Is every product and brand listed on madeintheusamatters.com really made in the USA?
The answer to this question is multifaceted and can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
For starters, in today’s global economy, many of the products we consume are made in multiple countries. For example, your widget might have a handle that was made in England, a base made in China, it was painted in Mexico, and assembled in the USA. Sure, that’s taking it to the extreme, but you get the idea.
In addition, brands have their individual products made all over the world. Your favorite clothing brand might have their shirts produced in Indonesia, their shoes assembled in China, and finally, their jeans are made in the USA.
Even more challenging are the companies that have one specific product made in multiple countries. Recently I was watching a YouTube video highlighting American made tools. One specific tool, with one specific model number, was made in both the United States and Poland. If someone wanted to purchase this particular tool and be sure it was made in the USA, they had to go to a brick-and-mortar store and check the box on the shelf.
I ran into a similar experience when I was only a handful of pages into this website. My son picked made in the USA candles to start a new list. The Better Homes and Gardens brand found at Walmart has made in the USA candles. But only a certain style of Jar stated the candle was made in the USA. Making it even more difficult to find a definitive answer, from there, only certain scents of that jar style listed they were made in the USA. So, are ALL Better Homes and Gardens candles made in the USA? Maybe. But maybe not. What about that style of Jar? I’m still working on that answer. And just imagine. I’m only talking about candles here. How many other products under the Better Homes & Gardens brand can you think of off the top of your head?
If I attempted to find the answer for every individual jar style and each of its scents for every single brand of candles, well this website wouldn’t make it beyond candles.
We have to work together on this. I can guide you to the brands that produce at least some of their products in the USA, but remember, always check your product descriptions online and check your labels in-store to be sure that the item you’re buying is made in the USA.
I don’t want to support companies that have some of their products produced overseas. Is it possible?
Sometimes. But in a global economy, it’s going to be rare. Even if you make a commitment to shop local, it’s likely that your local businesses are using foreign products to create their local ones. I believe we can make a difference regardless.
When we commit to buying products that are made in the USA, mostly made in the USA, assembled in the USA, or have a few factories in the USA, our money talks. We are telling the brands we buy from that we want American made items.
In addition, we are supporting our neighbor who works in the USA factory even if that company also has a factory overseas. And we aren’t just supporting our American worker neighbors. We are supporting ourselves and our economy too. When factory workers have jobs, they eat at your restaurant, get manicures at your salon, stay on your campground, vacation in your hotel, and dock their boat at your marina. Their job supports your job so you can get your child a new bike, replace your washing machine, or buy a new car. And the circle continues. American made matters to all of us.
