Fast, easy and cheap said no one ever. Or did they?

 More and more these days you are hearing about the importance of American made products and building our economy. There are great reasons to buy American made. I know, sometimes it can be easier and/or cheaper to buy over seas or heck, we don't even inquire about where our purchases are made. Guilty! I too can be easily persuaded by convenience and price. But, I'm not asking for perfection here. Just think, if you looked to see where your purchases are made from, how often would you see made in the U.S.A.? I think you know how often you would see China, Japan, Guam, and the list goes on. For a moment though, what if you were a mindful consumer, your next purchase was from the USA and you sought it out. Would you be disappointed ? No, and here is why. 

Buying locally can make you feel like the #1 customer. It allows for special attention and knowing who is making your product and from what. Would you want your child's throw made from yarn dyed with harmful chemicals? or wouldn't it be nice being able to inquire on the safety of the materials that a loved one will be snuggling up with every night?

Saving money. Who ever said they didn't like doing that? If given the opportunity to buy five crappy shoes or one really nice pair that will last me for years to come, I chose quality! Let's be real, my gal friends can totally spot a knock off. But why waste money on an item that you know will not last you more than a season. Remember Indian Jones on his last crusade, "Choose wisely."

A story to go along. It's all in the details.  Adding to your quality purchase, is a story about an American dream and a woman's aspirations for her start up company. You will know that Unity Alley's throws are made in good ol' Lyndhurst, NJ? Also home to Medieval Times. Ok- maybe that's not your thing. But would't it be cool to know that two, yes, just two men are responsible for each stitch in your throw instead of a dozen or tens of dozens of people that have their hands on your product.

Here is an article from CNN.com that provides a list of websites and Facebook groups to help consumers find products made in the United States, along with a few brands known to manufacture most or a substantial portion of their goods stateside.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/13/living/made-in-america/ 

So, the next time you make a purchase, start here: turn that item upside down, look at the tag, locate that label. Where is it made? 
Who knows, maybe the next time you purchase a product, you will think twice about where it came from and what's the story behind it.  And that is one step closer to be a mindful consumer. 

So, are you a mindful consumer?