I've known that in Idaho we have a great organization (Buy Idaho) to promote Idaho made products. Some other states have similar efforts. Although their main emphasis may be for us to buy local, why not use this information also to shop other states for American-made products? I have added a list of links at the bottom of this page with a link for each state.
This was not as easy as I thought. Each state is unique. When I Googled some states, a very good link popped right up. For some of them, I searched and searched and never did find a central source of information. I guess we're fortunate to have a good one. In fact, it seems that some of the less populated states do have better promotion -- possibly since we have to try a little harder to find a market because of our low population within the state.
Alaska's information about products seemed more aimed at "this is how to find products in Alaska" since they're a frontier state. Hawaii's information is mostly for how to pick up souvenirs to take home. And Arizona's information is swarming with political articles, since there have been boycotts and reverse boycotts relating to their stance on expecting the federal government to enforce immigration laws.
Unfortunately, none of the information I've come across so far is as user-friendly as it should probably be, compared to, say, an on-line catalog from any particular company. There may be a little too much in the way of gifts and souvenirs and a lack in the way of practical, every-day necessities. And the information is sort of a jungle. Of course, the links I've provided are not the only ones in each state. Hopefully it is a good start.
I would suggest that we each start a document to keep track of the information that is most useful to us. Sort of like a personalized catalog. Why not draw up the template for it now, like walking down the aisles of a superstore. Make headings for the different departments you would find in a superstore, then fill in sources for items in each of these departments in your own personal cyber store that only carries American-made products!
Intro
USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT. BUY AMERICAN, OR DO WITHOUT!
Please scroll to the bottom of the page for valuable Made in the USA links, including State-by-State. I also would like this blog to be intereactive, so please leave comments to let us know of your efforts to support the Buy American effort!
I also blog about American made products and issues and just did a post about my home state of PA. I was surprised to find how many things are still made here. Check out my findings and let me know what local companies you have in your state!
ReplyDeleteSarah
http://madeinusachallenge.com
Wow -- your blog really looks terrific. This is the type of format I was talking about in the post above. Very reader friendly. Good job!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be conscious of 'where and how made' -- I'd also like things to have: who invented ... how fun would that be!
ReplyDeleteJeans were invented by Levi Strauss ... few know that he was Jewish. Some folks might not wear jeans if they knew that!