Trying to find anything that is not made in China is currently the challenge. This includes everything from baby toys, bottles, teethers, coffee tumblers, socks - everything.
Which makes me wonder exactly how deep the debt is that we owe China and I'm talking dollars, not gratitude.
Every once in a while I'd like to see something made in... I dunno, Iceland. Or some other random country. I did see that some of my panties are made in Israel -awesome! It was a nice change to see this little fact imprinted just above the back waistband.
Just like the Swiss are great at making chocolate and watches - does this hold true for China? Are they the go-to people to make everything else in the world at least for the U.S.?
I understand its a cost issue, labor issue, etc, etc. But really, I'm wondering just how much is truly being saved by having all this stuff made half way across the world.
I'm just baffled people.
5 comments:
Imagine how expensive our $1.00 items would be if we had to pay Americans to make them. They'd probably be 3 or 4 times as expesive. Even with shipping items halfway around the world lots of items are still very affordable. Not that I want all my stuff made in China - why not spread the love around a little? ;)
Most binky's are made in Austria!
Check out this book about a family that tried to go a year without anyhthing made in China:
http://www.amazon.com/Year-Without-Made-China-Adventure/dp/0470116137
I honestly wouldn't mind paying more for a more quality product. I feel that, especially, in this country we are so driven by consumerism that we're always looking to replace things or buy new things constantly which makes the "$1.00 item" more appealing.
For a better analogy: What is better? Owning a pair of italian made shoes that cost $200 that will last for a few years or buying 10 pairs of shoes that will last less than a year?
For me, it's quality of quantity.
I totally agree with your comment, Marisa! We have gone through a couple of items over here that were just crap and both Keith and I said, "Sheesh! Just charge us more for something better quality! I'll pay it if I know it's going to last!"
I did notice that quite a few Old Navy items are made in more obscure places like Pakistan and Bangladesh...random, huh?
Hey Melody, THAT I have noticed, thank goodness.
I'll definitely have to check out that book. I need something new to read. :D
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