The Results....

On Friday, I challenged you to log all of your purchases, and pay attention to the country of origin. For me, this was not a shopping filled weekend. However, it was full of food and beverages.

Friday night, I enjoyed a meal at a local chain. Of course, the menu said nothing about where the food came from. Saturday, I dined at a French restaurant. My food was from the U.S.,  but the house wine was made in France. The list of American wines was lacking.

Sunday’s lunch was the same as Friday’s dinner. I’m assuming my food originated from the States. However, the menu lacked country of origin information, I’m not sure.

This lack of information made me start thinking about food guidelines. Recently, the State of California enacted legislation requiring restaurant chains of a certain size to post nutritional information on their menu. The State should expand this legislation to include country of origin information for meats and poultry. 

I Challenge You....

Today, I am not going to hate on anyone. I am not going to give you my opinion on what products to buy. I’m not even going to tell you about any government agencies. Instead, I am asking you to conduct an experiment.

This weekend (Starting Saturday morning through Sunday evening) pay attention to what you buy.  Log all of your purchases. As you log your purchases, note the country of origin.

I plan on doing the same. I’ll report back on Monday. 

Made in the U.S.A. Foundation in the News…Again

Over a decade ago, Joel D. Joseph, General Counsel to Made in the USA Foundation, filed suit against Kwikset Lock Company for labeling their products “Made in the USA” after Kwikset moved its factory from Anaheim, California to Mexicali, Mexico.  Today, the California Supreme Court ruled that consumers of these locks have the right to sue manufacturers under California law for the mislabeled products that they purchased.

My favorite quote from the opinion:

"Simply stated:  labels matter.  The marketing industry is based on the premise that labels matter, that consumers will choose one product over another similar product based on its label and various tangible and intangible qualities they may come to associate with a particular source.”

According to Joseph, “This is a landmark decision.  The California Supreme Court has ruled that labels concerning consumer goods, known as ‘credence products’ could be enforced in court.  When buying ‘credence products’ consumers rely on manufacturers’ representations of hidden qualities, whether the products are kosher, organic or Made in the U.S.A.   This ruling is the first time that highest court of a state has protected the right of consumers to purchase “Made in the USA” and other hidden product qualities.   The Made in the USA Foundation will use this landmark ruling around the country to make sure that manufacturers tell the truth about the country of origin of their products.”

What Can the FTC Do For Me?

Yesterday, I spread the word about a lawsuit filed by the Made in the USA Foundation against Lucky Brand Jeans. For all of you non-legal people out there, the Foundation filed a complaint with the FTC. According to the Foundation, Lucky Brand Jeans was in violation of Federal Trade Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45 and 45a. 

As a consumer, you are probably wondering what this means. Basically, deceptive advertising is illegal. Lucky Brand Jeans’ logo says “Born in America.” Considering the jeans are no longer made in America, this is a deceptive practice. Therefore, Lucky Brand Jeans is breaking the law.

The Foundation is asking the FTC for relief. The FTC is the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is an independent Federal Agency founded in 1914. Congress makes consumer protection laws and the FTC enforces these laws.

If you purchased a pair of Lucky Brand Jeans and were under the impression they are manufactured domestically, contact the Made in the USA Foundation and the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. 

False Advertising: Lucky Brand Jeans

The Shorts Advertised Above Were Made Abroad

The Made in the USA Foundation filed suit with the Federal Trade Commission against Lucky Brand Jeans. According to papers filed with the FTC, Lucky Brand Denim manufactures its products abroad.  However, denim manufacturer advertises its products as “All American.”   This is illegal.

The complaint states:

1.     Products that are made in the U.S.A. are not required by law to include a country of origin designation.

2.     Consumers reasonably believe that the Lucky Brand Jeans that they are purchasing are made in the United States.

3.     Consumers paid more for the Lucky Brand Jeans than “made in Mexico” jeans are worth because they believed that the jeans were made in the United States.

If you have fallen victim to Lucky Brand Denim’s false advertising please contact the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. 

Have Some Wine, Help the Economy

I wouldn’t consider myself a wine connoisseur, but I do enjoy an occasional glass of vino. Last night I sipped on some California red. This led me to wonder, "What is the big fuss over imported wine?"

Turns out I’m not alone. Wine website wineography.com’s Top 10 Wine List, includes 5 wines from the United States.

In Top Wine List

The top wine list shows the top 10 wines in Wineography's system. This list is made up from the ratings in the members' online tasting notes.

Pos.            Wine           

1            Shiraz 2006 [ Greg Norman Estates, Australia ]           

2            Cabernet Franc 2002 [ Peju Province Winery, USA ]           

3            Red 2006 [ Arancio, Italy ]            94.3

4            Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 [ Kuleto Estate, USA ]           

5            Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage 2003 [ Kanonkop Wine Estate, South           

6            Grenache 2004 [ Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Spain ]            93.0

7            Barbera 2005 [ Ponte Family Winery, USA ]           

8            Shiraz 2004 [ Wattle Creek Winery, USA ]           

9            Pinot Noir 2003 [ Wild Horse, USA ]           

10            Syrah 2001 [ Agua Dulce Vineyards, USA ]           

Next time you sit down for a glass or two of wine, drink American. Think of it as helping your economy. 

For more information on the Top Wine list, check out http://www.wineography.com/top_wines.htm. 

Proudly Made in Mexico...

The SRX (Proudly Made in Mexico) 

I don’t recall a time during my childhood that at least one of my parents didn’t drive a Cadillac. I remember hearing, “Why buy a Mercedes when you can buy American.”

Fast-forward 20 years.

General Motors, the manufacturer of Cadillac is manufacturing its SRX Luxury Crossover in Mexico. To make matters worse, General Motors allowing consumers to believe that the vehicle was made domestically.

Imagine you are at an auto show. You are walking and see the Cadillac booth. Someone asks you, “Where is this SRX manufactured?”  The odds are, you are going to respond, “In America.” Not the case. The SRX is a product of Mexico.

However, the GM people mislead consumers into believing the SRX is made in America. They do this by taking the Country of Origin stickers off their display cars.

If you ask me, that’s pretty messed up. 

My juice may contain apples from where?

While I was on the elliptical today, an interesting thought popped into my head. I began to think about the origin of my food. I, like most health conscious consumers, can spout off the calorie content of everything I put in my mouth. But, I can’t say the same thing about the origin of my food.

In case you lost me, I am talking about the Country of Origin Labeling Act (COOL). COOL is serious legislation. The law took seven years to pass and had 100 sponsors in Congress. It requires country of origin on fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Additionally, with fish the label must say whether they were line caught or farmed.  

According to COOL, labels cannot say, even though they do, that “apple juice may contain apples from the following 10 countries.” This practice goes against COOL.

If you see a COOL violation, such as the one I described, contact the Made in the USA Foundation. 

What is this AALA Everyone is Talking About?

General Motors, you are not above the law. 

If you’ve read the news this week, you know that the Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors with violating the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). To make a long story short, GM decided that the law doesn’t apply to them.  The U.S. automaker stripped auto-show display vehicles of country of origin labels. This way, auto-show consumers would have no idea that the latest GM vehicles were manufactured off-shore.

This brings me to the AALA.  Many consumers are unaware of the AALA, but are surrounded by its benefits on a daily basis. Have you ever noticed the sticker on your car window that says where your car was manufactured? That is because of the AALA. The AALA requires new cars to provide information on the window sticker, including where the car was assembled, the U.S. and other country content, where the engine was made and where the transmission was made.

Regardless of what vehicle you choose to buy, you the consumer should be informed. General Motors stripping labels off of display vehicles denied you of your right to be informed. Not cool. 

General Motors On Notice

American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires all new cars that are offered for sale to include country of origin information. The Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors of violating the AALA. GM is stripping country of origin labels off of its cars at auto shows around the country. The Foundation has given GM notice that it intends to file suit for these violation of law.

It is bad enough that General Motors is hiding the fact that it has moved production of vehicles offshore. What makes this worse is that GM is a bailout company. Remember the bailout? U.S. Taxpayers saved GM. Our Federal Government still owns a part of the company. Yet, the auto manufacturer makes the Buick Regal in Germany.

           

According to GM, AALA only applies to cars for sale at dealers not at auto shows. Made in the USA Chairman Joel Joseph responded, “Millions of consumers get their first look at cars at auto shows.  The law applies to cars that are ‘for sale’ and auto show car, except concept cars, that are for sale at thousands of dealers across the nation should include country of origin information.  The U.S. government saved G.M. and still owns one-third of the company.  General Motors should comply with the intent of the law.

Shame on you, General Motors. 

My FAVORITE Yoga Pants

AMAZING! 

This morning, as I was doing laundry, I was pleasantly surprised to see my favorite yoga pants are made in the USA.

I always hear my friends peddling their favorite pair of yoga pants. For instance, I hear one more person talk about how much they love Lululemon, I might scream. That being said, I love Hard Tail yoga pants. They are perfection.

The fabric is super soft and they stay put. This is important because no one wants to expose too much on the yoga mat. 

Check out the Hard Tail website. Trust me, you will never wear any other yoga pants after you have a pair of Hard Tails. 

Need a New Sofa ?

I LOVE this SOFA

Just in case you’re in the market for a sofa, check out Old Hickory Tannery’s Blue Recamier Sofa. Obsession.

Like all of Old Hickory Tannery furniture, this sofa is made in the USA. You can purchase it on Horchow.com.

Horchow.com

Host Your Own Golden Globes Viewing Party

The 2011 Golden Globe Awards take place Sunday January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills. If you can’t make it to the Red Carpet, why not have a viewing party?

Golden Globes attendees will be feasting creations made by Beverly Hilton Executive Chef Suki Sugiura. His combination entrée is made of ingredients all originating from California.   

Chef Sugiura’s entrée consists of Grilled Beef Tenderloin of Beef with Caramelized Fennel Marmalada, Sautéed Mild Chili Sesame Crusted Filet of Pacific Sea Bass, Light Cream of Fine Herb Turmeric Lemon Grass Sauce, Black Risotto Parmesan , and Young Bok Choy, Haricot Vert and Baby Carrot.

In the spirit of Chef Sugiura’s entree, serve dishes made from local ingredients. To find a farmer’s market near you click here. 

Some Interesting News From Nissan…

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., announced that it plans to move production of the Nissan Rogue from Japan to the United States.

According to an autoweek.com, “When the yen rises against the dollar, that reduces the amount of yen revenue that Japanese automakers take in from cars and trucks sold for dollars. Japanese automakers then must decide whether to raise prices in dollars, in order to protect their profit margins, or accept lower profits.” The article continued, “By building vehicles in North America, Japanese automakers offset the negative impact of a rising yen, but switching labor and parts costs from yen to dollars.”

Nissan plans to start U.S. production of the Rogue in 2013.

Click here to see the full article at autoweek.com

Buy This. Wear This.

 American Apparel Flannel Lined Rain Parka

Guys, don’t worry. I didn’t forget about you.

Yesterday, I showed some love to the female readers by suggesting the best tee shirt ever (by AG). Luckily, today I stumbled upon the American Apparel Flannel Lined Rain Parka. If I were a guy, I’d rock this.

Everyone needs a good raincoat. I know a lot of people who think Burberry when they hear “raincoat.” Don’t get me wrong, I love Novacheck as much as the next person, but the American Appeal jacket is just as hip as its British counterpart. Not to mention, American Apparel’s Rain Parka is only $120.00.

The Parka comes in Black, Navy and Khaki and is available in American Apparel store or online at http://store.americanapparel.net/ . By the way, like all of American Apparel’s products, the Parka is manufactured in Downtown L.A.. 

Hey Ladies, You Need This Tee!

Props to the folks at AG Jeans. I love the new “Circle Tee” in Mustard.

The description on the website says, “This super soft scoop neck tee features a drapey fabric, narrowing at the hip for a flattering wedge fit.”

I say, super cute! (Trust me, a good tee is hard to find.)

To purchase the Circle Tee vist: http://www.agjeans.com/. While you’re on there, be sure to check out the AG Semi-Annual sale. After all, who doesn’t like saving 50%.

Oh, by the way AG proudly manufactures in the U.S.A.. So really you’re helping our economy by shopping at AG.  

I want to know where my food comes from!

USDA we need your help. 

Today, I pose a question to the USDA. Why don’t I know where my food comes from? Why do I know where my lettuce comes from, but I don’t know where my spring mix comes from?

However, the folks at the USDA don’t seem to care where their food comes from. They allow food manufactures to volunteer the origin of their products. Only under certain circumstances does the USDA require country of origin labeling. Essentially, if a product has mixed ingredients, the USDA does not require a country of origin.

So, if I buy a banana the USDA requires a label, but if I have a fruit salad, the country of origin isn’t required.

USDA, get it together. 

Another Day, Another Label-Less Catalogue

Don't Make Us Go In The Store to Figure Out Where Your Stuff Comes From.

Today, in my mailbox I found the latest CB2 catalogue. For those of you not in the know, CB2 is Crate and Barrel’s younger cousin. I was a smidge disappointed when I realized the catalogue did not list a country of origin for its productsAfter doing a little research, I learned a thing or two about Crate & Barrel. A husband and wife in Chicago opened the first Crate & Barrel. They went directly to Europe to buy good to sell in their Chicago shop.

As it turns out, Crate & Barrel doesn’t even manufacture its own goods. However, I still think it wouldn’t hurt to put a country of origin in the catalogue. It doesn’t take a lot of space, and I am confident consumers would appreciate it. 

Read Labels

Earlier this week, I came across an article on the Wisconsin State Journal’s website. Essentially, in about 150 words, the author discussed the origin of his Christmas presents. Karl Schwenk stated, “I just looked at my Christmas presents to see where they were manufactured. Three tools were manufactured in China. Of the clothing, one item each was manufactured in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Jordan. A meat thermometer, a CD, chocolate and a beer-making kit were made in the U.S.A.”  (To see the full article click here.)

This inspired me to do the same as Kark. Of the five clothing items I received, not a single one was made in the USA. Granted, three of the five items were made by European designers.  However, I was disappointed to find that my A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz dress was Made in India. I honestly thought that Allen Schwartz, an American designer, manufactured his clothing in the U.S..

I’m not going to digress about why we should by things that are manufactured domestically. However, I would like this to serve as a reminder to check the labels. If nothing else, check labels for your own personal knowledge. If you give your money to a company that manufactures abroad, give it knowingly.