Coming Together to Save the American Dream

 

Recently, The New York Times published a moving article by Robert Putnam about the heartbreaking deterioration of Port Clinton, Ohio. In "Crumbling American Dreams," he put into words what many of us have been witnessing and experiencing throughout the U.S. as manufacturing has left this nation.

Robert talks about his childhood in a small town where parents were hardworking and children had the promise of upward mobility. In talking about his childhood peers, "Nearly three-quarters of them surpassed their parents in education and in that way advanced economically as well." At the time, they had no reason to believe things would change.

Decades later he finds Port Clinton in a sad state. The disappearance of manufacturing has rendered many unemployed and left stores derelict. The average worker in Ottawa County, who is lucky to have a job, makes on average 16% than their grandfather did after adjusting for inflation.

The economic conditions also have taken a toll on the social fabric of the town. Families are struggling to string along jobs. Divorce rates are high. Drug usage is up. With so many stressors, the support system that was once in place is no longer there.

In irony, Robert explains that the wealthy have bought some of the land cheaply and have built mansions. The mansions stand in stark contrast to the everyday life of most in Port Clinton.

I really urge you to read this article. Robert may have written about Port Clinton specifically. However, he has really written about many towns across America. This is the very reason that we need to buy American when we can. We need to support our friends and neighbors and keep them working. By purchasing products from our nation, we are helping keep the American Dream alive.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with Made in the U.S.A. Style

Summer is in full swing and the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Whether you are getting ready for the big parade or a festive bash, we have items to make your celebration patriotic and stylish! Read on to learn about our suggestions!

If you are trying to spruce up your home for the big day, we have vibrant pleated fans, patriotic bunting, a colonial-style pull down banner, American flag garland and a selection of beautiful American flags (and accoutrements as well). Everything is made here in the U.S.A.! Take a look at our patriotic decor and you will be sure to find that perfect item for your home!

Ready to set the table?  We can fulfill your needs in order to set a truly patriotic table! From American flag coasters and plates to an American flag table cloth and Old Glory napkins, we have it all!

Looking for elegant glassware to take your style up a notch but afraid to break it? We have some acrylic glassware that is both elegant and unbreakable. BPA-free as well!

Baking up a storm for your party? Our beautiful natural stone, deep dish pie pan is ideal. Perfect for baking yet still looks great for serving!

Need utensils? We have you covered with our vast selection of gorgeous wooden utensils like this fork and spatula set ideal for summer salads! We even have a maple pie server to go with your pie pan as well as a host of other wooden utensils ideal for your festivities! Talk about rustic yet elegant Americana!

Don't forget to take a look at our lovely cast iron cookware! Cast iron makes food look and taste so good! Just look at this piece, perfect for cornbread! We also have cast iron perfect for making baked beans, delicious corn on the cob and so much more!

Norton's U.S.A. has so many wonderful treasures to make your Independence Day truly made in America! Make your celebration of America's birth perfect by using some of her bounty! Happy Fourth of July!

Father's Day: Celebrate with Made in the USA Style!

Father's Day is a special day set aside to honor our fathers in some unique way. Fathers have helped to build this nation. From our Founding Fathers to soldiers to pioneers to protectors of the family to baseball coaches and beyond, our fathers have helped to make this country through various contributions and sacrifices. To honor our fathers' contributions to this great nation, why not find them the perfect made in the U.S.A. gift?

We have come up with a list of some great gift ideas for Dad. Dad will definitely be happy with a wonderful made in America gift!

Who does not remember Dad pulling out his wallet to buy a piece of candy or an ice cream cone? Why not buy Dad a new wallet? If Dad has a particularly bulky wallet, maybe he would like to downsize with a World's Thinnest Wallet? The wallet is available in leather and several shades of nylon.

Perhaps, Dad would like to be comfy for Father's Day? We have some comfy, cozy sheepskin slippers that Dad will love to relax in! Grab him a cup of joe and he will be all set!

In fact, you can make him a cup of coffee with our coffee and espresso press. Using the ideal water temperature and gentle air pressure, the brew yields rich flavor with lower acidity and without bitterness. Micro filtered for grit free coffee – unlike other press-type coffee makers. Actual press time only takes 20 seconds. Perfect!

If Dad is looking for a new addition to his wardrobe, we have a collection of tees that will fit the bill. We also have some nice, lightweight carpenter jeans. How about an outfit entirely made in America for Dad?

We have a fun root beer making kit that Dad may love! With the kit, you can make 1 gallon of great tasting root beer in 3 days or less. Family fun with delicious results!

For a little bit of fun, how about a book of bar jokes? Dad will probably have a few laughs with this one!

We have so many perfect gifts for Dad. We even have gift cards if Dad would like to shop for himself! Or, better yet, maybe you should take him to Norton's U.S.A.!

Community, helping your neighbor and Made in America

While watching the parades this weekend and commemorating the sacrifices of our soldiers, you
cannot help but get wrapped up in the sense of community. Being part of these celebrations serves to remind us all about what it means to be an American. In our busy, day-to-day lives, it is easy to miss these connections. When we are shopping, we often miss connections to our community. We take products more at face value and are likely to choose based on color, price, shape, performance, etc. However, we do not see the faces of the people that invented those products, created them, packaged them and brought them to market. In the case of local goods, these items are made by your very own neighbors and friends.

If you choose to shop locally more often, you are helping your very own neighbor, your community and America. By choosing an American-made product, you are:

--Investing in your community: By spending money in your community, you are helping to keep area businesses open. These businesses in turn patronize other area businesses.
--Keeping diversity: We have all been guilty of complaining that there is not enough selection of this product or that or perhaps there is not a decent selection of restaurants in our town. If you do not support your local businesses, then they will not be able to stay open. It is that simple.
--Local business often put more money back into their local economy rather than bigger corporations. A Maine Center for Economic Policy study showed that for every $100 earned, local businesses put $58 back into their local economy. The study showed that for every $100 earned, national companies only put $33 back into the local economy.
--Inspiring competition in American businesses: Demand for local, American-made goods will increase if more people consider and purchase American-made. If demand increases, there will be more space for new businesses in the economy.
--Further strengthening your community network: When buying from local shops, you will probably find a more personal feel. You may feel more like family than a customer. In turn, the business owner is often making these connections with many community members. This connecting brings the community together and strengthens the town. Plus, many local businesses tend to be engaged in other community activities, enriching the lives of everyone.

You do not have to buy everything local to make impact. Even just changing your habits a little and considering more American-made products will make a positive impact.

Local First Bloomington has a nice page with resources for learning about the impact of buying local on the economy. The Institute for Self Reliance supplies links to several studies showing the impact of local businesses on the economy her: Key Studies on Big Box Retail & Independent Business.

Teacher appreciation {the American-made way}: Our Teacher Gift List

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Teachers have done such a wonderful job of instructing and guiding our children throughout the year. With the close of the academic year, it is time to think about the teachers that have made a difference in our children's lives this year.

Norton's U.S.A. has some wonderful gifts that are certain to make the teachers in your life feel appreciated. Teachers are a foundation to the future of the U.S.A. Why not reward them with a beautiful Made in America gift?

Aiming for a relaxation-themed gift? We have some lovely reed diffusers that are not only elegant but will make any room more inviting. Our flameless diffusers come in 7 unique scents. Hard to choose!

Speaking of relaxation, our bath fizzies and Napa soap are also perfect to help a special teacher unwind. The Napa soap actually comes in 12 different scents and includes natural ingredients! Attractively wrapped, you can even add either item to a gift basket!

If your favorite teacher loves cooking, how about making a culinary basket with some of our unique gourmet delights? We have sauces, dip mixes, cake mixes, cookie mixes and more!

Honoring a teacher who loves nature? How about a hummingbird feeder? Who can resist a visit from these beautiful little birds? Our hummingbird feeders are easy to fill and have ant and bee proof ports. We also have cute plant markers for the gardener. The markers will make for a cute and bright addition to any garden!

Giving a gift to a science teacher? Our DNA kit or Crystallography kit may be interesting for them to play with our even use in class! We also have a fun Pet Tornado, great for a weather fanatic! These science kits will add a little something different to a teacher gift!

Can't quite put your finger on what you should get? We have sophisticated yet durable journals suited for various passions. Bird watching, road tripping, reading and teaching--we have quite a selection, so take a look!

Still having a hard time choosing the perfect Made in U.S.A. gift? Make shopping easy with one of our gift certificates!

With all of these choices, how can you not find an American-made gift? Teachers are sure to love these wonderfully unique gifts!

Why we need to know where our clothes come from

With a difficult economy here in the U.S., we find ourselves having to tighten our belts. Sometimes, we lose site of being a knowledgeable consumer when we are lured with cheap prices. However, cheap does not necessarily equate with the best choice.

Last week, there was a devastating factory collapse in Bangladesh. Often, we are very removed from the process of how our clothes are made. However, many of us saw the media reports last week about this terrible accident. We should use this time to learn.

As in Bangladesh, some of these factories are put up quickly with few building regulations. The workers do not work under the same safety standards as we have in this country. The buildings are not subject to the safe inspections that their counterparts in the U.S.  The workers work for many hours for low wages in poor conditions. Last week, sadly, many lost their lives in the factory collapse.

As consumers, we need to think more about what we are buying. Looking at that label is very important. When buying American, you are supporting companies following much safer labor standards. Plus, American factories are also subject to stronger environmental regulations and regular inspections. By purchasing American, you know more about how your clothing was made.

When shopping, we must not turn a blind eye to how things are made. Sadly, hundreds of people died last week. We must make a statement with our dollars and buy American.

For more on the collapse and some of the factory conditions these poor workers face, see CNN's article: Bangladesh factory collapse: Who really pays for our cheap clothes?

Tough economy for jobs, we need to keep America working!

This morning, MSNBC published an article discussing how the downturn in the economy has led many skilled and educated workers to accept employment at minimum wage, often at lower than full-time hours. The article titled In tough economy, fast food workers grow old explains that fast food jobs that were once filled with young, teenage workers are now being filled by older workers. Younger workers are being squeezed out of jobs at the beginning of their working years. The article states that only 16% of fast food jobs go to teens while 25% did a decade ago. Older workers are working for minimum wage with few if any benefits. Plus, they often have to piece together jobs in order to scrape together a living. The article is definitely an interesting read.

What can we take from this article? We know that our economy is in danger. Articles like this make us worry about our future and the future of our children. However, we can do something to help. We can make better choices about the businesses we patronize. We can buy American goods to help keep our people working. By purchasing American-made products, we are supporting our own economy and helping fellow Americans earn a living.