothing was made in the US, but as I looked at the tags of some Carhartt shirts for possible Christmas presents, I found that not to be true. The Carhartt socks I purchased are -- and they are excellent quality. The men in our family really like Carhartt socks.
They are made to stand-up to lots of wear. We buy our Carhartt products mainly at the Farm & Home Supply Store in Pittsfield. Fun place to look and shop.
I think I'll contact Carhartt and ask what products are made in the USA. Will let you know what I find out.
Until next time -
They are made to stand-up to lots of wear. We buy our Carhartt products mainly at the Farm & Home Supply Store in Pittsfield. Fun place to look and shop.
I think I'll contact Carhartt and ask what products are made in the USA. Will let you know what I find out.
Until next time -
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Reply from Kellogg's and other things
Here's the reply I received from Kellogg's regarding my question about why they don't put "Made in USA" or "Product of USA" on their cereals, if this is where they're manufactured.
Roberta,
Thank you for your recent email regarding package print in Kellogg's® cereal products, we are happy to provide the following information.
Our company's goal is to provide consumers with wholesome, high-quality products. One area of great importance is packaging. We continually evaluate our package designs to accommodate the needs of our many different consumers.
Consumer satisfaction continues to be our primary objective. Therefore, we are forwarding your concerns to the appropriate company officials so they may consider your comments when planning future packaging changes.
It was good of you to take the time to share your views about our packaging. Your comments will help us continue to achieve our goal of providing you with great-tasting and high quality products.
Sincerely,
Danny Chavez
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs
We'll see if my comment makes a difference to the company -- maybe if a few others contacted them as well (hint, hint).
On another note . . . yesterday was my husband Eric's birthday (now he's as old as I am again, ha). Just thought it would be interesting to evaluate the origin of his gifts and his birthday meal.
First, the presents. I gave him (us) season passes to the Main Street Opry Music Hall Show at the Lake of the Ozarks. Great, American-made, family entertainment if you like excellent singing and comedy. I highly recommend these shows to everyone. (They started doing two different show this past season and they plan to continue that format this year we've been told. So when we go to the lake for a weekend, we can take in two different shows - one each night - if we want.)
The second gift was a framed picture, I guess you could say. It has a photo of each of our dad's in their uniforms from when they were in the Army Air Corps during WWII, along with a copy of sheet music that is the theme song for the AAC, plus a couple of quotes from Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation. Unfortunately, I suspect the cheap frame I put the collage in is not made in the USA.
Okay, now for the meal. We had spaghetti (Ronzini Healthy Harvest - Distributed by New World Pasta Co., Harrisburg, PA 17112-6457, Product of USA), with Barilla Mushroom & Garlic Sauce (PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Barilla America, Inc. Bannockburn, IL 60015). I also fixed us each a lettuce salad with broccoli and cherry tomatoes (Okay, I hope those were all USA grown -- not sure about the lettuce and broccoli. Some of the tomatoes came from a pack labeled Sunripe Sweet Grape Tomatoes - PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. Palmetto, FL 34221 and the other pack were Flavor Growers & Packers, Product of Mexico.) Also steamed some of the broccoli and we had a glass of Sutter Home Merlot Wine (Vinted and Bottled in Napa, CA). For dessert, I had made a chocolate pie using Jello-Brand pudding, Cool-Whip Brand whipped topping and a pre-made Kroger-brand Chocolate crumb crust. None of those items specifically state MADE IN USA :(.
Think I'll develop a spreadsheet by food category and keep a list of products (including brand name) that are Made in USA and which retail store they're available in. Please feel free to send me the names of products you find and like that are USA products.
Roberta,
Thank you for your recent email regarding package print in Kellogg's® cereal products, we are happy to provide the following information.
Our company's goal is to provide consumers with wholesome, high-quality products. One area of great importance is packaging. We continually evaluate our package designs to accommodate the needs of our many different consumers.
Consumer satisfaction continues to be our primary objective. Therefore, we are forwarding your concerns to the appropriate company officials so they may consider your comments when planning future packaging changes.
It was good of you to take the time to share your views about our packaging. Your comments will help us continue to achieve our goal of providing you with great-tasting and high quality products.
Sincerely,
Danny Chavez
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs
We'll see if my comment makes a difference to the company -- maybe if a few others contacted them as well (hint, hint).
On another note . . . yesterday was my husband Eric's birthday (now he's as old as I am again, ha). Just thought it would be interesting to evaluate the origin of his gifts and his birthday meal.
First, the presents. I gave him (us) season passes to the Main Street Opry Music Hall Show at the Lake of the Ozarks. Great, American-made, family entertainment if you like excellent singing and comedy. I highly recommend these shows to everyone. (They started doing two different show this past season and they plan to continue that format this year we've been told. So when we go to the lake for a weekend, we can take in two different shows - one each night - if we want.)
The second gift was a framed picture, I guess you could say. It has a photo of each of our dad's in their uniforms from when they were in the Army Air Corps during WWII, along with a copy of sheet music that is the theme song for the AAC, plus a couple of quotes from Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation. Unfortunately, I suspect the cheap frame I put the collage in is not made in the USA.
Okay, now for the meal. We had spaghetti (Ronzini Healthy Harvest - Distributed by New World Pasta Co., Harrisburg, PA 17112-6457, Product of USA), with Barilla Mushroom & Garlic Sauce (PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Barilla America, Inc. Bannockburn, IL 60015). I also fixed us each a lettuce salad with broccoli and cherry tomatoes (Okay, I hope those were all USA grown -- not sure about the lettuce and broccoli. Some of the tomatoes came from a pack labeled Sunripe Sweet Grape Tomatoes - PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. Palmetto, FL 34221 and the other pack were Flavor Growers & Packers, Product of Mexico.) Also steamed some of the broccoli and we had a glass of Sutter Home Merlot Wine (Vinted and Bottled in Napa, CA). For dessert, I had made a chocolate pie using Jello-Brand pudding, Cool-Whip Brand whipped topping and a pre-made Kroger-brand Chocolate crumb crust. None of those items specifically state MADE IN USA :(.
Think I'll develop a spreadsheet by food category and keep a list of products (including brand name) that are Made in USA and which retail store they're available in. Please feel free to send me the names of products you find and like that are USA products.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Is your peanut butter American made?
I'd have to say that peanut butter is a staple in our home food supply. So I'm making it my quest to find
one that is "Made in USA". My preferred brand is Wal-Mart's Creamy Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread -- but I may have to adapt my taste buds to a different one if I find this is not an American-made product. My husband like crunchy peanut butter and we currently have a jar of Peter Pan. It's made by ConAgra Foods, Omaha, NE. BUT it doesn't say it's American made. Think I'll do some checking with
ConAgra and look a little more at the other brands on the store shelves. It seems I've looked before and couldn't find one that states it's a "Product of USA". Will let you know -- or if you've found one, please share the information with me.
one that is "Made in USA". My preferred brand is Wal-Mart's Creamy Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread -- but I may have to adapt my taste buds to a different one if I find this is not an American-made product. My husband like crunchy peanut butter and we currently have a jar of Peter Pan. It's made by ConAgra Foods, Omaha, NE. BUT it doesn't say it's American made. Think I'll do some checking with
ConAgra and look a little more at the other brands on the store shelves. It seems I've looked before and couldn't find one that states it's a "Product of USA". Will let you know -- or if you've found one, please share the information with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)