Is it even possible to avoid all made in China products? Nearly every product you look at these days comes from that smog creating behemoth of a nation. First, let me set the record straight right off the bat: I am not racist, I do not hate Chinese people nor do I want to see them suffer. However, I will not sacrifice the well being of my country and family to save a few bucks at the checkout stand. I currently own some well made Chinese products that I use every day, but I want my money to stay in North America. Its where I live, work and play.
This will be an experiment. It may cost us a lot more in the long run, but if one family can do it, maybe more will be inspired to do the same. Perhaps in time we will see industries that have faded from our landscape start to return and flourish. Toys, textiles and tableware. If the Chinese can make it so can Canadians and Americans.
To start we will only be avoiding Chinese products, goods produced in surrounding countries will be OK. A quick look around shows that there is hope. My panasonic phone was made in Mexico. My Mac computer is from California. My Jeep was made in Indiana (I believe) and my wife's Grand Caravan is made in Ontario. Dining room table is Canadian, as is the kids new bunk bed. Book shelves in the living room are made in the US and my Yamaha guitar is Japanese. There is more lots more, showing that there is still hope for us in our quest.
Oh, and if you are wondering why it's called a Van Trip, it's because our last name starts with Van. Dutch imports in Canada.
March 26, 2008
The only purchase made today was a bottle of International delight coffee creamer for the office. Made in the USA. One successful day of avoiding Chinese made products.
5 comments:
Good luck!! This should be an interesting story to follow :)
Well I actually read your blog this time with my boys here--they had huge smiles as we JUST started the same journey 2 weeks ago!! I will post comments as to our challenges as they come up! Way to go!!
OK, dilemma day--1st time in 3 wks of not buying china stuff--probably because we are sick and not buying much of anything! Anyway, want a Skype phone and geeee...guess where those are made--yup, China. So I don't like big monopolies either like Telus so what do we do?? Maybe because they were clearing them out at Superstore and not selling anymore after I could justify it like a thrift store purchase?? We are talking $300/yr vs around $35 or so...ughh!
I don't think I've heard of a Skype phone... is that a cell phone? So... what did you do?
It costs $3/mo. to use long distance instead of well, 16.95 that i pay with telus for 1000min. And Skype is unlimited. I also paid a $4.95 usage fee on top of that plus pst and gst. So this is WAY cheaper...sigh we kept the phone...i would suggest it to you if you do lots of long distance--but then i would give you the same dilemma. However, after a search on the internet, i see some are also made in Taiwan.
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