Why I Only Buy Portuguese Products
I moved to Portugal in September 2018 and like most immigrants living in a foreign country, especially a foodie haven like Portugal, you quickly discover all of the glorious types of foods and wines available. Those two categories of our daily life interactions are probably the easiest things to seek out and try something new every day. It’s a fun “job” but as my time here as a local continued, I wanted a deeper connection with Portugal in my daily life and started seeking out clothes, textiles, ceramics and jewelry made in Portugal to outfit my closet and my new home.
Fast forward to March 2020 where we were locked down in Portugal off and on for a total of 9 months that year during the pandemic. It was then that I discovered a TV show called Missão: 100% Português (Mission: 100% Portuguese) which promotes all things made in Portugal. The first season was a big inspiration where a comedian is challenged to get rid of everything in his house and replace it with only Portuguese made products. “What a great idea!”, I thought. This was an all-in, extreme concept that I could get into. The show made me realize just how much I didn’t know about all of the amazing things being produced in this tiny country of 10 million people. With the pandemic in full swing, I decided to try to only buy Portuguese products - not only to discover more about my adopted homeland but also for the benefit to the community and environment. Here is how it went.
Supporting Local Communities
Research shows that local businesses donate more sales per dollar to charities and non-profits than big companies. They also shop at other local shops, basically putting their money right back into their own economy. Even more importantly, buying local supports the community of the skilled worker. As technology makes it easier to replace people with machines we need to support these artisans as much as possible to keep culture and traditions alive.
Environmentally Friendly
With companies like Amazon emitting nearly as much carbon dioxide as a small country like Portugal, it is more important than ever to buy local. When I first moved to Portugal I was missing Amazon like crazy. I would be embarrassed if I told you how much I ordered Amazon each week when I lived in NYC. If I ran out of deodorant, Amazon. If I needed new sneakers, Amazon. A new cookie sheet for baking, you guessed it, Amazon. And the list goes on, and on, and on. I think about all of those boxes, bubble wrap and trucks that packed up and dropped off all that “stuff” that mostly traveled from China before it arrived to my door and it makes me cringe to think about the environmental impact. Plus, when work is done by hand it takes less energy and you know it’s probably going to last a lifetime rather than one season.
What Did I Purchase?
Lots of things, but I’ll share just a few with you here - you’ll have to keep following for more. I made it my mission, inspired by the TV show, to only buy Portuguese products every time I needed something new. Not everything I purchased is made by hand, but being made in Portugal was a good enough start for me to buy locally. I couldn’t find any video games, but I did find a cool board game.
Bathroom Buys
When I ran out of toothpaste, I turned to Couto, made in Portugal since 1932 it still has its same retro-cool packaging. The toothpaste has a strong but fresh mint flavor and my teeth feel super clean after brushing. And when I wanted a new bathrobe and towels, Torres Novas was an obvious choice. Founded in 1845, this sustainable company produces high quality textiles that even has a takeback recycling program which donates used towels to two organizations 1) an NGO supporting the homeless and 2) an animal shelter. Not only do their products feel good but you can feel good about feeling good when you get out of the shower.
Cooking up a Storm
Everyone was baking bread and recipe testing like crazy during the pandemic and what are you supposed to do with all those leftovers? I needed reusable containers and stat. I didn’t even think of looking for a Portuguese brand, assuming everything would be from China, but by a stroke of luck in a discount store one day I spotted a Portuguese flag sticker on the side of a container. Boom! Made in Portugal. The 1.6L containers by Codil are solidly made, the lids stay on tight, they don’t leak and they come in a pretty green color that matches my other kitchen wares. Please note, I try not to buy items with plastic as much as I can, so please no comments about plastic in the ocean. I guarantee I am greener than most, even back in my Amazon days.
I mentioned baking, but I’m not a baker so daily trips to the bakery, one of the approved reasons to leave the house, became a ritual and sometimes a girl just needs a piece of toast. I didn’t want to over clutter my tiny counter top so I never bought one when I moved here but I decided to splurge since I was stuck at home and all this delicious bread was entering the house. I discovered the Portuguese brand, Flama. They’ve been around since 1979 and their website touts a focus on innovation but I’m sad to report they need to do a little more work on their toaster. For 35 euros it doesn’t toast evenly but it does get the job done and much faster than my previous oven method.
If the Shoe Fits
And finally, the product that got me hooked on discovering Portuguese fashion brands, JAK shoes. This product is a little out of order from my story but I couldn’t write this blog post and not talk about my favorite pair of shoes, ever. I actually bought my first pair on my first trip to Lisbon in July 2017. These hand crafted shoes are so soft, they are elegant yet also cool, fit like a glove, and have held up on adventures around the globe over the past 5 years. I’m currently debating which color will be my second and maybe third pairs if I can’t decide. I’m not sure why I waited so long to buy another pair, probably because for two years I didn’t have many opportunities to wear them being stuck inside.
But as life is getting back to normal, I’m sure I’ll find more things I need and the adventure will continue to discover the best brands Portugal has to offer.
I think JAK shoes said it best, “Slow fashion and lasting products beat instant disposable gratification.” and I couldn’t agree more.
*Please note that these are my honest reviews and I do not make any money off of these recommendations. If you have any product recommendations for me to try, send me an email at christine@artisansofportugal.com.