In her fascinating book, "The Travels of a T-shirt In The Global Economy," Pietra Rivoli writes:

"Auggie Tantillo describes the Wal-Mart squeeze cycle, in which Wal-Mart’s squeeze on its American suppliers had bankrupted them, and led the firm to China where it squeezes Chinese suppliers as well as their sweatshop workers. At the end of the squeeze cycle, we can buy our t-shirts for 25 cents less, so on average we are richer, but at what cost?"

She goes on:

"Another divide between professional and public opinion relates to differing perspectives: While economists view matters nationally or even globally, many Americans take a local perspective. While free trade increases global welfare, some local workers, companies, and communities are the losers; the economic benefits of free trade are diffuse, while the costs are typically concentrated. When the benefits of cheaper t-shirts for millions across the country are placed alongside the costs of job loss for a few thousand in a North Carolina mill town, the public’s internal calculator often works much differently than does an economist’s."

I've never been to North Carolina, nor seen any documentaries about how communities were ruined by lost jobs there, but I am curious to learn about places where the local economy has dried up or maybe been renewed by successful local business owners. What does it take to make a successful local economy? One big employer, like a textile mill, or lots of varied small businesses? Perhaps a mixture of both. Though I'm no fan of Wal-Mart, this blog is not about anti any one specific entity but about how people are going about changing back to doing things locally--growing food in their communities (or just eating it!), seeking out locally-owned businesses, checking labels to learn where things are manufactured. In her book, Rivoli seems to be searching for how things got to be the way they are--that is, away from local.

Another REALLY good reason to consider buying locally from small manufacturers:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/30/wgap130.xml

Children in sweatshops making children's clothes that are sold for discount prices is just so wrong on many levels.

Just a note to say that the links here are not yet organized by state, so if you are looking for a shop or designer in your town then please ask and I can let you know if there are any. One idea here is that these businesses be supported locally, but also by shoppers beyond the immediate area who want to support either parents in business or any goods manufactured in the U.S. or who just really like what they see on a particular link. What I have noticed over time with my own daughter is that we get tons of compliments on the clothes from some of these boutiques or lines, and not so much with the mass-produced stuff. We had this one summer dress with a Western-cowboy theme from Studio Bini in Denver that was commented on everywhere we went--by Dads in the park, other Moms asking if it came in adult sizes, my own family. These unique clothes really get attention!

I've added another review today--this time of Studio Bini in Denver. She sells her own designs as well as many others that are very cute for both girls and boys.

This is a Chinese proverb I read in a book of blessings:

"When eating bamboo shoots, remember the man who planted them."

Surely a good reminder, but also a way to think when purchasing clothes for kids. Anytime we spend, what an affordable luxury to know the creator of the goods, or at least know where they came from and that people in the community were provided jobs.

I've added reviews of some of the locally-made clothing listed on this blog. For some reason the reviews are way down at the bottom of the page. Feel free to add your own reviews in a comment or suggest more companies to link here!

I was flipping through my Gaiam catalog today and noticed an interesting quote:

"When you know the story behind the product--how it was sourced and the people it affects--it feels good to know that you made a difference in someone else's life."

I am assuming this is related to fair trade and organic cotton, but it's so true of all locally-made goods! And even locally-grown, locally-owned too. So, if I haven't said it before for fear it might sound too lofty for shopping, I'm going to echo those words: When you shop locally-made, locally-owned, you get to know who you are supporting with your hard-earned money. It does feel good to know you are supporting that individual or family and their creative efforts.