Thinking Pink? - Know Before you Buy

Ahhh, October.
The chill in the air. The clear skies. The changing leaves. The . . . the  . . what?

I'm just going to say it. It bothers me. All the pink. Pink ribbons EVERYWHERE. Pink products EVERYWHERE. As if everyone is decorating for a party - a party celebrating breast cancer. It feels like all these companies selling pink products are taking advantage, making money off of this disease, making money off of me.

I know, I know, donations for breast cancer awareness and research are a good thing. Awareness is a good thing. Money going towards finding a cure is a good thing. Many people mean well. But it is also a brilliant marketing strategy - one that we should take with a grain of salt (is anyone selling pink salt?)

All I ask is that you take awareness to another level and be aware of these three things before you decorate yourself with pink bracelets and buy that pink guitar (or watermelon. Get it? Melons > breasts!):

1. What are you buying? Do you really want that? Do you really want a pink one?


2. Where does the donated money go? Does the company tell you? Do you want to donate to that particular organization? The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has a good reputation for funding actual research and not just awareness. The American Cancer Society funds all kinds of programs benefitting current cancer patients as well as research towards preventing and curing cancer. Susan G. Komen Foundation is more controversial these days. Make your own decision - just know where the money is going first.


3. How much money is being donated? Is it a percentage? Is there a limit to how much will be donated? Have they already reached that limit? Some companies push pink products in October, capitalizing on your generosity, yet give nothing. Others may give 1-3%. If you are going to go pink for "the cause," make sure at least 20-50% of the purchase price goes to the organization you want to support.

It's tempting to buy pink. I realize that. It is pretty and you want to support a good cause. Remember, you can always make a donation directly to the organization you want to support. I assure you, they will take your money. Then you can go out and buy whatever color guitar you want.

More Info

Here are some links that you might find helpful if you are interested in what is really behind all of this pink:
Breast Cancer Research Foundation - real products, real info
Breast Cancer Research Foundation - Pink Disclosure
Think Before You Pink
Pinkwashing - Pink products that may actually increase your risk of breast cancer.
BBB: Thinking pink? Product ties to breast cancer charities bear some scrutiny

And here is one organization that gives all of the net proceeds from the sale of their items to your choice of breast cancer organization. There are some cute things, too!
Warriors in Pink