First off, let me assure you this is not about being culturally insensitive. No, this is about our nation’s economy, lack of jobs and about our local families who are continually “cutting back.”
Although I enjoy a holiday season as much as the next person, my spirits were dampened
after turning over label after label only to find that most items were “Made in China.” I noticed that specialty stores were popping up in malls and vacant retail space, full of ornaments and holiday decorations. Again, nearly every item in these stores were made in China. No exaggeration.
So why does it worry me to see so many “Made in China” labels when I know that our local merchants are making a profit on the sale of these items? Because there is a price to pay long term. We will pay the price by having fewer manufacturing jobs, continued rates of higher unemployment, investment outside the U.S. and unfair exchange rates.
Thankfully, while shopping at Ben Franklin in Monroe, I was able to walk past the multitudes of colorful tree ornaments, decorations and gift packaging — all made in countries outside the USA. One item, made in China, looking like a miniature silver platter warned:
“For decorative use only. Not suitable for direct food consumption. Not intended for Children 14 and under.”
I don’t know about you, but it sure had me wondering whether this warning was from the Food and Drug Administration or the manufacturer. And what is it about being 14 that prevents you from misusing this product? I wonder how many read the warning and had a second thought.
I was relieved to find the stocking stuffer table with a sign reading, “Made in the NW!” I picked up a couple apple scone mixes made and packaged in Washington. Great. Now, what to wrap them in? I picked up a couple of decorative bags, one dollar each. OK, I give. They were so colorful and just the right size and … made in China. I decided to strike a balance. I bought both the scone mixes and the bags.
We as consumers cannot be expected to be experts on trade imbalances and exchange rates, but we can use common sense when purchasing. We can balance our purchasing and strike a trade balance of our own.
Let’s keep trade balance in mind as we continue public discussion around having a new Walmart store in Monroe. Regardless of whether they build here, we can be smarter about what we purchase. Walmart brings thousands of products to our shores that are made in Asia and Indonesia, mimicking products made in the U.S., using cheap labor where worker’s health and safety is many times sadly overlooked.
It’s a new year. Let’s make the most of it.
Eleanor Walters of Monroe was a candidate last year for state representative from the 39th District.
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