Farming:
Karen's Botanicals is an American company, and our first source is always the organic American farmer. We choose to purchase certified organic ingredients from the American farmers because US farmers provide an organic certification we can trust. If we are unable to locate a raw ingredient, then we look to knowledgeable American vendors who will locate alternatives in keeping with our desired quality and can provide the required documentation.
Health:
The safety standards in many countries are frightening reprehensible. I do not want to contribute to the notion that Americans will tolerate this lapse for the sake of cheaper goods at lower prices. Thousands of counterfeit, and defective items enter our marketplace each year. Some of these will never meet the strict consumer protections laws imposed on American manufacturers. We all remember the story of millions of lead-filled toys shipped to the USA. When you buy goods here, you can be confident that American consumer protection laws and safety standards are in place to protect your family.Employment:
I want my neighbors to have jobs, which in manufacturing companies and farms right here in America. Buying American-Made produces a lively and vital economy, which will create jobs. Manufacturing lifts families into the middle class. Buy American and help your friends, family, and neighbors earning a living wage. Employed people have hope and promise, and they, in turn, build dreams. Buying American ensures monetary equity for our country.
Morality:
I do not want to support the abuse of others. People in foreign countries are just like me, and they deserve livable wages earned in safe environments. No Western nation can ultimately compete on price with a country willing to massively exploit and pollute its people.
Childhood should be a time of learning and fun. It is the worst abuse to use children for near-slave wages in demanding, unsafe labor. We abhor the idea of children working hazardous environments, and this is a near impossibility in America today due to our very strict child labor laws. Historically, many nations have reprehensible records with regards to a child's place in the world. It is not acceptable to turn our back on a hurting world. Our financial aid and outstretched arm should always be extended to an unfortunate world; however, to help, shelter and support abuse with our funds is the same as abusing.
Environmental:
There are always exceptions, but many brands sold here originated in countries using dangerous, heavily polluting processes, which contribute to planet-devastating pollution of land and water. Thanks to our clean water act, and EPA requirements, the USA is unique in that our manufacturing processes are cleaner for our environment than most other countries. Additionally, we lower the total greenhouse emissions, which otherwise would increase, from shipping barges coming from foreign shores. We hope to leave the world a little cleaner and greener for our children's, children.
Peace:
No Western nation can ultimately compete on price with a country willing to massively exploit its people. While it's fashionable to add, "fair trade," tags to every imported item, (we too look and purchase fair-trade.) However, in many cases, this is more hopeful concept than working truth. The world still faces all kinds of lack. Currently, few of the world's people have a livable minimum wage, worker safety is elusive, and non-existent environmental regulations undermines the concept of "fair and free trade," and the futures of millions.
We remain strong and independent when we manufacture and produce. We are less likely to engage in political conflict overseas. A trade deficit leads to massive, unsustainable borrowing from other countries. If our nation is in debt, money is scarce, and we can not support the causes which will aid our society, or better the world as a whole. We threaten the fate of future generations when we continue to erode our ability to, "make stuff. "
