Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off today, and much like pumpkin-flavored treats this time of year, it is time to brace yourself for #pinktober everywhere. While it is great that so many organizations use this opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause, consumers need to be on the lookout for companies that are “Pinkwashing” – creating pink products that do not really support the cause but are sold in the name of raising awareness. Even worse, many of these products are cosmetics that contain known carcinogens – so they are actually contributing to the disease they are profiting from.
The practice of pinkwashing became so widespread, that Breast Cancer Action (the watchdog group for the breast cancer movement) launched Think Before You Pink in 2002 in response to the growing number of pink ribbon products flooding the market. As they explain on their website, “The campaign calls for more transparency and accountability by companies that take part in breast cancer fundraising, and encourages consumers to ask critical questions about pink ribbon promotions.”
As an entrepreneur, riding current social trends is a great way to get exposure for your brand. While you need to be careful that your company is not pinkwashing, creating specific products for Breast Cancer awareness month in October and/or donating a percent of every sale to a cancer-oriented charity, is a nice way to have your company do good while increasing your bottom line.
Here are some companies that are taking both approaches, while also producing products with the environment in mind:
1. Ana Ono
What: The Jennifer bra (which even comes in pink) is an all-purpose bra made from eco-friendly, sustainable bamboo specifically for women who've had breast cancer surgery ($48).
Charitable Giving: 5% of sales of the Jennifer bra benefit the Young Survival Coalition.
2. Arya Essentials
What: An all-natural skincare line based on Ayurvedic wisdom.
Charitable Giving: 15% of sales go to the Young Survival Coalition throughout October. The Young Survival Coalition is a non-profit organization that educates about breast cancer in younger women.
3. Behind The Sangria
What: Organic Rosé Sparkler Facial Toner ($15).
Charitable Giving: During the month of October, 50% of all Rosé Sparkler sales will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
4. Blooming Secrets
What: Tulip The Cure bulbs from Netherland Bulbs - a wholesale supplier of premium Dutch bulbs and bare root perennials direct from their farms and packing facilities in Holland. (10 bulbs for $15).
Charitable Giving: 10% of the sales of these bulbs go to breast cancer research.
5. eraclea
What: Ever Moist Lip Balm made from natural ingredients including jojoba oil, beeswax, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter. This product is not tested on animals. ($16)
Charitable Giving: $5 per sale to the AiRS Foundation.
6. Fair Trade Designs
What: The Tagua Tiara Cuff in shades of pink which is handcrafted from tagua nut, the sustainably harvested seed of a rainforest palm tree fruit. Each piece is hand carved by fair trade artisans in Colombia. ($32)
Charitable Giving:10% of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.
7. Glassbaby
What: 100% sustainable (right down to the ribbon on the box) votive candleholders and drinking glasses made in the USA.
Charitable Giving: 10% of all sales are donated to organizations that support hope and healing, including the American Cancer Society and San Francisco's breast cancer emergency fund.
8. HARALEE
What: Moisture wicking sleepwear for women made from environmentally friendly treated fabrics in the USA. During the month of October they have 2 nightgowns in Courageous Pink on sale.
Charitable Giving: Their models are all breast cancer survivors/thrivers or their daughters, sisters or friends. They give 5% of every sale to breast cancer research everyday. During the month of October they double their donation percentage.
9. Lafonn
What: 3 necklace designs inspired by the breast cancer ribbon using 100% conflict-free and environmentally friendly simulated diamonds ($100-$180).
Charitable Giving: 10% of wholesale revenue goes to Susan G. Komen(R) Orange County.
10. LaRitzy
What: LaRitzy is a cruelty-free and non-toxic beauty box for women. The box retails for $24.99 and contains 4-5 full size and luxury size items.
Charitable Giving: 10% of the proceeds in October will go to the Young Survival Coalition, which is a charity that helps young women diagnosed with cancer.
11. Leibish & Co
What: 10% off any of Leibish & Co's loose pink diamonds and any jewelry that includes pink diamonds.
Charitable Giving: $100 of each jewelry purchase will be donated to Rethink Breast Cancer - an organization dedicated to empowering and educating young women about breast cancer.
12. Nashelle
What: The Hope ‘Identity’ necklace ($103) and the Hope Ribbon Necklace ($54) – all made from recycled metals in bend, OR.
Charitable Giving: 50% of all profits all year round go to Stand Up To Cancer.
13. Not Just Any Old Day
What: The Cancerversary collection of recycled lead-free pewter charms made in the USA celebrating your breast cancer recovery date or the date of someone you love.
Charitable Giving: 20% goes to the American Cancer Society.
14. Seattle Chocolates
What: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, extreme dark truffle bars are made from all-natural ingredients. ($3.50)
Charitable Giving: 100% of net profits go to fight women's breast cancer through with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a leading cancer research institute.
15. SUGARLOOM Cosmetics
What: Vegan five-free nail polish collection.
Charitable Giving: 10% of all purchases made during the month of October will go to breast cancer research.
16. The Gift Firm
What: The Pink Box includes 100 inspirational quotes and sayings, a lush throw, a mug for tea and butter cookies.
Charitable Giving: During the month of October, for every 10 gift boxes sold they will be gifting a box to a local Chicago cancer treatment center.
17. Renfro Foods
What: GMO-free salsas refitted with pink lids and pink ribbon labels
Charitable Giving: A portion of sales is earmarked for breast cancer institutions and organizations. To date, the company has donated more than $100,000 over eight years to: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Cook Children's Hospital, Fort Worth and the Susan G. Komen, Greater Fort Worth chapter.
18. S'well
What: Insulated stainless steel water bottles in pink champagne. They keep your drink cold for 24 hours, hot for 12.
Charitable Giving: 20% of pink champagne colored bottles goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
19. Topricin
What: A topical first aid cream that helps hundreds of thousands of patients experience healing relief from chemo-induced neuropathy.
Charitable Giving: They donate 5% of sales of Topricin for Children to cancer care.
20. ZINK
What: Mini Boxcar Handbag made from vegan materials ($98)
Charitable Giving: 10% of all proceeds to The Seton Breast Care Center.
Know of other companies offering eco-friendly "pink" products that really give back? Feel free to add them to the comments below!
