Dear Friends:
Below is an email that was forwarded to me. It is aimed at people in the USA and most of those that I am writing to are living outside the US. I am sending this on because it is important to me to be a conscious consumer and this is a simple example of a difference a little bit of conscious consuming can make.

I have to say that I am not against international trade. It is a healthy human interaction. I am for supporting local economies when possible. So often, we only look at the price of a product without considering the cost of the product. In the example below, they mention how there would be an increase of 200,000 jobs in the US if people bought USA made. There would also be other consequences, such as, a decrease in the amount of oil used to ship and distribute said goods.
Though supporting local is, I feel, very important, there is more to conscious consuming. When I shop for a product that I am not familiar with, I read the ingredients as well as where is was produced. I compare. The first time may take a few extra minutes, however, I only need to do it once and I know what I am getting.

There is another level that I find even more important. Is consumption our prime reason in life?

There is an exaggerated importance that consuming has in our lives. The obvious example is the role that credit buying was involved in the current economic upheaval. There is also the glaring “must have the latest version” that pushes so many people into wasteful spending. I came to California with the intention of buying the latest iPad 2. It’s a very impressive device. I could afford it. Yet, do I really need it? There is a big debate going on in my mind. I have a very capable Macbook that, though it is heavier and bigger, can do more than I need. I already have an iPod touch as a portable device that still amazes me. Yes, I do travel often, however, it is usually in a way that the extra size and weight of my Macbook is not a hindrance.

There is a need to bring our awareness to ourselves and our own inner dialogue and resulting actions. I have watched this dialogue within myself and been a bit shocked and red faced. “Shopping therapy” is more than a cute comment. It is very much built into our minds. The belief that buying something will somehow make us feel better is so deeply ingrained that we don’t notice it.

When was the last time that you were downtown and didn’t buy anything? How often have you said, “Wow, that’s beautiful but I don’t really need it” and walked away?

Following is the email that I forwarded to my “bloggies” list:

MAY 1 – JUNE 1

Did you see that Diane Sawyer has a special report coming up this week? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family’s home that were not made in the USA.  There was hardly anything left.  Literally. During the special they are going to show truckloads of items – USA made – being brought in to replace everything and will be talking about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..

It was interesting that Diane said that if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs!

For instance, at Walmart you can buy the “Our Family” Brand of madarin oranges from China or for a few more cents you can buy the Liberty Gold or Dole brand from California.

Why are Americans buying without thinking while the Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets?

70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says ‘Made in China’ or ‘PRC’ (and that now includes Hong Kong), simply choose another product, or none at all.  You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is, do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that’s a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor…fast!!

Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on implementing this on MAY 1st and continue it until JUNE 1st.

Remember, MAY 1 TO JUNE 1st !!!!!!

START NOW.