Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Buying North American

Last week, I posted an article someone sent me about buying overseas products. I don't know if you read it, but I've been checking the labels on everything I buy since I read it. I believe it's important -- I feel I have to do something to help the economy, even if it's something small. Small, to me, is better than nothing at all.

Today, I got another email. This one is from a Canadian about buying only North American products, but it sends another clear message. Let's get out heads out of the sand and do our part, people ...

"Think About What We Buy

For example, the "Our Family" brand of mandarin oranges says right on the can, "from China", but for a few cents more, you can buy "Liberty Gold" or "Dole" from California.

Also watch buying pickles. A lot of the no-name pickles come from India. "Bick's" are from Canada, and they're worth the small difference in price.

Another example is canned mushrooms. The no-name brand is from Indonesia. Right next to them on the shelf, is the "President Choice" brand. This is a product of Canada. That's what went into my grocery bag.

Also check those little fruit cups we give our children. They use to be made here in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago. They are now packaged in China!

The Chinese have exported inferior, even toxic, products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in North American markets. The media wrings its hands and criticizes the Obama Administration and the Harper Government for perceived errors. 70% of North Americans believe that trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should just be suspended.

Well, DUH ... why do WE need to wait for the North American governments to suspend trading privileges? We should simply do it ourselves!

Take the time to look on the bottom of every product you buy. If it says "Made in China" or "PRC" (that now includes Hong Kong), either choose another product, or none at all. You'll be amazed at how dependent we've become on Chinese products -- AND you'll be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Do we really need plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones. Let's benefit the North American farmers. Easter is just one example, the point is, let's not wait for the government to act. Let's go ahead and take back control and send a message of our own as consumers.

Canadian Thermos bottles were made here in Canada for many years. Thermos sold out in the 1990's. Now the bottles that keep our food hot or cold are now made in China! We Canadians
lost about 200 jobs!

Think About This:

If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a 4 billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor, fast! Is there a downside? Some Canadian and American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory.

The solution? We can give them fair warning and send our own message. Most of the people reading about this matter are already planning, for one month, not to purchase anything made in China. That's only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance, careless production and lawlessness are worth it.

Even better, start now and don't stop -- read the labels on everything you buy in every store you shop in. Spread this message to everyone you know. Let's show them all, the governments AND the foreigners, that we are intelligent North Americans, and NO ONE will take us for granted.

On the other hand, if we can't live without cheap imported goods for one month out of our lives, we deserve everything we get."


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8 comments:

CJ Heck said...

From Facebook:

WoW! I had NO Idea that the canned goods I buy in our local grocery stores come from anywhere BUT the U.S.A. That is LUDICROUS! ! ! Next thought is if it's being canned over there - WHERE is the product going IN to these cans coming...
Jan Hoffman

CJ Heck said...

Surprised me, too, Jan!
Hugs,
CJ

CJ Heck said...

From Facebook:

My jaw is STILL dropped over this !
BTW I "shared" this using the SHARE option but it posted like it was MY original. I gave you credit in the first comment.
Jan

CJ Heck said...

Okay, no problem, Jan. I got it in an email this morning from someone else, too. Thank you for sharing it!
Hugs,
CJ

CJ Heck said...

From Facebook:

A fine post ... we all need to pay attention to the source of what we buy. Not one nickel from those imported goods pays for support for our elderly, for our people or to support our government and nation.
Scott Butler

CJ Heck said...

From Facebook:

That's why I always buy American cars. People say they are made here, but I want our country to be able to reap the profits.
Kay Easterling

Daewoo Air Conditioner Compressor said...

I like it because i was seeking for such type of info.

I hope it benefits all one who land up here.

Thanks for sharing!!

Leave a Legacy said...

Hi CJ. First of all, I want to tell you that you are such an excellent writer. I have been "sucked" into all three of your blogs and have been reading through them all morning.

I found your blog through my father, Roland Bechtel. He sent me your link quite a while ago because of your Soap Box Derby post. He is the sec/treas. of the local DuBois Soap Box Derby and loved the post you wrote about it.

I also have a blog at: http://newagegrandma.blogspot.com
I also live in DuBois, at Treasure Lake. My blog talks about my life, family, home and grandchildren. I would like to write more thought provoking and well written posts such as you do. I need to take the time, make the time, to do that. You are an inspiration to that end.
BTW, I also enjoy your partner's blog.

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