This week we'll begin with a short update before moving on to heftier things. During this borrowed time of amazing weather, albeit freezing cold, I've broken out the nice bike and have been riding as much as possible in the sunshine. Cold temperatures change training rides as your body is fighting to put out the power to ride, as well as maintain body temperature. Add a little windchill to the mix and things get pretty tough (not to mention sitting in the shower until all the hot water runs out on a consistent basis). I'm still hitting the hours I need to for riding and becoming more acclimated to my weekly stress score. It's tough, but I'm pushing through. Consistency is the name of the game. These past few early mornings I've found myself in need of a little extra motivation, so as I enjoy my morning tea, I watch this short video before I head outside.
OK now listen up, I don't do this often but with the holiday season swinging along I find myself answering this question more often than usual. Working retail has it's ups and downs but one aspect about my job that gets me riled up (although the customer is always right) is when they ask the question, "Is this (insert product name) made in America?" Or when people cringe at spending money on a product that isn't made in the U.S.A. Let me be clear, I fully support products made in the United States, my argument is what are you (yes, you personally) doing to help grow the economic industry? Are you training or sending your son/daughter, niece, nephew, etc. off to trade school so they can learn to become seamstresses or leather workers? Most likely you're sending them off to college to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, environmentalists. So why do you care if your t-shirt, shoes, bikes, skis, etc. aren't made in the U.S. If you're doing nothing to support the industry by working in a factory sewing or building bikes, why are you so opposed to the idea of purchasing a product that was made by somebody who does work in the industry? I'll bet that the vast majority of you like nice items and want the products you purchase to be of quality and are willing to even pay a little more for something that will last. So, what is the issue with a garment made in China, Austria, Italy or wherever by someone who is paid a living wage, and can do this highly skilled workmanship? I'd like to see you do a perfectly straight 1/32" seam that's 4' long (that's what we call a highly skilled worker).
The amount of people I see gawk at items, especially when making large purchases, when they find out just where their product was made is downright amusing. It is nearly impossible to purchase items made solely in the country where you live - we live in a global economy. I invite you to jump to this page of the Arcteryx website where they talk about their manufacturing policy. Or go check out other companies websites like Patagonia or Smartwool and do some research for yourself.
Now you may be asking, what are YOU doing for this industry? How are YOU contributing? I'll be more than happy to share. First off, we try and buy used, helping to create less waste and it keeps our pocketbook happier. We research companies before we make larger purchases. I like to know where my things are coming from and I'd rather buy it once instead of two or three times. Lastly, for expensive purchases (like the bikes we are hoping to get for our wedding) we have found a local frame builder from Eugene, Oregon. I work in the industry for which I support. For everything else, like the cheap sunglasses I bought a few months ago, I don't spend my time worrying about exactly where my product comes from. Yes, I want people to make a living wage, work in safe and humane conditions and have a healthy work/life balance. However, so long as I stay informed and aware of how I spend my money (such as, not supporting stores that start with Wal and end with Mart) I can make informed choices and not bother the sales clerk with my opinion on how their company should only buy things made in the U.S.
I am in no way saying that our lifestyle is the be all end all framework for which you must subscribe. My argument is simple, accept that items are made in other countries and can be high quality. Unless you are helping to promote the labor industry by sending your offspring to trade school or apprenticeship, stop putting so much emphasis on whether or not your products are made in the country which you reside.
If this provoked you, good. Maybe you'll start doing a bit more research into the companies you spend your money. It is said we vote with our dollars and I believe that is a very true statement considering the global economy we live in. So go on, vote.
As I'm writing this, I stumbled across this article read the first paragraph if nothing else: $160 suit
Check back next week for more updates on training and maybe a little less ranting (maybe)
Cheers,
-Andrew-
The amount of people I see gawk at items, especially when making large purchases, when they find out just where their product was made is downright amusing. It is nearly impossible to purchase items made solely in the country where you live - we live in a global economy. I invite you to jump to this page of the Arcteryx website where they talk about their manufacturing policy. Or go check out other companies websites like Patagonia or Smartwool and do some research for yourself.
Now you may be asking, what are YOU doing for this industry? How are YOU contributing? I'll be more than happy to share. First off, we try and buy used, helping to create less waste and it keeps our pocketbook happier. We research companies before we make larger purchases. I like to know where my things are coming from and I'd rather buy it once instead of two or three times. Lastly, for expensive purchases (like the bikes we are hoping to get for our wedding) we have found a local frame builder from Eugene, Oregon. I work in the industry for which I support. For everything else, like the cheap sunglasses I bought a few months ago, I don't spend my time worrying about exactly where my product comes from. Yes, I want people to make a living wage, work in safe and humane conditions and have a healthy work/life balance. However, so long as I stay informed and aware of how I spend my money (such as, not supporting stores that start with Wal and end with Mart) I can make informed choices and not bother the sales clerk with my opinion on how their company should only buy things made in the U.S.
I am in no way saying that our lifestyle is the be all end all framework for which you must subscribe. My argument is simple, accept that items are made in other countries and can be high quality. Unless you are helping to promote the labor industry by sending your offspring to trade school or apprenticeship, stop putting so much emphasis on whether or not your products are made in the country which you reside.
If this provoked you, good. Maybe you'll start doing a bit more research into the companies you spend your money. It is said we vote with our dollars and I believe that is a very true statement considering the global economy we live in. So go on, vote.
As I'm writing this, I stumbled across this article read the first paragraph if nothing else: $160 suit
Check back next week for more updates on training and maybe a little less ranting (maybe)
Cheers,
-Andrew-