Are we paying the price for our 'cheapness'?

[SueW]

Nokia recalls 46 million overheating mobile phone batteries

Chinese boss of toy firm involved in Mattel recall commits suicide

Are recalls increasing?

[speedymama]

DH and I were discussing thie Chinese one last night. You get what you pay for imo. Unfortunately, even many of the brands are sourcing their products from China.

Unfortunately it will take something like counterfeit drugs causing the death of many to force big business who rely on their reputation to stop sourcing cheaper and cheaper products.

[Idreamofdaleks]

I don't think we pay the price for cheap toys - but the virtual slave labour of women in chinese factories pay the real price in poor health. low wages and low quality of life...

[speedymama]

True

[TooTicky]

Mattel care nothing for their workers.

[SueW]

I meant "we" as the world, not just those who live in the west, who are covered by employee legislation (albeit that some companies still take no notice).

I am so wary of buying things these days. E.g. saw one of these in a local gallery and thought it was gorgeous but was a) miffed didn't see them in California last year and buy one and b) wasn't quite what I wanted.

I came home and did some sleuthing - found that website, discovered that this is a mass-produced item, made in China under the guidance of Californian artisans. Was gutted. Now need to find someone who can make something similar but unique and will receive a proper payment for their effort.

I didn't used to be this guilty. It must be a reaction to buying too much supermarket clothing. But then so many other brands are as bad

[EricL]

In a word - yes, i think so anyway.

There seems to be an obsession with getting things as cheap as possible, whether it be insurance or supermarket goods.

I think there will be a backlash to this in the future i hope. It is harming everyone involved in the long term really.

I would rather pay a little more to get quality and a more ethical product.

[speedymama]

The tide must start turning soon if more stories like this keep appearing. The power rest with the consumers though.

[expatinscotland]

In answer to the OP: yes.

[expatinscotland]

Supermarkets have been allowed to screw over the nation's food producers to the point where we will soon be reliant on imports. Few summers like this one, and whoever we're relying on will be able to name their price for the food we've grown dependent on to feed our children.

Then, BAM! There will go the BOGOF's and cheap food.

[pointydog]

I think the two examples in the op are not to do with our cheapness, it's to do with our incredible materialism.

I think supermarket growth and poor food production (re expat) is to do with our cheapness.