98% of what product is made outside the U.S.? The clothes you wear

Monday, 10 October 2011 15:21

98% of what product is made outside the U.S.? The clothes you wear

Written by Scott LaMar, Director of Radio Smart Talk

Radio Smart Talk for Tuesday, October 11:

More than 90% of the clothing and shoes Americans wear each day or are stored in their closets are made outside the U.S. American clothing manufacturers realized decades ago that their products could be produced much cheaper by overseas workers. American consumers generally don't seem to mind because they enjoy the lower prices they pay at the national chain stores.

Our guest on Tuesday's Radio Smart Talk is author, journalist and host of NPR's Latitudes program, Rachel Louise Snyder. Snyder authored the 2007 book, "Fugitive Denim: A Moving Story of People and Pants in the Borderless World of Global Trade" about the production of clothing.

Snyder will be speaking Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. at York College of Pennsylvania's Evelyn and Earle Wolf Hall on "The Post-Sweatshop World: Ethical Dilemmas and Emerging Issues in the Global Marketplace." She'll address labor issues and environmental impacts of textile manufacturing in her speech.

Listen to the program:

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comments

# Faith McGill-Cossick 2011-10-11 09:57

Aaaaagh! I have so many things I want to talk with Rachael about!
1). When I recently interacted with Talbots and Lands End facebook forums, I found consumers to be very mocking, hostile, and attacking. Said things like: "Who cares." "Shut up.". "You're a troll."

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# Faith McGill-Cossick 2011-10-11 09:58

Also: Comment, please on purchasing second hand items.

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# Faith McGill-Cossick 2011-10-11 10:01

Here's that title I mentioned: the better world SHOPPING GUIDE by Ellis Jones.
New Society Publishers

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# Lisa 2011-10-11 19:27

Walmart made the biggest inroads into rural America on its "Made in America" slogan years ago only to change to all foreign made goods in order to offer the cheapest prices. Other big box stores followed suit and all manufacturing left the US.

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# Nick 2011-10-12 17:10

This is not a new trend. Apparel has been manufactured overseas for the markets in America for a very, very long time. Overseas apparel manufacturers make products much better than Americans ever did. In fact, they often put our domestic products to shame. I know it is not always about quality and there are a few American clothing manufacturers still in business who make top quality products. Look for them if you really care. Not all overseas manufacturing warehouses are bad places to work either. - Please try not to paint a one sided picture with your articles.
I honestly hope that American manufacturing jobs one day return to America, but I am not ever counting on a massive resurgence in the textile industry here. it will never happen. It becomes our job to find out what types of envioronments our favorite brands are having their products made in. Most honest companies will/should keep a public log about the factories they work with.
You now have my $.02

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# Fran Go 2011-10-13 10:08

I was so looking forward to lots of information about where the textiles are manufactured and how conditions are in those factories, as well as lots more in-depth info on clothing imports. Unfortunately, Scott spent so much time reflecting his own lack of interest in reading his labels that he diverted to Ms. Snyder's life story, which he found more interesting. Perhaps Megan Lello should have been moderating. Very frustrating. I forgive you, Scott, because you generally do a great job.

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# Fran Go 2011-10-13 10:12

I will however check out Rachel Louise Snyder's Latitudes program and get the info I'm seeking. So thanks for the interview.

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