Made in America?

I recently received an e-mail about a clothing factory in Jordan where young girls have been subjected to sexual abuse by their superiors. This factory makes the Classic brand which is sold in stores like Target and Macy's. I've also seen documentaries about conditions in factories where our "made in China" things are made (especially for Walmart). It's terrible.

When you're made aware of such things, how do you reconcile your conscience with the things you buy for every day living? Is it even possible to not buy anything that isn't made in America? Try looking around your home at things you frequently use. How many say "made in China"? Probably a large percentage. I haven't shopped at Walmart in quite some time, but that's only a very small step in the right direction.


I mentioned the idea of buying only American-made on my facebook where an interesting thread began. My brother-in-law suggested that someone go all American for a year and write a book about it. Then it was questioned whether or not it could even be done. My husband brought up the fact that you wouldn't be able to drive a car because, where are you supposed to get all-American gasoline?

I would love to try the experiment but I would only be able to take it so far. Someone should film a documentary in which they build a house from the ground up using only materials that were made in America, then furnish the house with things only made in America, then live in it never buying anything that wasn't made in America. One of the things that I'm concerned about is clothing. I've been to places where they sell only made in America clothing and it's incredibly expensive. I'm talking $100 shirts, $200 skirts, etc. I have seen some affordable things, but you really have to go out of your way to find them.

So my question to the population is this: How do we change the way things are now? We can't stop the abuse in other countries without supporting American industry. We also can't support American industry if we can't afford things that are made in America. So, where do we go from here? I received an e-mail asking people to buy only American-made for the month of August. It makes sense. If everyone buys only American-made for even a little while, it would put a hurting on imports. But you know that everyone won't do it.


I'm going to attempt it. One month of not buying anything not made in America. I can't promise I'll really be able to do it, but I'll try. What really stinks is that my hair dryer broke yesterday and I'm not sure I'll have much luck finding one not made in China. Any suggestions?


Would anyone else be willing to try the experiment? Have you ever tried it before, or is it something you're already doing? Do you think it's even possible?