Made In America: Why Shopping Local is so Important for Health and Sustainability
July 4th is coming up and we want to celebrate by shopping local- everything made in America! From sustainability initiatives to human rights regulations, we’re discussing all the benefits to shopping products made in America, and sharing out favorite companies with American-Made products.
Our Favorite Home Decor Products Made In America
Kitchen Aid Mixers
We’re obsessed with Kitchen Aid mixers — they’re one of the most worth-wise small kitchen appliance investments. If you already have one, you know how much use you get out of it! Not to mention they’re super retro stylish and look great on a countertop. As an added bonus, they’re made in America!
Crate & Barrel Sofas
Everyone loves getting lost inside a Crate & Barrel store! It’s like grown-up Ikea. And we were giddy when we found out most of their sofas are manufactured in Northbrook, Illinois! Here are a few of our current favorites.
Lexington Home Brands
As a consumer, you might be more familiar with Lexington as the manufacturer of Tommy Bahama furniture. As designers, we’re always excited to visit their High Point Market or Las Vegas showroom and peruse their latest collections, especially their bedroom, office, and outdoor collections, which are manufactured in Lexington and Hickory, North Carolina.
Pendleton Manufactures in America
Southwest style is all the rage right now! And no-one does it better than the OG — Pendleton. They’re Native American influence puts their money where their design is and manufactures here in America. Pendleton has been family owned-and-operated in Oregon for six generations.
Dacor
Ready to take your kitchen’s style up a notch? Dacor manufactures premium modern kitchen appliances right here in the US that will make you scream #KITCHENGOALS!
Vitamix
Everyone’s favorite blender is made in the US too! Here are a couple of our favorite models you should definitely check out:
Three Reasons To Shop Local Products Made in the USA
Less Pollution
As LEED AP designers, we place a lot of emphasis on designing and shopping sustainably! Sometimes that means paying a little bit extra for products made her in the US, where factories are subject to more regular and strict health and safety inspections, thus producing less hazardous chemicals in the production of goods. Shopping local is great for reducing pollution in the air.
Human Rights
Another repercussion to overseas factories and business having more relaxed safety and health measures, is in its treatment of workers. When you buy local, you can rest assured that the working conditions are probably going to be a whole lot better than buying overseas!
Health
When you buy goods that are cheaper because they are made overseas, because they are seemingly the “same” as what you could get here, you may be sacrificing your health. Often toys and other products made overseas expose American consumers to dangerous chemicals like lead or kerosene. This is particularly bad when it comes to products you put on your body or use everyday like cosmetics, dishware, food, and home furnishings and building materials.
A Few More Easy Ways to Shop Products Made in America
- Eat Local
- Shop local for holiday gifts (You’ll be sure to not get someone something they already have and end up with something much more creative!)
- Utilize local services
- Budget specifically for local-goods shopping each month
Shop The Post of Furniture Made in America
