"Buy American" seemed like a better idea in theory than in practice, at least before the recession. Anyone who shops at discounters, hardware stores, auto stores and department stores--and that includes pretty much all of us--finds that most products are made in China, India, Indonesia, and the list goes on.

I'll wager that it was only the recession that got some shoppers thinking that buying food or products made in Minnesota or at least the U.S. might save a job or two. I still find myself forgetting to check labels, but I'm doing it more often now than a year ago.

Buying at local farmers markets gives me a jolt that I never get shopping for produce at the supermarket. Even better, prices at farmers markets are often cheaper than the supermarket and you're often getting a better product.

But what happens when the item is more expensive? Do you give up the ghost? As a guy who makes a living trying to save people money, I struggle with the price differences. Is it worth it to me to pay more for chicken that wasn't raised in a commercial slum? Yes, it is, even if I eat less of it to offset the doubling in price. Is it worth it for me to pay more for a Bose Wave radio because it's made in the U.S.? Tough call, but yes.

These are just a couple of examples where I paid more to buy local or American. How about you? Are you choosing to buy certain items because they're local or American-made? Or do you favor a more Darwinian way of shopping that is the "survival of the cheapest"? Send me a note at jewoldt@startribune.com or call me at 612-673-7633.