Thanks to the Toolbox Tomgirl for this episode of Tips from the Pros, about buying products made in the USA.

As a handywoman I am always reading various magazines on new products and trends in building and construction. Recently I was surprised to read in my Green Builder magazine about how rare it is to find a green building material made in America.

Green Builder magazine sent out an invitation to over 2,000 companies encouraging them to share information about their American-made green products, receiving only a few dozen submissions. The conclusion is that U.S. made green products are a rare and special breed, even though they are making use of the triple advantage of creating domestic jobs, reducing the impact of overseas shipping and making use of locally sourced raw materials.

Because I found this so interesting and because I do have a few customers who ask me about USA made products I decided to share with you a list of the companies and what they offer. Some of these names you may already know but you might also be happily surprised to know you have been buying an American made product. I personally do not mind foreign products or some non-green products but when my customer asks – I deliver on their requests. Happy shopping.

1SolTech Reflection Series – 80 Cell (solar panels) www.1Soltech.com

Anderson Windows and Doors 400 Series (windows and doors) www.andersenwindows.com

Bazzeo Marron Glace Cabinets (kitchen cabinets) www.bazzeo.com

Boral Cultured Stone Southern Ledgestone (stone veneer) www.boraina.com

Boral TruExterior Beadboard (beadboard trim) www.boraina.com

California Faucets Aliso 8” Widespread Lavatory Faucet (bathroom faucet) www.calfaucets.com

Cambria Bellingham (countertops, walls, tub/shower surrounds, fireplaces) www.cambriausa.com

CanCoverIt from EcoCycle Solutions (insulation for can lights) www.cancoverit.com

Channellock 440 Straight-Jaw Pliers (12” pliers) www.channellock.com

Crossville Manoir Collection (porcelain tile collection) www.crossvilleinc.com

Earthwise Double-Hung Replacement Windows (windows/patio doors) www.earthwisewindows.com

EcoDomo Recycled Leather Tiles Echelon Collection (recycled leather tiles and sheets for walls/floors) www.ecodomo.com

Fireclay Tile Crush Recycled Glass Tile (interior/exterior floor & submerged surfaces) www.fireclaytile.com

GAF Roofing – Timberline Cool Series Energy-Saving Architectural Shingles (roofing shingles) www.gaf.com

HAI by Leviton RC-1000 and RC 2000 Omnistat2 Thermostats (HVAC thermostats) www.leviton.com

Hansgrohe Croma 100 C100 Green (3 jet handshower) www.hansgrohe-usa.com

Mansfield Plumbing EcoQuantum High Efficiency Toilet (toilet) www.mansfieldplumbing.com

Maze Stormguard “P.T.L.” Nails (pressure-treated lumber nails) www.mazenails.com

Owens Corning EcoTouch Insulation (batt insulation) www.owenscorning.com

Pella Architect Series Wood Windows (wood windows) www.pella.com

Pine Hall Brick RainPave and StormPave Permeable Pavers (pavers) www.pinehallbrick.com

Sloan Solis Solar Powered Flushometer (automatic flush for toilets) www.sloanvalve.com

SMA America Sunny Boy Inverters (automatic grid voltage detection) www.sma-american.com

Taco Variable-Speed Solar X-Pump Block (heat exchanger) www.taco-hvac.com

Toto Eco Guinevere HET (1-piece toilet) www.totousa.com

Uponor Reclaimed Water AquaPEX tubing (reclaimed water tubing) www.uponor-usa.com

Polycor Vetrazzo Recycled Cobalt Skyy Countertops (countertops) www.vetrazzo.com

VT Industries Architectural Wood Doors Artistry Collection (flush wood veneer doors) www.vtindustries.com

Wellborn Cabinet Milan Oak (cabinetry) www.wellborn.com

Whirlpool 4.3 cu. Ft. Duet Steam Front Load Washer with Precision Dispense Ultra (washing machine) www.whirlpool.com

Xero Flor America Green Roof (green roof) www.xeroflora.com

To women holding hammers,

Jo Ellen Soesbee, the ToolBox TomGirl