Happy New Year!

Eat Local in 2011

With the New Year, comes a New Year’s resolution. In my case, my resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle. I realize resolving to live a healthier lifestyle is a resolution with many facets. The most obvious way to live a healthier lifestyle is to eat better. After doing some research, it occurred to me that the easiest way to achieve this goal is through a diet full of local foods. 

According to Men’s Health Magazine, “local produce from small purveyors is generally fresher. Research from Iowa State University shows that while a local Iowa apple travels only 61 miles, a conventional supermarket apple travels 1,726 miles.”( Click Here for the Full Article)

The USDA reports that in 2009 6,132 farmers markets operated in the U.S.. By buying local foods, you are eating healthier foods and supporting U.S. farmers. To me, this looks like a win-win situation to me. So, this year, resolve to live healthier by eating local. 

Visit the USDA website to find a farmer's market near you.

Ray Ban Needs to Learn a Lesson from Neiman Marcus!

Two Thumbs Up Neiman Marcus! 

I am angry.

Today, I attempted to do some online shopping. I soon realized that a number of online retailers make it quite difficult for consumers to find the origin of the products they sell. How hard is it to add where a product was manufactured to the item’s description.

For instance, I was searching for a new pair of sunglasses. I found my way to Ray-Ban.com. One would thing that Ray Ban, the manufacturer of the most iconic American eyewear, would clearly label the origin of a pair of aviators. No. Instead, I spent 20 minutes searching for a place of origin for the glasses. I got frustrated and quit. On the upside, I saved myself a $150.00.

I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Dallas based retailer Neiman Marcus’ website. The retailer includes the item’s origin in the bullet-pointed item description. As an added bonus, the first two pairs of leggings I clicked on were made in the USA.   Ironically, Neiman Marcus clearly labeled the origin of the Ray Ban aviators I was looking at on the Ray-Ban site. In case you were wondering, the glasses are made in Italy.  

Some Advice for the New Year

In keeping with this week’s New Year’s Resolution theme, I have some food for thought.

In the upcoming year, think about your purchases. Don’t just buy with abandon. Look at labels. If you are unsure of a products origin, call the manufacturer. Asking where a product you are about to buy comes from is a legitimate question.

Also, if you find a retailer is not supplying enough products that are Made in the USA, speak up. For instance, next time you are at Wal-Mart, let customer service know that you want more American products. If you the consumer doesn’t speak up, retailers will continue to infiltrate our shelves with products made in China.

Take a stand in 2011 and demand domestically manufactured products. 

Two Thumbs Up, New Balance!

New Year’s Day is rearing its head. With the New Year, comes New Year’s resolutions. According to USA.gov, popular resolutions include “Get Fit” and “Loose Weight.” For me, getting inspired to work out sometimes involves a new pair of sneakers.

Click here to visit New Balance's website

When sneaker shopping, consider buying a pair of New Balance sneakers from the USA Collection.

Although the entire New Balance line is not manufactured domestically, the shoe manufacturer clearly labels its shoes. New Balance distinguishes between Made in the USA and Assembled in the USA. If the Domestic Value of the shoe is greater than 70%, the show is “Made in the USA.”

Thank you New Balance for providing consumers who care with the information they need to make buying decisions.

For more information on New Balance’s USA Collection, please visit  www.shopnewbalance.com 

Seasons Greetings from Made in the USA Foundation!

Looks like there is plenty of room for domestic jobs. 

As you enjoy your holiday, I urge to remember this short story. According to a recent 60 Minutes, Indiana gas stations won’t accept payments from State credit cards.  Apparently, the State of Illinois doesn’t have enough money to pay their bills.

Maybe, if more products were made in the U.S.A., then Americans would have more jobs. With more jobs come tax dollars paid to the government. With more tax dollars, the State of Illinois could pay its credit card bills. 

Seasons Greetings! 

Say “No” to Champagne, Say “Yes” to Sparkling Wine

This holiday season, I’m plan to be turn down the Champagne. Instead, you’ll find me sipping on some American sparkling wine.

For those of you not in the know, the terms “Champagne” and “Sparkling Wine” are not interchangeable. “Champagne” refers to a type of Sparkling Wine that is made in the Champagne region of France.

According the Office of Champagne USA, in 2007 (the last year the organization published statistics) the French shipped 21,722,220 bottles of Champagne to the United States.  I ask, why not drink American wine instead? Is it really that different? The answer is no.

Earlier this week, the Washington Times Online ran an article entitled, “Sparkling wines: Made in the USA.” According to the article, “While Champagne, France might be the birthplace of sparkling wine, it by no means is the only place to find great sparkling wine. If you’re looking for great bubbly to serve at your holiday gatherings or to ring in the New Year, you need not look overseas.”

The writer, Lourie Forster suggested two bottles of American made bubbles. At the $40 price-point, Forster recommends Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2007. For about half the price, you can sip on Gruet Winery Blanc de Noirs NV.

Cheers to the U.S.A.. 

Remember NAFTA?

The NAFTA Flag

For the few of you not in the know, NAFTA stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement. 

January 1, 2011 will mark the 17^th anniversary of the initial implementation of NAFTA. Full implementation began in 2008. The goal behind NAFTA was to eliminate trade barriers between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In the 1990s, NAFTA was one of the most debated topics.

As of late, NAFTA has been out of the news. A search on CNN.com for the term “NAFTA” resulted in more hits for Larry King’s top stories, as opposed to current stories about the agreement.  However, just because a topic is not popular in the mainstream media, do not diminish its relevance.

Check out Made in the USA Foundation Chairman Joel Joseph discuss the pros and cons of NAFTA:  http://youtube.com/madeusafoundation. 

UPDATE: The FEED Bag Controversy

Last week, various news outlets reported that Gap mislabeled a number of bags in the FEED Collection. Recent updates show that this isn’t exactly what occurred.

Gap mislabeled the origin of the bags. However, the mislabeling occurred on store signs, not on the bag’s label.  According to CNN.com, “The bags were displayed next to a sign explaining the FEED USA campaign, which invited shoppers to ‘buy the limited edition bags and we'll donate $5 to our nation's school lunch programs.’ Stamped on the sign was a ‘Made in USA’ logo, which was true of most of the collection's bags, except for the denim bags in question, which bore "Made in China" tags.”

Gap’s misleading signage has sparked a nationwide debate. Is it OK for Gap exploit American patriotism by selling products made from overseas labor? A Gap spokesperson stated that Gap is donating $150,000 to U.S. school lunch programs. My question is, if Gap manufactured more products on U.S. soil, would a $150,000 donation to school lunch programs be necessary?

Furthermore, according to Gap Inc.’s Fiscal Year2009 Annual Statement, Gap’s sales (Gap North America, Banana Republic North America, Old Navy, International and Gap Inc. International) reached $5.5 billion. United States sales contributed approximately $3.5 Billion of $5.5 billion. [Some Food For Thought: Gap is donating $1 for approximately every $2.3 million U.S. consumers spent in fiscal year 2009.]

Maybe instead of focusing on misleading signage, U.S. consumers should question Gap executives as to why U.S. consumers are spending billions of dollars on Gap products, yet the bulk of the products are manufactured overseas. 

THE WEEKEND EDITION: A Little Food For Thought

Check out Twinkle Cushion Ring

by Jane Taylor (Page 17)

This weekend, as you finish up your holiday shopping, I urge you to take a moment and think about what you are buying. Remember, buying American means more jobs for American Citizens.

Don’t be shy. 800-Numbers are your friend. If you have a question as to where a product was made, call the company. For instance, this week the Nestle people were quick to answer my question.

If you feel that you fall victim to mislabeling, contact us at the Made in the USA Foundation. After all, if no one shared this week’s mislabeling at Gap, the company would continue to fool consumers.

If you need any help picking out gifts, our Winter Holiday Gift Guide is available on our homepage.  I must say that our editors did a phenomenal job putting the guide together. They defiantly saved me a lot of work this holiday season. Just click on the link for the Holiday Gift Guide on our homepage. 

Shame on Gap!

One of the FEED USA Bags

The folks at Gap got themselves into a bit of trouble today. For those of you who didn’t hear about the controversy here is the short version of the story:

The Gap manufactures a line of bags called “FEED USA.” According to gap.com, “for every FEED USA bag sold, Gap is donating $5 to help improve school food and nutrition education in America.” The Gap claimed that the bags were manufactured in the USA. It turns out, that all of the bags were not made in the USA. Instead, the Gap manufactured a significant number of the bags in China.

The Gap responded to Styleite.com with the following statement:

“There are several bags in the FEED USA collection. The FEED USA Canvas Tote bag and the limited edition one-of-a-kind Bandana Bag are both made in the USA.
However, the FEED USA Denim Bucket bags are made in China, and should not have been connected to the made in the USA signs. We apologize for any inaccurate messaging. We are proud of our FEED USA partnership. Gap donates $5 toward FEED USA’s school lunch program for each bag sold.”

This is pathetic on so many levels. I can’t decide what is worse, manufacturing a FEED USA bag overseas or lying about it.

Just a thought….Maybe if Gap manufactured its products in the USA, school lunch programs wouldn’t need as many donations.

_________________

UPDATE: I reached the Nestle people. Rasinets are made in the USA. Maybe Gap should take a lesson from Nestle. 

Where do my Rasinets Come From???

After yesterday’s attempt at living China-free for a day, I grew a little more cognizant of the products I consume. So, as I broke into a fresh box of Nestle Rasinets, I began to wonder, “Where do my Rasinets come from?”

First, I looked at the Rasinets box. The box simply said, “Distributed by Nestle USA, Inc., Glendale Ca 91203.” So, from the box, I knew that my Rasinets were distributed in California. Also, I knew that the candy was made with “California” raisins. However, this did not tell me the whole story about the candy’s origin.

Next, I decided to go strait to the source. I called Nestle. Unfortunately, the offices were closed for the day. From there, I went to Nestle’s website. After a bit of searching, I still didn’t have an answer to my question.

I began to dig a bit further. I ended up on the USDA website. According to the website, only certain foods must state a country of origin. The USDA website stated that the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. was in charge of enforcing country of origin labeling.

According the Agricultural Marketing Service:

“Country of Origin Labeling is a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets, and club warehouse stores, notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods. Food products, (covered commodities) contained in the law include muscle cut and ground meats: beef, veal, pork, lamb, goat, and chicken; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts; and ginseng.” (See the AMS Website for More Info.)

Since Rasinets don’t fall into one of the above categories, the AMS does not require a country of origin label on the box. So, unless I speak to someone at Nestle, I might never know where my Rasinets were manufactured. et

Shame on Me!

Yesterday, I challenged myself to 24 hours of living free from products made in China. I failed miserably.

My Cup that was Made in China

As it turns out, I live in an apartment full of goods made in China. Yesterday evening, shortly after I announced to the world that I was taking a one-day hiatus from products made in China, I stopped by my next-door neighbor’s apartment. I had a green cup in my hand. As I was bragging to her about my China-free day, she said, “I bet that cup in your hand is made in China.” As it turns out, she was correct.

It got worse from there. Apparently, half of my apartment is made in China. For instance, my “Lachlan Dining Table” was made in China. I did a little research, and it turns out that I could have an American made version of my table for the same price. So, shame on me.

This morning, I got dressed in a hurry. I didn’t pay attention to where any of my outfit was manufactured. Later in the day, I decided to take a look. The only part of my outfit that was not made China was my shoes and handbag. At least I have good taste in accessories.

Even though I was not successful at my day without China challenge, this was a great exercise. I think I feel much more aware of the origin of the products that I use on a daily basis. 

Challenge: Try Going One Day Without Using Products From China

Last week, KTLA News ran a story about an upcoming documentary entitled Xmas Without China. Alicia Dwyer and Tom Xia are producing documentary.  The documentary follows a Southern California in their plight to have a Christmas free from Chinese products.  

Photo courtesy of www.xmaswithoutchina.com

In Xmas Without China, Tom Xia, a Chinese immigrant, challenges his American neighbors to go one month without products from China. To watch the Xmas Without China trailer click here. 

To view the the trailer for Xmas Without China click here.

This led me to wonder, how long can I go without using products that are made in China. So, for the next 24 hours, I am freeing myself of products that are made in China.

Wish me luck.

For more information about Xmas Without China go to http://www.xmaswithoutchina.com/

THE WEEKEND EDITION: Two Thumbs-Up, Dino Zaharakis.

Eleven year-old Dino Zaharikis of Bethlehem, PA was given a challenge. His father told him that he could get a new phone if he designed an ipod stand. Well, Dino listened. He designed the DZDOCK.

The DZDOCK Logo courtesy of www.dzdock.com

According to the DZDOCK website, Dino and his father’s “goal was to make something that we would buy.
100% designed and made in the USA. High quality, solid, built to last and to be environmentally conscious.”

The father and son team succeeded in their goal. Not only was the DZDOCK designed in the USA, it is also manufactured in the USA. According to the DZDOCK website, even the stand’s packaging is made in the USA.

Pretty impressive for an eleven year-old.  

The DZ Dock is available on amazon.com. For more information on the DZ dock, visit: http://www.dzdock.com/index.php

Hey Walmart, Stop Selling So Much Imported Stuff

Walmart’s tagline is “Save money. Live better.” I ask, who is saving money and living better?  Walmart execs or the American public?

The Arkansas based corporation operates 2,898 Walmart Supercenters in the United States. This does not include Wal-Mart Discount Stores or Neighborhood Markets by Walmart.

Walmart sells pretty much everything. In fact, the corporation developed its Supercenters “to meet the growing demand for convenient, one-stop family shopping.” One-stop shopping is pretty profitable because Walmart’s fiscal year 2010 net sales reached $405 Billion with operating income of $24 Billion. According to its 2010 annual report, Wal-Mart’s return on investment was 19.3%.

Walmart U.S. accounted for 63.8% of Walmart’s fiscal year 2010 sales. This means that U.S. consumers spent approximately $263 Billion at Walmart last year. Sadly, much of the $263 Billion was spent on imported products. For instance, products from Walmart’s private apparel line Faded Glory are imported. Note the irony in this considering Faded Glory appears to be a reference to the American Flag.

Walmart took $263 Billion from U.S. consumers in one year, yet it imports clothing for its private label line. I wonder why Walmart chose to manufacture Faded Glory products abroad? I’m going to take a wild guess and assume it made this decision to save money. After all, if Walmart saves money, the Walmart executives get to live better.

Hey New York, Get It Together!

In 2009 New York City officials invited auto manufacturers and designers to compete in the “Taxi of Tomorrow” contest. Essentially, the winning design, selected by the city, would become the New York City Taxi for the next ten years. 

Fast-forward one year.

Ford's Turkish Taxi

On November 15, 2010 the New York City Taxi and Limousine commission unveiled the contest’s three finalists. Of the three finalists, Ford Motor Co. is the only American manufacturer. Japan’s Nissan Motor Co. and Turkey’s Karsan Otomotiv are the other two finalists. New Yorkers can vote on features they want in the winning design by logging onto the Taxi of Tomorrow website.

As it turns out, Ford’s design, the Transitconnect, is actually manufactured in Turkey. That’s right, not a single design in the finals was manufactured in the United States. Even worse, according to a mayoral spokesperson, the City did not receive any proposals for taxis that would be made in the U.S.. 

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "The yellow cab is one of the most iconic symbols of New York City.”  One would think that folks in New York City would want an American company to design and manufacture “one of the most iconic symbols of New York City.” I guess not.

Pretty pathetic. 

For more information on the Taxi of Tomorrow Contest:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/media/totweb/taxioftomorrow_home.html

Who wants crap that’s made in China when you can have products that are proudly Made in the USA?

Not me!  That’s why this holiday season our All American Gift Guide is my best friend.

I buy American. You should as well. It's the right thing to do. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m too busy to do my own research.  That's why you're gonna want to kiss the folks at Made in the USA Foundation for putting together this year's All American Gift Guide. The guide is packed with American made holiday gifts for everyone on my list. Not to mention, I saw a couple of items to put on my own wish list. 

The guide is available to download in e-book format for 99 cents at the Made in the USA Foundation Store. (www.madeusafdn.org/cart/ ) Click on "Shopping Guide."

Happy Shopping!