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..