don't buy your christmas ornaments at walmart!

[silver]

ohhhh! Hmmm... That would require a VERY strong $ and a very weak euro and a road with NO POTHOLES!

Uhhhh, Mr., she's talking about Waterford bikes:



http://www.waterfordbikes.com/

Made in Waterford, Wisconsin, USA

[Mr. Bloom]

Uhhhh, Mr., she's talking about Waterford bikes:



http://www.waterfordbikes.com/

Made in Waterford, Wisconsin, USA

I knew that! oops!

[Dianyla]

Another non-Walmart shopper here. I also try to avoid big box stores, large non-local chains, chain restaurangs, fast food, etc. Yay farmer's markets, coops, and locally grown and produced food and goods.

(Um, well... except fine woolen garments, that is. Only NZ's finest merino wool will do. Though, wait!!! Now that we have an Icebreaker store in Portland can I claim it's local?? )

[Zen]

My monthly income is my disability retirement, a little over $1000 a month.

I am working a seasonal job that will end after Christmas.

My employer should be ashamed of what they pay us but it keeps my bank account in the positive range.

I am currently working with a counselor at Goodwill Industries to find a job that will accommodate my disability.

I shop at wal mart for food because nickels add up. I'd rather not but I have to. That is a simple fact of life for me and too many others.

[jobob]

I am currently working with a counselor at Goodwill Industries to find a job that will accommodate my disability.

You're disabled? I didn't know that.

I hope you can still ride a bike.

[Triskeliongirl]

I don't know where you live, but when I was a grad student living in boston on $3900 a year, I would ride my bike to haymarket square and fill my pannier bags with fresh produce at dirt cheap prices. Are there farmers markets or similar options near where you live?

My monthly income is my disability retirement, a little over $1000 a month.

I am working a seasonal job that will end after Christmas.

My employer should be ashamed of what they pay us but it keeps my bank account in the positive range.

I am currently working with a counselor at Goodwill Industries to find a job that will accommodate my disability.

I shop at wal mart for food because nickels add up. I'd rather not but I have to. That is a simple fact of life for me and too many others.

[mimitabby]

unfortunately, the farmer's markets are VERY expensive here, they are all organic. Prices are not to be believed.
But if you want to buy produce that is inexpensive there are markets run by Asian people, and the veggies ARE asian, with lots of cross over, of course.
There the prices are better.

So, unless you have lots of $$$ you are buying from the supermarkets which ship stuff in from wherever it is ripe unfortunately.

[SheFly]

So, my take on this is that it's not REALLY about Wal-Mart, necessarily. This seems to be more about human rights in China, and how Chinese manufacturers of goods that we consume in the US treat their employees. I just bought DH a book for Christmas titled "A Year Without Made in China" - he's on an anti-made in China kick right now, but that is much harder than you think. Check your light bulbs, for instance - almost all of the manufacturers (including GE and Sylvania) have Made in China on the label.

So, I'm not saying I'm for or against Wal-Mart (I do shop there when I am in the North country - it's the best selection and the best prices). What I am questioning is whether this is really about Wal-Mart or about human rights?

SheFly

[MillieNZ]

Another non-Walmart shopper here. I also try to avoid big box stores, large non-local chains, chain restaurangs, fast food, etc. Yay farmer's markets, coops, and locally grown and produced food and goods.

(Um, well... except fine woolen garments, that is. Only NZ's finest merino wool will do. Though, wait!!! Now that we have an Icebreaker store in Portland can I claim it's local?? )

Did you know that Ice Breaker garments is no longer made in New Zealand, but in Shanghai ????

but they have done their best :

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/philo...manufacturing/

[KnottedYet]

Oh, dear, Icebreaker....

I have a very chew-oriented dog, and he loves the Kong "Goodie Ships". You can stuff cheese or training sausage or peanut butter, etc into the holes and it keeps the beasties busy for a loooooong time. http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Toys-Kong-.../dp/B000H4F9KU

Another good trick is to take a regular Kong and wrap aluminum foil over the bottom little hole. Fill it with yogurt and dog food and freeze it. When you leave the house in the morning the gradually melting yogurt keeps the dog busy for a good half hour or so. (at least it keeps my dog busy)

I also have the Dental kong stick thing, and you can jam peanut butter or cheese into the grooves on it. My dog isn't so interested in the stick, though.

[Trek420]

I knew that! oops!

I knew you knew that Mr. Silver was making a funny joke