A Year without “Made in China”

BookcoverThere’s a book out that I’m really keen to read and I thought I’d mention it to you all too. My mom-in-law has just read it and says it’s really interesting. I’ve got a little thing against how much stuff is made in China, and how it’s affecting so many industries all around the world – particularly in third world countries.

I’m pretty strict with myself about not buying clothes that are made in China. I always check the labels before I buy something to see where it was made. It’s amazing when you realise how many of them are made in factories over there, from high-end to low-end labels.

Anyway, it’s not that I have anything against the Chinese, I’ve never even been to the country. I think for me it’s just more about encouraging the sales of local products, and the local industries of countries which have have so much to offer, but just can’t make products as quickly or cheaply. I think it’s worth spending the little extra, even if it means buying fewer items, because I know the cause is worth it.

If you’re also passionate about this subject, or perhaps would like to know more about it, I’d suggest reading “My year without ‘Made in China’ “.

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Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Social Upliftment, South Africa Love on December 8th, 2009

  • Sarah, I'm totally with you on this one! And while I do respect Anna's opinion, for me it just illustrates the misconception that South African products are either about touristy curios, or high end designer pieces. Here, just like in any other country, you can find products across the whole spectrum of price.Look at Babazeka, Touch-it and a whole lot of other on and offline shops, and you will find products that are really well priced. Local products will always be that bit more costly,but that is because the person that makes them are fairly compensated.I think the big problem is that local products are not readily available, but that is also changing. Look at Edgars and Foschini that already stocks locally made clothes. VIVA SA!!
    Thanks for telling me about the "a year without made in China book", that is on my holiday reading list!
  • Exactly, Nicolette! And often I check the labels of well-priced clothes at
    shops like Woolworths and Mr Price and they're made in SA too!
  • Anna
    I love South African products, they are really well made and funky, BUT I and alot of people I know actually have a problem with how really expensive locally made clothes, accessories and decor is. It is ridiculous. For this reason, I just cannot support SA made products that I believe are way over-priced. So yes, if I have to buy cheaper Chinese made products then I will, not all proudly South AFricans can afford to splurge every month on local products.
  • Thanks Anna, for your opinion. I definitely agree that many SA products are
    really expensive, but must say that I always manage to find reasonably
    priced products inbetween the over-priced ones. I guess what'simportant is
    that people are aware of what they're buying and why.
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