Today my daughter and I took our JC Penney coupons and hit the mall. Every single item we liked or needed in JC Penney was made in China. I’ve recently made my daughter throw away some inexpensive earrings because I didn’t trust them to be lead-free. I told her we had to buy sterling silver. All the sterling silver jewelry we found in JC Penny was made in China. We put everything back and left empty-handed.
In Aeropostale we found some sweaters made in another country but the scarves and jewelry and camisoles we like were all made in China. We walked around an electronics store. As you’d expect all the goods were made in China. We left the mall with two pairs of socks made in Bangladesh.
Off the the LL Bean outlet. We found goods made in Honduras and China.
Now I haven’t heard about contaminated clothing coming out of China but I’m determined to avoid it whenever I can. Here’s why:
Yesterday in my city, an agency offered to lead-test any item brought in to them. Dozens of toys which are not on any recall list tested postive. Some of the items were TEETHING toys. A list was not published but I’ve contacted them to see if they kept one and if I can get it.
Colorful paint on ceramic mugs tested postive. Ok, so you don’t drink from the outside of a mug, but you do handle it and then eat cookies with your fingers. A favorite mug may sit on your desk all day while you sip coffee or tea from it and be handled dozens of times.
I’m angry. I’m buying American, from companies listed here in my blog, as much as I can, but I was recently caught short. At the last minute my son needed polypropylene apparel for a Boy Scout outing in winter weather. I had no time to mail order any and every single thing I found was made in China. I bought the minimum necessary and am learning to plan ahead.
Here is something to think about on the subject of apparel. Many items having sizing on them when they are new, to keep them nice and neat. How do we know just what is being put on the garments? Is it a safe chemical, or the one that can be had the cheapest. Children wear sleepwear that is supposed to be fire-retardant. Is it? What is on those garments? Is anyone checking?
Sometimes it just isn’t possible to buy American, or even to avoid Chinese made apparel. I recommend you thoroughly wash items before wearing or using them. I’d also beware of any bright red or green embellishments. Bright reds and greens seem to be the colors most often amped up by the addition of lead. Watch those buttons and baubles if that sweater comes out of China.
I’m off to finish my holiday shopping, by mail order, made in the U.S.
