It’s Time To Change Our Shopping Habits – a GUEST POST

Karyn Climans is a Canadian blogger and entrepreneur.  Here’s what she has to say about herself on her blog:

I’m living an interesting life as a business entrepreneur and parent of 2 special needs kids. My journey has given me an insight in to the challenges of daily life that I’m happy to share. I am committed to keeping my blogs genuine and honest. Hopefully by sharing my stories, my readers will find some comfort, strength and wisdom.

What she didn’t add is that she loves her dogs so very much, she’s an optimist and she makes these really cool products that I will be reviewing a little later.

 

Please read the following post by Karyn on the topic of supporting North American (specifically Canadian) companies such as hers called Tail-Wags.  You can read my thoughts following her post.

It’s Time To Change Our Shopping Habits

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Karyn Climans

Of course items made in North America are more expensive. But are they worth the extra cost? I think so and here’s why: Cheaper goods made in China, Taiwan, India etc are literally made on the backs of women in the developing world. How does Wal-Mart, Target, H&M or any of the other big box stores sell a sundress for $12.00 or child’s winter jacket for $19.99 especially when you consider the additional shipping and import duty taxes on those items? It’s because women in sweatshops around the world “slave” to make those items. Bangladesh’s garment industry workers are the lowest paid in the world – earning an average of $25.00 a month. That income isn’t sufficient for these women to support their own families. And that’s not the only problem … these women are often subjected to horrendous working conditions. Can you imagine being “locked” in your workspace and prevented from using the washroom for extended periods? They are also often the victims of sexual harassment, violent union busting and other forms of coercion.

What can Western women do to advocate for change? We can STOP buying the ridiculously cheap products from developing countries. If we all refuse to shop at outlets that purchase from sweatshops, then these factories will be forced to change. You’re probably asking yourself if cutting off the income to these factories will lead to further economic hardship for the women we are trying to help. Yes it will BUT if this short-term pain leads to long-term gains in terms of higher wages and better working conditions would it be worth it? Absolutely!

And while you’re pressuring for change overseas, how about supporting North American made goods? Yes, they may cost slightly more but the workers are earning a fair wage and are enjoying basic employee rights. Besides, the North American economy could use the boost at the moment. Local jobs are created when demand for locally made products increases. Something for you to keep in mind the next time you’re tempted to purchase that bargain from overseas.

 

 

I agree that we need to support our Canadian companies and I am learning to search out these companies so that I can support them with my purchases.  I agree that the women who slave overseas to make our cheap products need to have better work environments and I want to support their plight in ways that make sense for me here in Canada.

However, I need to think of the balance for my family.  We have 6 children and we live on one income.  We have to be smart with our money.  It comes down to what’s going to get me the most for the least amount of money.

And then on the other hand again (how many hands do you have?) I am certainly learning about quality!  In my quest to declutter our home and get rid of the junk, I am finding that the things I am getting rid of are the items made overseas in those terrible situations.  So I am rethinking many purchases.  I am looking for quality and simplicity in our toys and our clothing and many other items.

As a homeschool mom, I purchase many items for our home.  I do not like to purchase items from the US, if I can at all help it because shipping charges are monstrous!  I am becoming better at searching for and finding Canadian companies.  I am loving tools like ebay and paypal that allow me to shop online without a credit card (one of our ways we save money); these two companies list other companies who accept their services and are specifically Canadian!

The process is slow though.  A person doesn’t change thoughts and buying habits like this over night.

If you are a Canadian blogger and / or entrepreneur I would be willing to support your business by doing a review or guest post, by purchasing products for our home, by listing you on a page of my blog that contains ONLY Canadian companies.  I also hope that you would join in Follow Me I’m Canadian, a Wednesday meme for Canadian bloggers and if you are a mom and a blogger you could join us at Canadian Moms.

Now back to our guest writer.  Please visit and connect with Karyn in the following ways:

• on her blog
• on facebook
• on twitter
• at her website – check out her great products.  They are so fun.  My kids love the one we got to review.  Review coming soon!

 

Striving to learn and live God's purposes,