There are many talks these days about buying local and buying organic. But what about buying made in USA products? When was the last time you stopped to think about the origin of the products you purchased when shopping? Do you typically turn over your items or read the tags to look for the ‘Made In’ stamp?

There are more factors to consider than the cost or quality of a product when making a purchase. The money you spend supports the businesses, industries, and even the economies that made it for you. So is your hard-earned money supporting and strengthening small shops in your neighborhood? Or are you unwittingly buying foreign-made products investing in other economies?

Once upon a time, nearly all the products available in the U.S. were made in the U.S. Over time, many companies moved manufacturing operations overseas to capitalize on lower labor facilities and labor costs, with fewer regulations. This transition created a shift in the American manufacturing industry. What followed were fewer manufacturing jobs for American workers, inevitably shifting our economic position and weakening the American Dollar.

With all of this in mind, here is a breakdown of seven reasons why you should make a conscious effort to buy made in the USA products.

Guaranteed Quality of Goods

You work hard for your money. If you are anything like me, and most people I know, the last thing you want to do is waste your money on a piece of crap that will break or fall apart in less than a year. For products made in America, they must follow strict standards and policies that exceed foreign competitors, most often resulting in a superior quality of goods compared to some foreign counterparts. In addition to quality, durability is better, too, resulting in a longer-lasting investment of your money.

It’s Good for the Economy

Supply follows demand. That’s the simple principle behind economics 101. The more we buy, the more made available to us. Therefore, the more American-made products are purchased, demand increases, and supply shifts. In addition, greater demand for made in the USA creates a greater need for exports.

More exports are vital if we want the American Dollar to gain strength again because it gives our country power over trade negotiations while also boosting our economy. But unfortunately, since 1975, the U.S. has steadily imported more goods than it has exported. As a result, in 2010, the U.S. had a trade deficit of $478 billion in global trade. Today, that number is $859.1 billion. I, for one, would love to be a part of the solution to reduce these numbers, if not turn them around altogether.

Demand for more made in USA products also increases the need for workers, creating new jobs and ultimately reducing our National Debt. In addition, future generations will benefit as a need for trades and skills grows.

In a nutshell, we strengthen our economy as consumers, investing back into it ourselves.

Safer for the Environment

A decrease in transatlantic transportation is an automatic win for mother earth. Fewer fossil fuels and emissions used mean better air quality for all of the world. The USA also has strict regulations and environmental standards to protect water sources, air quality, and other critical natural resources.

Ethical & Safe Labor Standards

I am not sure about you, but the last thing I want to support with my money is a company that treats its employees unfairly or unethically. Unfortunately, full transparency is not always available. With little to no regulations in many foreign nations, it isn’t easy to know how humanely respected the individuals responsible for making your products are. Diligent research is required to learn critical details of the worker’s environment, such as the building, wages, sufficient breaks, and proper time off. These are just a few details to consider. Unfortunately, many companies still take advantage of the lack of regulations, including child and slave labor.

On the other hand, U.S. companies have stringent ethics and human rights regulations required by the government. Therefore, you can trust that you are not supporting such unethical practices. American laws also protect the safety of workers, with strict factory and manufacturing requirements for all laborers.

Nationalism and Patriotism

You share a patriotic duty by purchasing made in USA goods supporting U.S. workers and their families while reinvigorating American Pride. But, of course, you are also supporting troops and their families as well. Consider this the good old American way.

Independence & Self-Sufficiency

China is now the number one supplier of components critical to the operation of U.S. defense systems. I can’t be the only one that thinks we should be in charge of our defense. Being at the mercy of another country, which holds power over us financially, cannot be a good thing. The construction of U.S. Defense Systems should exclusively be in the USA. The USA should have complete control from design and engineering to raw materials, and it should all take place on American soil. As with mainstream manufacturing, government dependencies, once outsourced, rarely return to the U.S.

Vote with Your Money

Think of every dollar you spend as a vote you are casting. Where you spend your money is what you support in our world. You can choose to buy from big businesses with little transparency or regard for environmental concerns and human safety, or choose smaller, local businesses where you know what goes into their products, how they treat their employees, and how they run their business. Be sure to do your homework and learn what your money supports beyond the product you take home.

In Summary

Buying American-made products is rewarding for a variety of reasons. When you buy made in USA products, you’re supporting your country’s economy, promoting sustainability, reinvesting your money into your backyard, and creating demand for more American-made products. This demand increases jobs for Americans and secures work for future generations. It also gives you superb quality and durability in your products while assuring safe and ethical labor practices to manufacture your goods. Plus, when you purchase an item made in America, it’s like voting for your favorite candidate! Lastly, it strengthens patriotic pride.

The many reasons outlined above are when ECO CRATES of America sources exclusively with small-American brands. As a result, our crates provide high-quality products sustainably made without toxins or harm to the environment. In addition, the support our business model offers to other small businesses creates a community of entrepreneurs whose passion and drive are to see the American economy thrive.

Join us on this mission to strengthen the U.S. economy. Support more American businesses with your purchases. We have two great sources to get you started. First, subscribe to our monthly ECO CRATE. Every month, you will get new products that are safe for you and your home and support small businesses across America. Second, you can scout out USALOVELIST.com, a website that provides a compilation of brands, all American-made, and a wide variety of articles to explore regarding things to consider in your purchasing power.

Do you have any favorite made in USA products or American Brands you love? We would love to hear all about it. Email anytime at solutions@ecocratesofamerica. We are always looking for new brands to feature and celebrate.