To the Point
Chinese Imports and Product Safety
Toys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act? What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers? We hear a program that's as relevant today, as the holiday season gets underway, as it was when it was first broadcast back in July. Also, will immigration enforcement mean a shortage of Christmas trees? (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.)
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenToys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act? What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers? We hear a program that's as relevant today, as the holiday season gets underway, as it was when it was first broadcast back in July. Also, does the failure of immigration reform mean a shortage of workers to cut Christmas trees? We go to Oregon for some answers. (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.)
In this episode
3 storiesDespite Gloomy Forecasts, Will Shoppers Let Loose Anyway?
What with rising gasoline prices and the sub-prime mortgage crisis, there have been grim predictions about holiday shipping. Retailers are braced for the worst, but there could be good news for consumers. Kit Yarrow is a consumer psychologist and professor at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.
Read the story1 minChinese Imports and Product Safety
Confidence in the label "Made in China" is crucial to that nation's economic expansion. Back in August, the international safety scare had caught the attention of Chinese officials. After medicines turned out to be fakes, the former regulator of food and drugs was executed. After Mattel recalled millions of his products, a toy maker hanged…
Read the story1 minImmigrant Labor and Your Christmas Tree
When Congress failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, there were warnings of a shortage of workers, especially in agriculture. One seasonal crop that might be hard hit is Christmas trees. Joe Sharp is owner of the Yule Tree Farms in Clackamas County, Oregon.
Read the story1 min
