MADE IN AMERICA!

Make it YOUR New Years resolution to buy PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA! It can be hard, but the least you can do is try. Especially when it comes to the big ticket items bought only once every 5-10 years like appliances and furniture.  This was one of our resolutions for 2015, and I am proud to say, "We did it!"  Check out Our Top 4 Made in the USA Buys of 2015.

WHAT DOES THE LAW STATE ABOUT WHERE A PRODUCT IS MADE?
Any product (not food) sold in the United States must say exactly where it is made.  So if  you look closely enough, a product should state, "Made in the USA, Made in Mexico, Made in China, etc." somewhere on the packaging.  Just having a picture of an American Flag, or calling itself American, or using the name United States, or a picture of the USA or anything of the sort DOES NOT MEAN IT IS MADE IN AMERICA.  In fact, this is the perfect scam!  They hope you are making the assumption from the name or the picture that it is made in America because if you looked any closer (and actually read what it says) you would realize it is NOT!

It is getting harder and harder to buy items 100% made in the USA, but we can at least do our best to try!

MADE IN AMERICA - EITHER QUALIFIED OR UNQUALIFIED

• If it is qualified, then the manufacturer must tell the story.  For example: We recently purchased a Lazy-Boy Sofa, Chair, and Ottoman for our living room.  We were told it was made in the USA which for us was the clincher. When we looked online, the furniture was labeled Made in AMERICA under the description, but it also went on to say, "WITH US & IMPORTED PARTS."  They explained that it was made from parts that were also from other countries.  Another recent example is Frigidaire.  This past year we purchased several Frigidaire appliances all of which included a sticker that said "designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S.A." ​So basically, when the sticker or label states that it is American Made, or Made in the USA and it is qualified, the manufacturer provides specifics with respect to exactly what part is or is not American made. 
• ​If it is unqualified, then one can assume that either all, or nearly all, of the parts used to make it are made in America.  In other words, some small amount or insignificant part may be made elsewhere, but they don't have to state it.  However, they will be expected to prove their claim if challenged and large fines will be applied if they do not meet specific criteria.

CLEAR LABELING EXAMPLES:

Clearly states that it is Made in USA!

UNCLEAR or​ FALSE LABELING EXAMPLES:

Displays American Flag, but DOES NOT state Made in USA.

HOW TO KNOW FOR SURE:

• Read labels carefully.  DO NOT JUST LOOK AT PICTURES OR COMPANY NAMES.  Make sure it clearly states "Made in America" or "Made in the USA."  
• Consult websites that name companies making products in the U.S..  My favorite is usalovelist.com because you can search it pretty easily.    A few others you can also use are americansworking.com, madeinamericaforever.com, madeinusa.org.

Check out our MADE IN AMERICA Pinterest Board for more brands and items that are proudly MADE IN THE USA!

Thank you for visiting!

SOURCES:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/02/made-in-america/index.htm