I’m starting a retail business that focuses on sustainable home products.

I’ve been sourcing products, suppliers, manufacturers etc to stock my inventory and I’m kind of having a moment of realization that I’m not only naive but also how everything really is made in china even when I thought it wasn’t.

As I’m researching/sourcing I’m realizing that many of the eco-conscious and sustainable brands/companies I’ve been purchasing from for years get their products from china. (not all products of course but many)

For example, in my mind I was going to purchase a product wholesale from a company I know and love and is in the USA thinking their products are made in the USA too… But then I learn they’re just buying their products from china on Alibaba just like everyone else! Why the hell did I think sustainable and “made in USA” were synonymous?

I guess now I just feel bad. for 1 because I’m now learning this is the world we live in when it comes to retail but also 2 because where does that leave me? Why wouldn’t I skip the middle man (wholesaler) when I can just go straight to the source (china/Alibaba/whatever) for a fraction of the cost? But seeing as I’m a “sustainable” retailer I guess now I feel like a fraud.

I’m new to this world… so if you have advice on how to source products and suppliers that focuses on sustainability and ethical practices I would love to hear it.

Note: it’s okay commentators you can rip me a new one. also note* obviously I’m not sourcing everything from china. Many products are niche and are being sourced from small businesses in USA… but not all.