U.S. consumers need to read labels

Published 12:53 pm Friday, December 21, 2007

Regarding the Dec. 15 letter about holiday shopping and goods made in China; I completely agree and have done my own audit of “made in” locations. The letter writer is correct. But I must add that the U.S. population is a willing partner in this exchange. Our desire for (make that demand for) cheaper products has driven business and jobs off shore. As long as the “consumer” (a label I disdain) purchases these products, we help eliminate manufacturing jobs, and replace them with clerk jobs at Wal-Mart (a significant contributor to the Chinese takeover).

I recently purchased a stainless steel frying pan at Macy’s, good quality on sale for $20 and made in China. It seems that most all the designer cookware is made in China. I suspect the price would double if it was made in the U.S. It’s a tough choice, if you’re on a tight budget.

A boycott of Chinese-made products would likely clear the shelves of most “stuff.” But it’s likely stuff we don’t need anyhow. I suggest that we all take the time to read the labels and decide the right thing to do. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” and “Can I find a local version of this product?” Then look at price as the last driver.

Mike Dahlstrom