Made in America: Meet the Usry Family

What does a house look like with only American products?

ByABC News
February 18, 2011, 1:39 PM

DALLAS, Feb. 28, 2011— -- Is it possible for an all-American family to live life with only all-American products?

At the request of "World News with Diane Sawyer," one Dallas family is going to give it a try and share their experiences with the country in a special series, "Made in America," focusing on U.S. manufacturing, jobs and what it all means for the nation's economy.

In their single-story home on Snow White Drive, the Usrys lead full and active lives. Husband Jon, 39, works as an advertising executive and wife Anna is a stay-at-home mom who's active in community organizations. Son Landon, 7, is in first grade. Daughter Ellis, 6, is in kindergarten. And then there's the dog, a black lab named Amber.

"Both the kids are obsessed with her," Anna said.

Jon, Anna, Landon, Ellis and Amber have all agreed to participate in a unique experiment, emptying their living room, kitchen and master bedroom of any imported products and replacing them with items made in the U.S. From the rugs on the floors to the sheets on the bed to the TV on the wall, they'll find out where their products came from and whether similar goods are available from U.S. manufacturers.

"I thought that Ashton Kutcher was going to be coming around the corner, we were being punked," said Anna, recalling when she first heard ABC's request.

Watch the Usry's and "Made in America" starting Monday on "ABC World News with Diane Sawyer."

There are still plenty of Americans at work making consumer products. More than 11 million Americans get their paychecks from working in factories, and according to Moody's Economy.com, if every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S. made goods every year, it would create nearly 10,000 new jobs.

"We've seen and continue to hear about more and more of the manufacturing going offshore or out of the U.S., which translates to job loss," said Jon. "Whenever we have a viable option, we would love to buy American."