I see a lot of people checking out my post on which companies perform animal testing, and thus I wanted to make sure to spread the news. It seems many small companies which make green products, and often don’t test on animals, have been bought up by larger companies that do.
In 2006 Tom’s of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive.
In 2007 Burt’s Bees was purchased by Clorox.
There was a third one, however, I can’t recall what it is at the moment. I am not suggesting to those who read this blog that they refrain from purchasing Burt’s Bees or Tom’s of Maine. I leave the choice to each individual, as they have to decide what they want to support. I haven’t made up my own mind yet. I think continuing to purchase green products owns by corporations will help send the message that this is what we want, so perhaps the corporations will lessen their production of harmful chemicals. However, I also realize that if I buy these brands, knowing they test on animals, then I am sending a message of a different kind. It’s not an easy decision. I just like consumers to be informed.
I welcome posts on other green products which are owned by corporations, so that people can be informed. I also welcome discussion on which side of the argument y’all are on.
“However, I also realize that if I buy these brands, knowing they test on animals, then I am sending a message of a different kind.”
My feeling is that if you’re buying the part of the brand name that doesn’t test on animals (assuming Tom’s of Maine and Burt’s Bees aren’t now being tested on them) but not the part that does, you’re sending a message that you WILL buy the natural, cruelty-free brand but not the brand that tests on animals.
I definitely see that as a valid message, I just wonder if that’s the message that’s actually being sent. Are the corporations seeing it as simply natural/chemical or the whole kit-n-caboodle (natural and cruelty-free)? Or do they even care? I’m not so sure.