Made in America

Photo: Tooga

Given a choice of the same product Made in America vs. Made in China which one would you choose? Of course, before making that choice would you first check the price? Then, second, would you examine its quality? 

Interestingly according to the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 78% of Americans would rather buy an American made product! That's right, those carrying the label good ol' Made in the USA! 

To many it is a matter of pride and loyalty. It is a means of support for manufacturing on American soil. Production embraces jobs. Jobs mean money. Jobs empower security. Security enriches the economy. 

There are, of course, concerns and often disagreement.
 

One concern is confusion over the authenticity of the Made-in-USA label/American connection. For example, blueberries from Oregon being identified as a product of Chile, Florida Natural selling apple juice with concentrate from Brazil, pants being made in Vietnam identified as “authentic, active, outdoor, American” and ... (Source: Consumer Reports.org)

Another equally important concern is American-made products are often considered luxury and are overpriced. Most Americans can only afford to buy the less expensive goods, those offered in the cheap emporiums of imported goods.

Should these concerns deter purchasing Made-in-America products? I don't think so. Unfortunately, products once naturally connected to America, many considered icons, are no longer made in America in order to cut down on manufacturing costs. Even America's greatest past time, baseball, is played with balls stitched together in Costa Rica. How sad. They represent America. They ARE America. 

What are some products available that carry the Made-in-America label? AND, are they all overpriced reserved for only the rich and famous? You decide. . . 

Accessories:

- Archival: Bags, apparel, blankets

- Arne Mason: Leather carrying cases

- Blackbox Case: Wooden laptop cases

- Corter Leather and Cloth: Belts, wallets, key chains

- Fox River Mills: Socks

- Makr Carry Goods: Bags, stools, wallets, belts

- NATIVE(X): Totes, scarves, jewelry, mugs

- Pendleton: Blankets and apparel

- Pierrepont Hicks: Ties, bowties

- Randolph Engineering: Glasses, sunglasses

- Summit Creek Dry Goods: Wallets, key chains, belts

- Estex Mfg. Co.: Tool sheaths, aprons, buckets, holsters

Bags:

- Archival Clothing

- Duluth Pack

- GORUCK

- J.W. Hulme

- Maptote

- Mountain Ridge Gear

- Tom Bihn

- Tough Traveler

Clothes:

- All American Clothing

- American Apparel

- Beverly Hills Basics

- Black Halo

- C&C California

- Emerson Fry

- Hanky Panky

- Imogene and Willie

- Kate Boggiano

- Left Field

- Pendleton

- Pointer Brand

- Raleigh Denim

- Taylor Stitch

- Todd Shelton

- UNIS

Footwear:

- Alden

- Allen Edmonds

- Capps Shoe Company

- Munro Shoes

- Oakstreet Bootmakers

- Quoddy

- Rancourt and Company

- Red Wing Heritage line

- Russell Moccasin Co.

Headwear:

- Bollman Hat Company

- Stormy Kromer

- Walz Caps

- BUZZLINE

- Stetson

Random:

- Audio Research: Audio products

- Braun Corporation: Manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and ramps, transit vehicles

- Case Knives: Pocket and hunting knives

- Colgate: Crib mattresses and pads

- Council Tool: Hand tools

- CUTCO Cutlery

- Edelbrock: Specialty vehicle parts

- Excel: Hand dryers

- Grado Labs: Headphones and phone cartridges

- Heritage General Store: Bicycles

- Litespeed Bicycles

- Pacific Hospitality Design: Furniture

- K'NEX: Children's toys

- Geneva Manufacturing: Modular garage organizing gear

- Itsy Bitsy Ritzy Shop: Furniture

- Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

- MAK Grills

- Malpaca: Pillows and bedding

- Portland General Store: Grooming products for men

- Purrfectplay: Pet toys

- Simplicity Vacuums

- Sterilite: Plastic Housewares

- Steelman Cycles

- Stonebridge Upholstery: Furniture

- Tervis: Tumblers, drink ware

- USA Flag Supply: American, Gadsen, specialty flags

- Vandersteen Audio: Speakers

- Wholesome Hide: Rawhide dog chews

My additions to the list:

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans Made in America 

America's Chocolate - Russell Stover Candies

 

  Support America! She supports YOU!

  

Where do you shop for products made in the United States? Share your resources in the comments!

I SUPPORT. . .