Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Five Great Reasons to Buy American

At bgreen apparel, we take pride in producing quality garments from start to finish, right here in Los Angeles. The recent U.S. Olympic uniforms debacle (all made in China), has drummed up a lot of buzz around buying U.S.A.-made, and it begs the question: What is the value of buying American? Some reasons may be obvious, others… maybe not. Here are five to consider:

Honest Pay for an Honest Day’s Work

1. In contrast to some lax foreign labor standards, we know that as Americans, we are legally ensured safe, fair work conditions. Beyond U.S. borders, workers can be subject to harsh and unsafe work conditions, poverty-level wages, and child labor practices. This is particularly true if they work for a manufacturer who doesn’t implement a code of conduct on worker rights. Buying American means supporting the basic right to safe and fair employment.

Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives

     2.  Manufacturing in the U.S. is consistently regulated to ensure environmental protection. However, many other countries, China and India in particular, are notorious for production practices that are extremely detrimental to the health of the planet. In fact, together, Chinese and Indian cities comprise half of the top ten most polluted cities in the world. Purchasing U.S. made products means keeping our planet cleaner for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children.

Investing in Our Financial Future

    3. As production increasingly moves out of the U.S., our overall capacity to manufacture decreases. If this process continues, it will be difficult to sustain our economy in the long-term. According to Save the Garment Center, just 5% of the clothing sold in the U.S. is actually manufactured in the U.S.  Buying American means investing in our financial independence.

   4. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. trade deficit reached $49.9 billion in June of this year. Such a tremendous debt leads to unsustainable borrowing from other countries. By seeking out Made in the U.S.A. goods, you play a hand in preventing this cycle of debt, and strengthening our economic stability.

    5.  According to a 2011 study by the Economic Policy Institute, the U.S.-China trade deficit has eliminated or displaced nearly 2.8 million jobs, of which 1.9 million (or 70%), were in manufacturing. With manufacturing jobs moving out of the U.S., Americans are having more and more trouble finding relevant employment. Buying American keeps you, your friends, and your family earning a decent living wage. 

Buying American is a powerful way to improve lives in our country. By being conscientious of where our dollars are spent, we can build stronger communities at home, ensure that what we consume was produced honestly and fairly, protect our health and the health of our planet, and revitalize our economy by creating jobs and reducing debt.

Not sure where to start your search for U.S.-made products?  Here are some great sites to help:



www.bgreenapparel.com Offering quality apparel that looks good, fits comfortably and leaves the world a better place.  Organic ~ basic ~ essential styles for men and women.