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Deborah Evanoff shows off the American-made Arrowcopter at her plant in Hollister, Calif.,
Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.
Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.
Buying American is Back in Style
by
Rachel Balik
An influx of dangerous imports from abroad combined with newfound patriotism are inspiring consumers to buy American.
30-Second Summary
In the wake of poisonous pet food and dangerous children’s toys, more Americans are determined to buy domestic protects. A poor economy coupled with an increase in patriotism has inspired consumers and added fuel to the fire. Now, groups that have always fought for patriotic purchasing are getting more attention.
Roger Simmermaker, who wrote a book titled “How Americans Can Buy American” says that even in a global economy, buying American is easier than people think. “People can complain, well, 97 percent of the clothes we buy in the United States are imported,” he said. “Well, I know where to find the 3 percent.”
Last year, China knowingly imported contaminated pet food ingredients, causing the death of many American pets. In fall and winter of 2007, Chinese toys proved dangerous for children.
Those who wish to purchase safe, domestic products can seek them through online stores, such as the Dulcinea Media Store.
Roger Simmermaker, who wrote a book titled “How Americans Can Buy American” says that even in a global economy, buying American is easier than people think. “People can complain, well, 97 percent of the clothes we buy in the United States are imported,” he said. “Well, I know where to find the 3 percent.”
Last year, China knowingly imported contaminated pet food ingredients, causing the death of many American pets. In fall and winter of 2007, Chinese toys proved dangerous for children.
Those who wish to purchase safe, domestic products can seek them through online stores, such as the Dulcinea Media Store.
Headline Link: ‘The resurgence of “pocketbook patriotism”’
Americans are increasingly wary of products imported from other countries, and fear is inspiring a new wave of patriotism. Barbara Toncheff, a consumer who has always made an effort to buy American, sees the poor quality products as further evidence to support her values. She sees patriotism as closely related to consumerism, explaining, “July Fourth should truly mean independence. We shouldn’t become dependent on the rest of the world.” Roger Simmermaker also feels strongly about patriotic shopping and wrote a book to make it easier for shoppers to find American products.
Source: MSNBC.com
Background Links: Dangerous imports
Parents were overwhelmed and confused when many Chinese toys were found to contain substances hazardous to children’s health. With 80 percent of toys coming from China, people were faced with the prospect of either continuing on as normal and endangering their children, or making an extra effort to buy American.
Source: findingDulcinea
In 2007, two companies in China added chemicals to wheat gluten and rice protein that were exported to the United States and put in pet food, killing or harming many American pets.
Source: International Herald Tribune
Related Link: Buy American to boost the economy
CNET points out that the best thing you can do with your Federal Economic Stimulus program check is not only put it back into the economy, but use it to buy an American product. The site recommends purchasing an Outlaw Audio home theater amplifier, which is a high-quality product made in America.
Source: CNET
Reference Links: Find American-made products
The Dulcinea Media Toy Store offers toys made in the United States and Europe that are safe for children.
Source: Dulcinea Media Toy Store
Roger Simmermaker has created a Web site that shoppers can use as a resource when looking for American products. The site includes information about his book, as well as a list of American-made products.
Source: How Americans Can Buy American
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