One of the few disadvantages of living in Australia is that most of the consumer goods come from overseas. This does not mean that Australia does not have a lot of mineral resources, just that a lot of manufacturing is in other countries and a lot of components are imported even if a good is assembled in Australia. While it is probably impossible to do away with all imports, the good news is that many products are made right here on this wonderful continent.
For Aussie Made and Owned products, visit a website that promises to show which goods are domestic. The selection is larger than one might imagine. This country is well famous for its wines and other agricultural products, but everything from clothing to electronics brands are produced locally. For someone who is conscientious to purchase domestically, this could be a great stop to support local businesses and craftspeople.
There are reasons why buying local is so great. The first is the boon to the environment. Shipping containers burn a significant portion of the fossil fuels used to power vehicles. If diesel trucks seem bad, then shipping containers cause pollution far worse, especially foreign ones that do not prescribe to the same emission standards as developed countries.
Imports might be cheaper or more expensive. Shipping and handling does increase the cost of doing business, as does the fee of the middleman. In fact, many foreign goods are made as cheaply as possible and are heavily marked up by the retailer. The full value of the deal is not even delivered into your hands. To get a better deal, it is necessary to shop online anyway.
Really, foreign products that are very cheap are not likely worth it. The standard for consumer products in Australia are high, as they are in other developed countries. Even though they might be a little more expensive, the quality of the materials and the assembly are usually very tight. Something from a foreign country might look good on the shelf but has a chance of breaking even if used properly.
The real gems of shopping at an Aussie Made and Owned are the handcrafted products. These are not mass produced but are made by artisans. Think of custom produced breads and jams. Wickerwork and welded furniture are also common examples. The quality of these products might be higher than mass manufacturing, and they certainly are distinct. If someone is looking for a work of art, then artisan products are steal a great buy.
