Products from China: Do You Care?
Wednesday August 15, 2007
I was watching the press conference with Mattel today and there was much reassurance about the safety of toys. And I know this is true, of course. It's just that the numbers recalled lately seem staggering. But compared to what's not being recalled, I guess it's a comfort.
In addition, there's so much buzz about China and safety problems with toys, food and other products... is it affecting your confidence any as you buy for your family? Do you now check to see where your child's toys and other products are made before you buy or have you always done this? Or do you think that the China link is just a bunch of hooey?
Comments
The thing is, most, if not all, toys are made in China. Outsourcing is cheaper, so companies use them. There are only a few businesses that make toys in the U.S. So, what option do we have than to buy toys made in China?
When American companies outsource to save money they have no control over quality. They are gettting what they pay for, cheap labor and inferior and hazardous products. The American public are the ones paying the price for their cheapness, with our chidren’s safety.Don’t just accept it, Buy AMERICAN.
I disagree that outsourcing to China is the root of the problem here. We perceive a low standard of quality in China due to this recall and the recent contaminations of wheat glutton used in pet foods. But these two issues come after decades of outsourcing and importing consumer goods from China and other foreign counties.
To believe that American manufacturers would have better methods is not true. Just look to the recent cases of E-Coli and botulism in bagged salads and canned meat products. Those were American manufacturers.
It’s difficult being a parent in today’s society were there are so many hazards, concerns and opinions. And it’s nice to find a scapegoat and say “they” are the problem. But it’s just not that easy.
-Lori Tibbetts
China is indeed the preoblem! And, yes Mother’s out there, you can buy toys not made there. They just might be a bit more expensive and not exactly what your child asked for. Please take into consideration the China knows better!!! They are not the children and we should not have to “police” adults. Furthermore, this to me shows a utter lack of respect and of concern for Americans and their families!
While the Chinese manufacturers bear some responsibility along with Mattel. It is foolish to think that we as consumers are not partially to blame as well. It our own ravenous desire for CHEAP goods that, along with corporate greed have driven the manufacturing of most of the products we buy overseas. It’s as infallible as the morning sun, every time these things happen we cry “buy American”, guess what, most of us can’t afford American made.
We all need to complain to Mattel and all the other companies that we want products made in the USA. We are too dependent on other countries for everything these days.
Clothes, bibs, toys, food, bottles, etc. are made in China. Until companies stop outsourcing (which they won’t), buying “American Made” products are too costly . And, I don’t know about you, but I am on a strict budget. Yes, I want what is best for my baby, but some things we have no control over. And, like the post earlier, even “American-made” items are being recalled. Botulism? I don’t want my baby to contract that either, yet products made in the USA can cause the disease. You can’t not buy items, but just be cautious and if something breaks, or cracks, throw it away. Everything in life is a hazard, that is why parents are there to make sure our children are safe, but some things are out of our control. Unfortunately, this is the world our children are growing up in.
OshKosh = Made in Malaysia
Carters = Made in Thailand
Target = Made in China
Fischer Price = Made in China
Playskool = Made in Mexico
LeapFrong = Made in China
I could continue, but I think you get the point…
I would put the blame on the retailers. When the children are buying direct from the Chinese then blame them.
It’s a vicious cycle. American consumerism drives mass production which in this case leads to outsourcing labor to other countries. I’m not condoning Mattel for their huge oversight nor the Chinese company for tainting childrens’ toys with lead. I’m just as much to blame for consuming more than I need. However, maybe this Mattel mishap should be a sign for us to slow down and not hoard everything we see and to investigate where and whom we buy from.
We are putting forth our best effort to avoid ‘made in China’. How often it turns out that we didn’t REALLY need that plastic thing anyways.
If slave labor is not ok here at home, in the US, why do we want to support it in China???