[Harp-L] general info for consumers and transparency/quality in the harmonica industry

[Marc Molino <mmolino54@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

NOT HARMONICA RELATED







I don't know if it helps much, but you can do a little background and research on whom your buying from here:
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/

This online directory is mostly "green" businesses in the U.S., but many are also "fair trade" (a label which is supposed to guarantee that workers are treated humanely and given a fair living wage):
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/

HARMONICA-RELATED
It's very much an uphill battle when trying to find out such information and trying to make purchases in a way that at minimum does no harm. I think there's a pretty strong trend for more corporate transparency and responsibility, but it depends on continued pressure from consumers. So, if interested, ask your music store what they know about the harmonicas you buy or call/write the manufacturer. Even if only a few people inquire, if a company is doing something shadey and they know it has a chance of becoming public knowledge (which will result in loss of profits) than they're more likely to operate on the level.

Consumers and activists groups have had success on companies as large as Nike pertaining to sweatshops and such--I don't see why the same wouldn't apply to harmonica manufacturers. Could be that they continue to manufacture in China or elsewhere, but that they start checking in on the working conditions a bit more or they do better quality assurance checks. You never know!

-marc

The RP Muse Blog ~ Highlighting local arts & culture. Submissions welcomed.
http://therpmuse.blogspot.com


> From: jcolbyspell@xxxxxxxx
> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:29:49 +0000
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] (no subject)
> 
> Truthfully Fernando, my views on Chinese goods go way beyond harmonicas.  They go way beyond China.  I will tell you that everything you buy in the US says made in China so there is no deluding oneself into thinking otherwise.  I worry about all the things that I buy.  I try to buy used whenever I can.  I buy goods that are labeled from countries where I know that workers are treated well (I know that the label does not mean a whole lot anymore so that is no guarantee).  If there was some way to know who made what I use I would be very happy.  Now I just try to use less, buy used and try to do a little research.  I know that I fail, but it nearly impossible to live with my "absolute" beliefs.  It is an exercise in frustration but I can't live with myself if I not try.         
> 
> >Don't be that absolute. Following that statement, don't use sport shoes, 
> >balls, t-shirts, toys, coffee machines, and so on. Nowadays, mostly all 
> >of the goods that presumably are made in your country, surely come from 
> >those jails.
> >
> >Fernando Toral
> >Argentina
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