I think it is important to shop local.  I try do shop with companies that are local in my city, with farmer’s markets and when traveling around California.  When I can’t shop local I try to shop items that are made in the U.S.A.  I think it is a win-win to shop USA made items.  I hope others agree with me.  Here are a few reasons why you should buy thinks made in the states or local too and ways you can do it.  Many ways easier than you think.

Shop in your own city.  You’ll be paying money to your local businesses, especially ones that aren’t chain stores, and the taxes you pay will go back to your own city.

Shop small.  Find local stores, people that make soaps, purses, lotions, etc. and are ‘mom and pop’ shops.  This money goes to small families and even small purchases make a difference to them.  If you purchase fruits and vegetables from local farms, farmer’s markets or produce stands than you are getting produce that is fresher.  It will be higher in nutrients, last longer in your fridge and will taste better.

You can also choose to buy items made in the USA even if you need to order them online.  It is sometimes very hard to shop at department stores and find USA made items.  I even remember being at a car dealership a few years ago and waiting on a mechanic diagnosis while in the customer service lounge.  I picked up a hat that displayed the dealership name, a U.S. dealership and was surprised that the tag inside said ‘Made in China.’   Instead of searching tags every time you are in a store you can shop at AnytownUSA.  The store only has items made in the states with products from skincare, beauty products, stationary, jewerly, pet supplies and clothing.

I got to receive a few cool items from AnytownUSA to review too.  I was able to pick them myself and I chose items that I thought I would love to use myself or my daughter might like.

I’m in love with this lotion by Honey House Naturals.  I chose the Honey Citrus Blossom Soap.  It smells so heavenly.  Citrus scent with a hint of honey.  It comes wrapped in a pretty Florentine paper, which is made of recyclable material.  No need to wrap it if you are giving it as a gift- it is already done.  It is also perfect for winter-dry skin since it helps moisturize and re-hydrate thirsty skin.

I love the flowers and bee carved into the soap.  Each piece of soap is cut into blocks, hand-pressed and are perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts.

 

Here is another super cute one!  I love how giftable it is but might keep it for myself.  Called Happyness by Uncommon Scents these are mini-blocks that are vegetable based soap made with natural ingredients.  I love the mix of green and yellow colors in them.  Pretty in a gift basket or on a countertop.

One I think my daughter will love is the Honey House Fresh Bee Butter in vanilla scent.  It is a hand and body lotion that is all natural.  Perfect size to fit into a purse.  The scent is amazing and it is hydrating.  Your friends will be asking to have some too for their hands.