This will be a new monthly feature for us. The idea came to me recently as I was shopping with my son–I’ll get to that later.
I don’t want to get political, but it does not matter whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an independent or if you don’t follow politics at all; buying foreign made goods is bad for America. I personally go out of my way to buy American-sourced (meaning the raw material came from the U.S.) and American-made items whenever I can. This is getting harder and harder every day. I do this because it is good for our economy and it puts Americans to work.
It wasn’t long ago that we were a world leader in manufacturing, a powerhouse. In the last 30 years, our grip has slipped badly. We import a lot of items for sale in the U.S. This is bad for us because we are outsourcing jobs that Americans used to have and giving our money to other countries. Some HATE us and some don’t. It doesn’t matter either way; we should be spending our money on products made here. It helps to try to buy locally, as well. A good friend of mine added that to a diatribe I was on the other day about China. Don’t get me started on China!
Buying goods made in America puts Americans to work, it keeps OUR money here in the U.S., it strengthens national security by making us less dependent on other nations and is best for our economy. The hard part is finding stuff made here.
Each month I will spotlight a company or product that is of high quality and made in the U.S. (like our SpudInc straps) and I do not get a commission for this. I feel that it is every American’s responsibility to support their country and this is an easy way to do that.
Last week I was shopping for a cooler with my son and, as we were in the aisle at Target, we were both looking at the selection and we were both reading the tags. People were looking at me like I was insane. I had a 7 year-old telling me “nope, we can’t get this one, made in China.” You should have seen the looks we were getting, like we were lunatics for not buying something because it was made in China.
After almost 30 minutes and a lot of frustration I found one that was made in America! It came to me then that I should write about this and let my readers know that with a little effort, they, too, can help the U.S. economy!
I wanted one of those nice, insulated, soft-sided coolers that rolls up and fits in a suitcase for travel. They have all kinds of pockets, and compartments and are pretty awesome. No luck. I did find a selection of quality, basic coolers made by Igloo. I got the old-school Igloo Playmate.You know me, I love old school. I train old school, I ride a 40 year old Harley and I’m getting old. This was perfect for me.
It was comparably priced and of a higher quality than the foreign-made ones, and it put Americans to work. I suggest that if you are looking for a cooler for the summer, read the tags and see where it was made. Then, buy an Igloo.
Igloo coolers, proudly made in America, by Americans keeping your dollars here to support your country.
Stay tuned next month for a new item made in America.
