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Writer's pictureSarah Rasnick

Port Worker Strikes: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Mindful


A port with lots of shipping containers and a sign that reads "strike"

At the Natural Health Network, we’re committed to providing timely, balanced information that empowers our community. Recently, the ongoing port worker strikes have caused concerns about potential disruptions in the supply chain, affecting everyday goods and essential products. While these developments may create challenges, we encourage our community to remain calm, avoid bulk buying, and explore alternative options to ensure continued well-being.


Here’s what you need to know about the possible impact of the strikes and how to prepare mindfully.


Products That Could Be Affected


The port worker strikes could cause delays for a wide range of imported goods, including essentials like fresh produce, electronics, and specialty items. According to news sources, key items that may be impacted include:


Food: Imported fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those from Central and South America, such as bananas, mangoes, cherries, hot peppers, and grapes.

Raw Commodities: Items like salt, cocoa, and sugar, as well as specialty food products such as imported chocolate and meats, may be affected.

Electronics: Cell phones and computers from Southeast Asia, particularly from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, might experience shipping delays.

Cars and Auto Parts: European cars and auto parts that often pass through East Coast and Gulf Coast ports could be in short supply. If you have a new car on order, contact your dealership to confirm your delivery date.

Machinery Parts: Machinery, fabricated steel, and precision instruments that rely on East Coast ports may also be delayed.

Toys: Imported toys from European toymakers such as Playmobil, Lego, and Ravensburger puzzles may face shipping challenges.



Large sign that reads "local market"

Practical Solutions:

Consider Shopping Locally


With potential delays in imported goods, this is a good reminder to support local farmers and businesses. Farmers’ markets may see an increase in available produce as farmers who typically export goods are left with a surplus. By shopping locally, you can access fresh fruits and vegetables while helping small-scale farmers thrive during this period.


If you have a favorite source for local goods anywhere in the US please share them with us in the comments, tag us on their social media pages or e-mail recommendations to hello@naturalhealthnetwork.com so that we can help them get the word out!


Tips for Staying Calm and Prepared


1. Avoid Panic Buying: Bulk buying creates unnecessary shortages and adds to stress. Instead, plan to shop as needed and consider alternatives if a product becomes temporarily unavailable.

2. Support Local Vendors: Explore your local farmers’ markets or small businesses to find fresh, locally sourced produce and products. You might discover new favorites while reducing your reliance on imported goods.


3. Stay Mindful: In times of uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to stay centered and calm.


4. Preserve and Create: If some of your household staples are in low supply, explore options for freezing or canning what you have on hand to preserve their self life. Use this as an opportunity to learn new skills to create things that you normally buy premade.


5. Focus on What You Can Control: While you may not be able to control delays, you can make thoughtful choices, like shopping local and exploring alternatives for unavailable products.



Man in front of a laptop in a relaxed pose.

Stay Informed, Not Fearful


It’s important to stay informed about the situation, but be mindful of the information you consume. The Natural Health Network is here to provide balanced and trustworthy updates, and we encourage you to follow news from reliable sources without succumbing to unnecessary fear or panic. Solutions will come, and by staying calm and working together, we can navigate this situation smoothly.


If you have any questions or need help finding alternative health products, our trusted practitioners are available to assist. Visit us at https://naturalhealthnetwork.org or follow us on social for more information and guidance.


Together, we can stay calm, support our community, and make informed choices during this time of potential disruption.

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