Yes, You Can Buy American
Friday, November 20, 2009 at 09:43AM 
I saw a piece on the news recently which said, in essence, that even if you want to "buy American," there are so few American-made items in the stores that it is almost impossible. Sad, and if you insist on buying the trendy stuff at the mall, probably true. But there is an alternative.
You can buy American by buying from Americans who make the products themselves. Here's one suggestion: if you are within striking distance of Seagrove, North Carolina, go this weekend to the two top-notch pottery shows taking place in that hamlet. See Seagrove Potters Promise Great Shows November 21-22. The selection of ceramics made and fired in North Carolina, USA, is fabulous.
All across our land there are artisans, craftsmen, and artists who produce Made-in-America items which are far superior to the brummagem stuff made in China. Their wares cost more per unit than the imports -- and they should. They make better products; they must, in order to survive.
What we need to do is take the time and trouble to seek out these folks and go to their shops. You know someone who would rather have a hand-stitched quilt, or a stoneware vase, or a woodcarving, or a scenic watercolor, than an electronic geegaw with a lifespan measured in weeks. You already know how to use the Web -- search for organizations in your local area like Round The Mountain, an artisan network in my own bailiwick. Drive past the mall to events featuring artists and crafters. It's worth the extra effort.
Yes, you can buy American.
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Reader Comments (1)
You are so right, sometimes it is impossible to purchase thing made in America. I always look and I do the same at the grocery store trying to purchase food grown in America - every little bit helps.