So, I am trying to be a more mindful consumer. Some basic tasks I set myself (along with asking why I want to acquire this item) are avoiding items made in China or other countries with manufacturing standards I don't agree with and shopping locally, small business, used and direct when I can.
yesterday I blew it. I was at the gocery store and I stopped in the clearance section to pick up some fancy beaded ornament hooks (I use them on Christmas ornaments I make and sell and they increase sales) - 2 boxes, made in China. And I bought a snowman bottle wrapper on impulse - it does make me smile to open the fridge and see the lemon juice disguised as a snowman, but also made in China, and I could make one of those using materials I already gave in my house.
new challenge - think about making hooks.
meanwhile, so far this year, I shopped online for an apron, couldn't find what I wanted, and went to etsy, where I bought an uncut butterick pattern from the 40's. The plan is to get out my sewing machine, hit the fabric stash, and make the apron - after I catch up with all the other things that need to be done. So, I bought a project that is a solution.