Not Made in China

Brett and I had this grand idea for 2010. I do emphasize idea not resolution — because resolutions always seem set up to fail. We thought, let’s try and go a whole year without buying anything made in China. Between recalled toys, low-wage workers and feeling like they are taking over the world one ceramic vase at a time, we thought we’d take a little stand and buy things made in other places, ideally the U.S., but that seems to be an extinct concept these days.

We didn’t get off to a very good start. A couple of days into 2010 I bought two shirts, seeing the sale sign and feeling the soft cotton, I didn’t even think to care where it was made. But we got a free pass on this one — they were made in Guatemala. Glad we didn’t fail right out the gate. So we’re back on track and I set out to find a good pair of snow boots. Holy crapola – do you know how hard it is to buy boots not made in China? And I have a sneaking and quite scary suspicion it’s going to be this way for most shoes. I quickly checked my favorite Privos and there in bold print: Made in China. Nooooo!!!

But I was not deterred, no siree, this is why Google was invented, right? But after scouring and searching the Internet, I learned that Sorel, Canada’s proud winter boot, is no longer made in the Great White North and the oh-so-Australian Uggs? China, China, China. I was becoming so desperate that I was checking out some really ugly, but cheap, vintage Sorels on Ebay from the days when they were actually made in Canada. Then my wonderful mother-in-law came through with a name. LOWA. Never heard them, but turns out they’re sold at a bunch of distributors including one of my faves, Zappos. Established in 1923 in Germany, LOWA takes their manufacturing seriously even including a Corporate Responsibility Statement on their website. Their determination is quite admirable and definitely seem to be an island of integrity in a sea of sellouts. Plus, their boots look like quality, long-lasting footwear – and they were on sale at Zappos! Talk about meant to be. Even on sale, they are a little pricey, but I figure if I’m supporting a company that retains its integrity, then maybe other companies will hear the message and follow suit. But I doubt it because money still talks. Today I went to Sears and saw a Danskin yoga set including mat, ball, strap and DVD for the rock bottom price of $6.99. I grabbed it, bought it right up and practically skipped out of the store excited about my bargain. Oh right, I wonder where it was made. Where do you think?

Oh well, that’s why we’re not calling it a resolution…or maybe we should.