“Buy American” Versus “Buy Local”
The “Buy America” movement was meant to market goods made by American companies to American consumers. The slogans are rolled out during economic downturns as a way to not only bolster the sales in American companies, but also to add extra job security for American workers. The Buy American campaign was used in the 1980s, 1990s, and in 2001. It was also initiated after the real estate crisis in 2008.
American-made Furniture
American made furniture makes up only half the furniture sold in the U.S. It is an industry that can greatly benefit from the Buy American mentality. However, finding such furniture may be a little difficult. Instead of checking the “Made in ____” stamp on every piece of furniture that you buy, tap into another movement that emphasizes the same ideals of the Buy America movement, but on a smaller scale. Buy Local.
To Buy Local is to buy American
We’ve heard politicians and economists alike proclaim that the American economy will find it’s resurgence in the fuel of independent, privately owned American small businesses. This initiative has been carried out in small towns across the country championing the “Buy Local Movement”. We’ve been big supporters for our local business advocate organization, Think Local First.
Typically, local furniture showrooms are filled with furniture manufactured in nearby plants and warehouses. There is no need to turn over a piece or examine it for a country stamp. In addition, the pieces are handcrafted according to American standards and codes and therefore are both sturdy and stylish.
As we have pointed out in previous blog posts, buying local pieces transfers direct benefits to the community. With local workers selling goods to local homes, capital stays within the the local economy. Local taxes also come from the employees and the furniture company as added benefits for the local government and schools. Local artisans are able to find a larger market for their goods while the consumer takes home a one of a kind piece.
Buying Amish is Buying American
The Amish community of artisans makes and sells their furniture locally. These artisans are known for their craftsmanship and their simplicity. The pieces also adhere to American safety standards, something that has become very important through today’s frequent recalls.
The Amish community also creates their furniture from local materials. For example, the Red Oak Changing Table Wardrobe (shown right) is made from Northern Red Oak wood found in and around the Michigan, Indiana area. No rain forests are harmed or endangered trees are used in the creation of the pieces. The same can be said from all locally made furniture—if it is truly locally made.
Buy Local, Buy American
The point of both movements is to help the economy where you live. The largest benefits are of helping the community, the local artisans, and the employees of larger local furniture manufacturers. Those locally spent dollars get you a piece of furniture that is hand made by skilled people, not a fully automated process. Buying local and buying American can thus mean buying quality.
Tags: America, Amish Furniture Styles, Buy American, Buy Local, decor, Interiors, Red Oak, Showrooms, Wardrobe
