Why buying “Made in USA” products is more than just supporting U.S. workers...

It’s no surprise to any of us at this point that we live, eat, and breathe in a global economy. Food and raw materials get shipped back and forth across the globe to produce end-user products at the demands the market will pay. However, the economy is not the only thing that makes this world function.

Our environment is the economy’s very foundation and therefore is in as much demand for our attention as that current payment-due bill sitting in front of you. However, because the local ecosystems which makes up our biosphere does not produce a statement due date each month the environment is an issue that tends to get put on the back burner in our day-to-day activities and demands. Albeit important to each of us at some level one way or another, it doesn’t hound us if we don’t make that payment on time. The good news is that there is something small each of us can do that can make a big impact together. It doesn’t require any extra activities or monies to donate. Each time you make a purchase simply look for the FSC, SFI, and Made in the USA labels if you're not already doing so.

Companies like the American Tree Farm System, Forest Stewardship Council, and the Sustainable Forest Initiative work with sustainable forest product sources. Their producers are conscientious about the invasive species and diseases that effect their forest and your end product, as well as the replanting efforts after a timber harvest. The purchases with a Made in the USA label simply helps minimize the invite and free international travel for invasive bugs, plants, and forest diseases that destroy our native habitats. Likewise, we are sending ours bugs and forest diseases overseas that's destroying their native habitats as well.

Since making a purchase is something you do almost every day. Why not make it count? It’s one more way you can help your environment out worldwide! To learn more about the problem of invasive species in your area contact your state’s department of forestry or state’s conservation and environment agencies. For a great site that will introduce you to some of the top threats nationwide and see what Tennessee is doing with agency partnership and private landowners to combat the problems check out  ProtectTNForests.org. Protect USA forests and global environments by making your purchases count. Be informed. Get involved. It’s your world!