Every day we hear more and more about jobs being outsourced to counties overseas, and while many things are not made in this country, there are important reasons to consider buying American products. In a time when the economy is struggling, buying American products can help the nation recoup losses dramatically, as well as help the environment.
Keep Economy Up
By buying American products, you keep money going into the American economy instead of other countries. For example, if you buy something that is made in China, you support the product being made there so the money keeps going to their economy. Whereas if you support American-made products, more products can be made in the states, thereby supporting local businesses and our country's economy.
Working Standards
The working standards overseas are more hazardous and less regulated than the conditions in the U.S. By purchasing overseas goods you support those methods, which often include the use of child labor. Buying American products shows that you are taking a stand against these practices. These countries also don't have minimum wage policies, so by buying American products you support proper pay for work.
Safety
The safety requirements to get something made in a different country are much lower than the standards in the U.S. For example, something made overseas may have a higher lead content in the paint than the paint used here. So, if your child gets a toy with this paint and puts his mouth on it, he could get sick as a result.
Trade Deficit
Buying American-made products helps lower the trade deficit we have with other countries. For example, the U.S. owes China money, so when we trade with them, we are only making the debt larger and flooding their economy with money. However, if you buy American products, no trading takes place.
Energy Consumption
When we trade with any country, the products need to get to the U.S., which means the transportation that is being used releases more carbon into the atmosphere. By buying American products, you cut back on this because there is no overseas trading and the products travel a shorter distance.
