Before 1960, more than 95% of clothing sold in the United States, was produced in the United States. After NAFTA and several other sweeping changes only 4% of clothing purchased in the United States was made here.

Many ask the question, can clothing still be made in the developed world? My response is yes.

Of course we cannot compete using the same tactics as countries that have few labor rights and cultures so poor any work is acceptable. We can compete with great ideas, executed better than anywhere else.

We need to support businesses that make products in innovative and sustainable ways as much as we support the creation of software and web-based companies.

I do not suppose we will revisit the days of traditional shirt factories, now a relic of the fading New York garment district. For one, we must imagine a new way to design and manufacture the stuff we wear and love.

It is important that we support the creation of companies that use technology to create tangible products, which can be in themselves, solutions to our economic and environmental challenges.