Boycotting China and Korea

If you've read my blog, you may know that I try to avoid buying products made in China or Korea. For China, it is difficult or impossible to tell if the product was made using slave or prison labor. The human rights activist Harry Wu has uncovered numerous instances of companies in China using slave labor on products made for export. These include everyday items such as kitchen cookware and hand tools. I will make limited exceptions for some items, such as food and some toys.

As you all know, it is extremely difficult to buy a toy not made in China. Some 80-90% of all toys sold in the US are made in China. However, it can be done if one shops carefully and looks at labels. I'm happy to report that two of Russell's favorite toys are actually made in the US and other Asian countries. Play Doh is still made in the good old USA! And Hot Wheels are made in Thailand and Malaysia.

Korea is a different story. Many of the Korean conglomerates such as Hyundai and Samsung have significant investments in North Korea. Who knows where the money paid to North Korea has gone. Perhaps to feed the North Korean Army? For that reason alone, I will never buy anything made in Korea.

Sometimes, Jenny thinks I'm crazy for boycotting stuff from China and Korea. [One notable exception is with furniture, and Jenny likes the fact that our furniture is made in North Carolina.] But sometimes, you have to act with your conscience.