Pinkwashers

Today I'm going to rant about something I've been suspicious of and found a site that confirmed it. I recently learned a new word, pinkwasher. On http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.com/, the definition of a pinkwasher is: A company that purports to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon campaign, but manufactures products that are linked to the disease. For example, Yoplait uses the artificial growth hormone rBGH in its yogurt, a chemical linked to cancer. Estee Lauder's products include known carcenogens. But wait, that's not all. These companies appear to donate money to the cause whenever one of their *pink ribbon* products are purchased. However, if you investigate these donations, you'll see tha the company has a cap on donations. So, many well-intended individuals seek out and purchase these products, never realizing that NO money from the purchase actually goes to cancer research once the donation cap has been reached.

I have a bone to pick with companies that advertise that purchasing their product will result in a donation to a *cause.* I've noticed that many of these products come with a higher pricetag than if you purchased the plain vanilla product. Hmmmm, maybe we should just donate money to the cause or causes we support. Doesn't that make more sense? Just make sure to do your homework, whatever the cause.

So, please check out the site and be wary of corporate *generosity.*

And have a peaceful day.