Think Before You Pink

The color pink to me is a representative of everything that I and other Breast Cancer Survivors/fighters have gone through. I wear the color proudly. However, it does frost my cookies a little bit when companies slap the pink ribbon on everything, especially products that may be toxic/have a link to breast cancer.

Apparently I am not the only one. There is an entire campaign against those companies called Pinkwashers. Those that say the products go to support breast cancer charities without naming the charities or saying how much money goes towards it. There is a whole "Think Before You Pink" campaign led by Breast Cancer Action. Not that I necessarily agree with everything they say, but it was definitely some great food for thought.

They give 4 key things to think about before you pink:
1. Does any money from this purchase go to support breast cancer programs? How much?
I think it's always important to know the organization that is being supported. If too small an amount is going to the charity and you don't need the product a direct donation might be a better bet. I like when companies are transparent. For example, that is why I loved "Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer" 93% of the money raised goes to charity, mainly Dana Farber. 

2. What organization will get the money? What will they do with the funds, and how do these programs turn the tide of the breast cancer epidemic?
I think this question is great because it goes a step beyond identifying that the product is linked to a charity, but also what they do with there money. How exactly are they raising breast cancer awareness? 

3. Is there a “cap” on the amount the company will donate? Has this maximum donation already been met? Can you tell?
 This to me is digging further into whether a company is using the pink ribbon for advertising. For example when a product says it will donate up to $100,000. Well how do you know? Can you look up where in the donation process they are? 

4. Does this purchase put you or someone you love at risk for exposure to toxins linked to breast cancer? What is the company doing to ensure that its products are not contributing to the breast cancer epidemic?
As well documented on this site, I have really started to dig through chemicals we use every day and how they may be toxic to your health. Secret Deodorant with a giant pink ribbon on it, is what really sticks in my craw right now. Especially because while thousands of woman have to undergo breast radiation they cannot wear that type of deodorant because of the aluminum. Not to mention the aluminum can end up in the breast tissue/cells and mess stuff up in there. 

Interesting points. I will think before I pink. And I will continue to proudly where the color and my ribbon.