I was in my local grocery store recently and stopped in one of the aisles to get a box of crackers. I found myself next to another customer who was scrutinizing the back of the box and the food’s nutritional contents. So many of us have raised our consciousness about things such as organic foods, calorie counts, grams of sugar, sodium levels, and artificial colors. We are naturally concerned about the physical health or ourselves and our families. Why else would we do it?
The purpose of this post is to open your eyes to not only what goes in your body, but what goes on your body AND in your household. It not only has an effect on you, but also your next door neighbor Steve, your grandma Dee in Rhode Island, your best friend from college, and the rest of the U.S. population.
It is pretty amazing to look at your own habits and understand why you buy the brands you do. I bought Tide detergent forever because that was what my mom used when I was growing up. Oral-B floss was recommended by my dentist. O.P.I. nail polish because it has the best color names. I typically buy clothing based on how it looks. As I’m challenging myself now, I challenge you to examine why you buy what you do. While some of your rationale may have similar origins to mine, you may also be looking for the best price, a sale, or if you have clipped a coupon. There are so many different facets purchasing behavior.
One facet I feel should have more emphasis placed on it is “Made in the USA”. I encourage you to add it into your criteria for buying everything. It seems that nearly everything is made in China these days. However, American Made goods are making a comeback. Wigwam is a prime example. We are a family owned and operated company that has been manufacturing our socks in Sheboygan, Wisconsin since 1905. I am a proud member of the Chesebro family and couldn’t be more passionate about our product and the positive messages that are constantly coming from the Wigwam family.
A friend recently sent me an email that I thought was pretty interesting. I’ve included some snippets of it italics below.
“Check this out. Someone was in Lowes the other day and just for the heck of it she was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day she was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it she checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking.
In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!
My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.
This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio.
Start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!
And when you go to check out at the grocery store… or any store for that matter… do not use the auto check out… go through the line using a live, standing there cashier. You will be saving someone a job. We need to think of these things… you never know… the job you save may be yours, your son or daughter’s or a relative.”
So what is my final message to all of my readers? Commit yourselves to buying American. By doing so, you support Americans and help to keep jobs in this country as well as bringing jobs back from overseas. Wigwam socks are a great start. We offer products for everyone’s feet.
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