Made in America vs. American Made: Sandy's Lighthouse

“Made in America”

SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE | By Sandy Gresak

Quote to Remember...How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank

I decided to do this as a follow-up to the piece “ Buy American today and as often as you can” posted July 4th. For myself, I know I learn continuously why it is important to buy “Made in America”. My interest grew even more when I learned of how American products help throughout the world. I don’t like to admit, how little I thought I knew more of.

Made in America vs. American Made...

If you were given the choice to buy an item “Made in America” vs. “American Made”, which would you choose?

According to a new nationally representative survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 78 percent of American consumers would rather buy the American product, if the choice was between made in the U.S. or an identical one made abroad.

80 percent of these consumers cited reasons of retaining manufacturing jobs and keeping American manufacturing strong in this global economy. (Made in America);  60 percent had concerns of child workers or cheap labor overseas. (American Made)

How do I know what is Made in America?

Except for cars, woolens, textiles and furs are required by law to let the consumer know their American heritage. If any manufacturer decides to indicate an American connection, they must comply with the federal rules designed to keep consumers from being mislead. This study showed consumers are very confused by the labeling.

To read more on this study go to: http://ConsumerReports.org

Where can I buy “Made in America”?

If you are looking for companies that sell the “Made in America” item, go to the following website. I think you will find it about as imformative as it gets.  http://americansworking.com

How does buying American fight world hunger?

In 2006 model and activist Laureen Bush, designed a reversible burlap bag and organic cotton bag, known as the FEED 1 bag, to help the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) School Feeding program.  In 2007, FEED Project LLC was founded by Lauren Bosh and Ellen Gustafson. The labels are stamped “FEED the children of the world” and a number to designate the number of meals it supplies by purchasing that item. Presently we have a chain that is selling the FEED project items. For more info go to: http://www.feedprojects.com

After reading this – If you were given the choice to buy “Made in America” or “American Made” which would you choose?