Buying Made in China? Then this is YOUR fault.

michelleelise

Cosmo wrote:

I have to ask...
HOW do we AVOID buying anything made in China?
Look at the labels... practically all goods are made in China these days. Sure, you can find work shirts or combat boots made here... but, what if you need a tape measurer... or a mitre saw... or a light bulb?
And even the label may not be true... the melanmine that made its way into our pet's food was not from dog food made in China... but ingredients from China. So, even though the shirt in made in the U.S.... where did the material, dye and buttons come from?
...
Let's face the facts here... we built China.

It's definitely hard, especially when you need something quickly. Sometimes when you're looking for an item it'll seem that 99% are labeled as Made in China, and the one that's made in the US is more expensive and/or not exactly what you want. Or you have to go out of your way and order online. Food is easy if you don't eat a lot of processed things, obviously harder if you do. There's also websites that have lists of Made in US products. Here's some tools for you, http://www.armstrongtools.com

I've read about people who tried to go completely without Chinese products and said it was impossible. But even if you can reduce, that helps. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the people coming out of Walmart with cart-loads of crap, though :(

OutOfBreath

Sludge Factory wrote:

I would say what you are describing there is more along the lines of a Corporatist state than a capitalist one.

There isn't a single "capitalist" country that doesnt have corporatist elements in it. Everyone do it. It's a fine line, really, and the difference is mainly in emphasis. My point is that China is on the same spectrum as everyone else, there are no "un-capitalist" countries left in the world today. They do markets, they have businesses, corporations and so forth, just kept on a tight leash added a dash of police state.

Peace
Dan

Sludge Factory

OutOfBreath wrote:

Sludge Factory wrote:

I would say what you are describing there is more along the lines of a Corporatist state than a capitalist one.

There isn't a single "capitalist" country that doesnt have corporatist elements in it. Everyone do it. It's a fine line, really, and the difference is mainly in emphasis. My point is that China is on the same spectrum as everyone else, there are no "un-capitalist" countries left in the world today. They do markets, they have businesses, corporations and so forth, just kept on a tight leash added a dash of police state.

Peace
Dan

I agree with you. My point was more for another poster that you were answering for who was just straight up blaming things on businesses and what would happen if they weren't policed by the state. Your answer states that China is on the same spectrum as everyone else where the state is indeed involved in business.

My other point is that since there isn't a single "capitalist" country left that we should stop blaming everything on capitalism since we no longer have that and call things what they actually are (i.e. no "un-capitalist" countries exist but no capitalist countries exist either; however, many countries are corporatist or maybe even statist.) What we have is a bastardization of capitalism that really isn't capitalism at all.

unsung

michelle822 wrote:

Government, definitely.

A great deal is their fault. Our government doesn't have clean hands over this either. In the end I believe it comes down to the US consumer being the most guilty. If people refuse to buy made in China goods something would have to change. Unfortunately there are too many attitudes that it can't be done or too many lazy people who simply refuse to try, and those that just don't care. But now our economy and their environment are paying the price.

I'll concede that some things might be impossible, but most are not if some effort is spent trying to research a product. A simple google search has yielded many buys for myself for products made in the USA, I write to companies and let them know how I feel if they do outsource. I write to them if they do retain manufacturing here to thank them. I look at everything, EVERYTHING, before I purchase it to see where it is made. I sold a car for the only reason that they put made in China tires on it and refused to exchange them when I complained. I will not compromise my safety. My kids will NOT ever get a toy with made in China on the box. I simply don't care if it is the hottest thing going. I don't trust their health with crap coated in lead paint.

I only have three rules for my girlfriend. Don't cheat on me, don't lie to me, and don't shop at Wal-Mart. I'm slowly weaning her off Chinese junk too, she will come around. She is becoming quite the label checker herself.

Anyway that was a bit of a rant but I'm as passionate on this topic as some are on whatever drives them. If I just gave in to the mentality that I have no choice I may as well stop voting because what would be the point.

rebornFixer

I do try to avoid Chinese products, although like others point out, it isn't easy. Those photos will provide even more motivation. Sickening.

redrock

unsung wrote:

A simple google search has yielded many buys for myself for products made in the USA,

Made in the USA (or UK, France, etc.), can be misleading too. It doesn't have to mean that all components of the products are made in USA. If components/parts/goods are made in another country but assembled or processed in the USA, that is enough to have the label 'Made in USA'.

OutOfBreath

Sludge Factory wrote:

My other point is that since there isn't a single "capitalist" country left that we should stop blaming everything on capitalism since we no longer have that and call things what they actually are (i.e. no "un-capitalist" countries exist but no capitalist countries exist either; however, many countries are corporatist or maybe even statist.) What we have is a bastardization of capitalism that really isn't capitalism at all.

I'd just like to point out that there has never ever existed "capitalist" countries if the criteria is no government involved in business. So there can't be any "left" since they never were in the first place. I agree we can call it state capitalism or something similar where the state is more or less involved. All capitalism everywhere has always been like this.

Thr tricky part is this: The bastardization of capitalism IS capitalism in everyday speak. Just as the bastardization of communism in Eastern Europe IS communism in everyday speak. If one side is to stop blaming capitalism, then in fairness the other should stop blaming socialism. But what we usually mean by the terms is what we term as left and right. Left wanting more regulation and democratic control, and the right wanting less of those. Both are still capitalists, if they differ on the details.

Peace
Dan

OffHeGoes29

Goes to show that communism isn't any better then capitalism.

otter

If it wasn't for Ralph Nader we wouldn't have the epa.

Thank God for the EPA!!!

blackredyellow

otter wrote:

If it wasn't for Ralph Nader we wouldn't have the epa.

Thank God for the EPA!!!

damn big overreaching government bureaucracy...

_

otter wrote:

If it wasn't for Ralph Nader we wouldn't have the epa.

Thank God for the EPA!!!

+1 :thumbup:

stuckinline

unsung wrote:

michelle822 wrote:

Government, definitely.

A great deal is their fault. Our government doesn't have clean hands over this either. In the end I believe it comes down to the US consumer being the most guilty. If people refuse to buy made in China goods something would have to change. Unfortunately there are too many attitudes that it can't be done or too many lazy people who simply refuse to try, and those that just don't care. But now our economy and their environment are paying the price.

I'll concede that some things might be impossible, but most are not if some effort is spent trying to research a product. A simple google search has yielded many buys for myself for products made in the USA, I write to companies and let them know how I feel if they do outsource. I write to them if they do retain manufacturing here to thank them. I look at everything, EVERYTHING, before I purchase it to see where it is made. I sold a car for the only reason that they put made in China tires on it and refused to exchange them when I complained. I will not compromise my safety. My kids will NOT ever get a toy with made in China on the box. I simply don't care if it is the hottest thing going. I don't trust their health with crap coated in lead paint.

I only have three rules for my girlfriend. Don't cheat on me, don't lie to me, and don't shop at Wal-Mart. I'm slowly weaning her off Chinese junk too, she will come around. She is becoming quite the label checker herself.

Anyway that was a bit of a rant but I'm as passionate on this topic as some are on whatever drives them. If I just gave in to the mentality that I have no choice I may as well stop voting because what would be the point.

excellent post!
i too am very passionate about avoiding products made in china. it does take a bit of research, but it is worth it.

Sludge Factory

OutOfBreath wrote:

Sludge Factory wrote:

My other point is that since there isn't a single "capitalist" country left that we should stop blaming everything on capitalism since we no longer have that and call things what they actually are (i.e. no "un-capitalist" countries exist but no capitalist countries exist either; however, many countries are corporatist or maybe even statist.) What we have is a bastardization of capitalism that really isn't capitalism at all.

I'd just like to point out that there has never ever existed "capitalist" countries if the criteria is no government involved in business. So there can't be any "left" since they never were in the first place. I agree we can call it state capitalism or something similar where the state is more or less involved. All capitalism everywhere has always been like this.

Thr tricky part is this: The bastardization of capitalism IS capitalism in everyday speak. Just as the bastardization of communism in Eastern Europe IS communism in everyday speak. If one side is to stop blaming capitalism, then in fairness the other should stop blaming socialism. But what we usually mean by the terms is what we term as left and right. Left wanting more regulation and democratic control, and the right wanting less of those. Both are still capitalists, if they differ on the details.

Peace
Dan

I don't know if what you are pointing out is exactly true there. Perhaps you may want to read up on American economic history a bit more? If that's not the case and you are well read up perhaps you can educate me more because from my understanding when the U.S. was first founded it was indeed a capitalist society and the goverment didn't have much say, if any at all in business. I could be wrong here so I am interested in what you have to say on that. I do know for a fact that Corporations did not exist at all in the U.S. until the late 1800's when they were made 'legal'.

youngster

stuckinline wrote:

excellent post!
i too am very passionate about avoiding products made in china. it does take a bit of research, but it is worth it.

The Target store brand is called Up & Up and it is all made in the USA. My wife has been buying the baby ointments and wipes and in big bold letters on the back it says Made and Packaged in the USA. She says that other products like dog food, laundry detergent and other household products are made in the USA.

FiveB247x

While I strongly applaud and agree with most of your comments, I would add this... at some level it does reflect an equal amount on our government and consumers. As you mention, US consumers should care more, be more informed and make better decisions regarding buying these goods. But on the other hand, the US government's trade stance with China actually enables the citizens to buy more of these goods. The most favorite nation status and similar all contribute to keeping these products cheaper and more competitive in US markets. So while I agree with your "personal responsibility" comments, I tend to lean a little more in government responsibility to oversee better products, and standards for its citizens to buy. It's certainly not an issue of one side being 100% responsible and the other none, but even if it's 60/40, it takes both on the same page to force change or have acceptable practices which we deem ok to consume.

unsung wrote:

A great deal is their fault. Our government doesn't have clean hands over this either. In the end I believe it comes down to the US consumer being the most guilty. If people refuse to buy made in China goods something would have to change. Unfortunately there are too many attitudes that it can't be done or too many lazy people who simply refuse to try, and those that just don't care. But now our economy and their environment are paying the price.

I'll concede that some things might be impossible, but most are not if some effort is spent trying to research a product. A simple google search has yielded many buys for myself for products made in the USA, I write to companies and let them know how I feel if they do outsource. I write to them if they do retain manufacturing here to thank them. I look at everything, EVERYTHING, before I purchase it to see where it is made. I sold a car for the only reason that they put made in China tires on it and refused to exchange them when I complained. I will not compromise my safety. My kids will NOT ever get a toy with made in China on the box. I simply don't care if it is the hottest thing going. I don't trust their health with crap coated in lead paint.

I only have three rules for my girlfriend. Don't cheat on me, don't lie to me, and don't shop at Wal-Mart. I'm slowly weaning her off Chinese junk too, she will come around. She is becoming quite the label checker herself.

Anyway that was a bit of a rant but I'm as passionate on this topic as some are on whatever drives them. If I just gave in to the mentality that I have no choice I may as well stop voting because what would be the point.

Snoopy Died For Our Sins

New 10 of Clubs Hoodie is made in China


http://www.pearljam.com/goods

unsung

Is one sleeve longer than the other and a XXXL fits like a normal L?

breath123

unsung wrote:

Is one sleeve longer than the other and a XXXL fits like a normal L?

funny you should mention...

lately all the XL shirts I have been given (swag) have been really snug. Granted, I have gained some weight but it's not just in the belly. They are also snug through the back and in the sleeves.

I have a theory that, now that china has become a dominant manufacturing power, they are making shirts for themselves and not us. We must adapt to their standards.

no upside for us really. there's nothing more expensive than cheap.

unsung

I say that because we have used these dexterity gloves for years doing intricate work. Well the company decided to get cheap and save a nickel on these gloves. I used to wear a size 10 USA made glove. Now they are made in China and I can barely get my hands in an 11.

breath123

it's a shame

you can get almost anything you want that's made in the usa if you put the item in the google search.

I always feel okay about paying more for usa goods because i feel it's important to do so, and I am able to do so.

that's the upside of being a dirty rotten stinkin socialist hippie, I guess