G'day, Aussies! It's fair to say that the recent shenanigans with our mates across the Pacific have left a few of us feeling like a snag short of a barbie. When Uncle Sam slaps tariffs on our exports, it's a wake-up call to have a good hard look at where our own hard-earned cash is headed.. Did you know that last year, we Aussies sent almost $50 billion to America for their stuff?. That's a fair chunk of change that could be stayin' right here, supportin' our own legends and battlers!.
Now, we're not sayin' to chuck out your iPhone (though some are considerin' it!), but when we've got a choice, let's make it a ripper of a local one.. Think about it – supportin' Aussie farmers, manufacturers, and businesses not only keeps our economy strong and diverse, but it also means we're enjoyin' top-notch, home-grown goodness.
But how do you know which brands are wearin' the stars and stripes under their Akubra? It can be trickier than findin' a park at Bondi on a sunny Saturday! Luckily, there are some clever tools out there to help you navigate the supermarket aisles and the online jungle.
Your Weaponry in the War Against Unnecessary Imports:
Forget squinting at tiny labels – these mobile apps are your new best mates when you're out and about:
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Boycott X: This handy app lets you scan product barcodes to see if the brand or company is on any boycott lists. It's designed to help you make more ethical and sustainable choices based on various concerns. You can even see the country of origin instantly. It also allows you to browse boycott categories and see which companies are involved. Plus, you can keep track of your scan history and even see stats on the origins of the products you've scanned. Some users find it "perfect for everyday shopping" and "super practical". Keep an eye out for updates that include personal statistics on your ethical impact and community group features.
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Boycott America: As the name suggests, this app focuses specifically on identifyin' American-made products by scanning barcodes. It uses a community-powered approach, where users can verify and vote on product information to improve accuracy.
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No Thanks: This app simplifies the process of scanning barcodes to identify products listed for boycott movements. It aims to make your shopping easier by tellin' you which brands you might want to avoid. You can also search by serial number.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bashsoftware.boycott&pcampaignid=web_share
And when you're online or want the bigger picture, these websites are worth bookmarking:
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Australian Made: This is your go-to for findin' genuine Australian products. They handpick Aussie-made products for every occasion, makin' it easier to support local makers.
https://australianmade.com.au/products/
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Lyrebird Dreaming (lyrebirddreaming.com): Gregory Andrews has put together a list of 10 big American companies to boycott beyond the supermarket, highlighting reasons to avoid them, such as exploitin' workers, dodgin' taxes, and fundin' political extremism. You can also find related reads like "20 American Supermarket Products to Avoid – And What to Buy Instead". Here's a couple of his posts:
https://www.lyrebirddreaming.com/post/us-fast-food-boycott-and-what-to-eat-instead
https://www.lyrebirddreaming.com/post/10-us-companies-to-avoid-beyond-the-supermarket-and-what-to-use-instead
It's Not About Being Un-American, It's About Bein' Smart!
This isn't about holdin' grudges or throwin' a tanty. It's about makin' informed choices that benefit us here at home. When we choose Aussie-made, we're investin' in our communities, creating jobs, and buildin' a more resilient economy. Plus, many Aussies reckon our local gear is top-notch anyway!.
Time to Take Action, Ya Mugs!
So, what are you waitin' for? Chuck these apps on your phone and bookmark those websites. Next time you're doin' the grocery run or clickin' "add to cart," take a sec to see where your money's goin'.
Let's make it our unofficial national duty to give Aussie businesses a fair shake. Share this post with your mates and family. Drop a comment below with your favourite Aussie alternatives to American products.
Every little bit helps. Let's show the world what it means to be a true blue, savvy shopper!
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