I’m big on boycotting. Sometimes over silly things, sometimes over issues that are much more serious in nature. Through it all, I just do my best to be true to myself.
There are some brands that I boycott over issues that only I would take offense to. I boycott Sargento Cheese because in 2004 when the Arizona Cardinals beat the Minnesota Vikings to eliminate Minnesota from Playoff contention, rival Green Bay Packers (who I loathe, sorry Cheeseheads) sent Sargento cheese baskets to various Cardinal players and staff for allowing the Packers to make the playoffs. I’ll never buy it. I don’t care if it’s cheaper than the rest, I don’t want it. Period. Stupid? INCREDIBLY. I’m aware of that. But it’s the principle of the matter.
I wouldn’t say I boycott Walmart, but I do my very best to not shop at their stores because I do not agree with their business practices and ethics, or how they treat their employees. I would never CHOOSE to shop there, but if it is an absolute necessity I will.
I do fully boycott Nestle. Many of you are familiar with the history of Nestle violating WHO codes in the 70′s when they introduced formula to third world countries. They showed mothers that they didn’t HAVE to breastfeed their babies, and provided free samples of formula. First, what were they thinking, introducing a product that requires WATER in countries where drinking water is far from safe? Then, many mothers would use the formula and during the time it took to finish their free can or two, their own milk would dry up. Then they realized they had to PAY for more formula, and what’s something most people in third world countries don’t have a lot of? Oh yeah, MONEY. So, if they’d scrape together enough money for formula, they’d often use less formula and more water, which is very dangerous to infants. MANY infants died as a result of the fallout from all of the above mentioned problems.
With Nestle, there are TONS of brands owned by the parent company. My favorites? Skinny Cow and Lean Cuisine. Granted, on my current weight loss program I can’t eat either, but I used to eat quite a few of those products. I’ve taken the time to research all of the brands under Nestle ownership, and have vowed to not patronize them. (Want to know what brands Nestle owns? here is a list.) I know there are a LOT of brands owned by Nestle, and yes, there are some that I love – but there are other brands that I can easily buy that are just as good.
After everything with the oil spill in the Gulf, I won’t buy from BP owned stations. I think that is a no-brainer.
Now I find out about Target. Target, my absolute favorite retail establishment in the entire universe. It seems Target has decided to give money to political candidates, including a conservative candidate who supports the Arizona immigration law, and opposes gay marriage. Target’s money comes from people like me and you, and I really don’t appreciate MY money being given to someone who is anti-gay marriage and supports the ridiculous Arizona immigration law (granted the most controversial parts of it have been banned, at least temporarily). It’s now legal for companies to give money to politicians or political parties, but I would prefer that MY money only goes to the candidate or party that I support. (for more information on this, check out this link.)
But I can’t write Target out of my life. My dad works for Target. I shop there at least once a week. Their prices are better than many other groceries or retailers. I don’t agree with what they have done, and I hope they will reconsider doing the same thing in the future. I want to boycott them, I really do – but sometimes you just have to choose your battles.
About Katie
Hi Katie!
Great post. It can be hard to decide sometimes what to support and not support. Big companies won’t learn a lesson if we all don’t support each other and boycott sometimes. WE are the ones that actually run them, not the other way around!
Karissa
Hi Karissa! Sometimes it’s really hard and you wonder if you’re making a difference by boycotting. Maybe not, but in the end you just have to be true to yourself and your beliefs!
I was really confused at the Nestle thing before I researched it. Yes, you know me and my love for researching.
That being said, I don’t support Nestle anymore even when I had a hard time breastfeeding, I stayed CLEAR away from Nestle. We don’t have Target’s in Canada, and when I shop across the border (it’s been a while since I don’t have a passport), but I would have a hard time spending my money at a place that pays politicians. Especially politicians who don’t support gay marriage especially. I don’t get why people would be so against gay marriage. If they’re happy, who are we to say they can’t get married?!?! Ok. I’m stepping off my soap box, now. Thanks for the eye opener, Katie!
The Nestle one is REALLY hard. And I did use formula after Violet was older/my supply wasn’t as good. Nestle just owns SO many brands. I still have to stop and think sometimes before buying some brands. Scott is mad because he likes Hot Pockets and they’re owned by Nestle.
But yeah, I am really not happy about ANY company giving money to ANY politician. Sure, I’d love to support the ones that give money to my party and all, but in the interest of fairness, how about just not supporting ANY politician.
Oh man! I am so bummed to hear that about Target…I don’t know if I could boycott them.
Christina Cardoza´s last [type] ..Five Question Friday
It is hard to decide what to do when hearing about a boycott… so many are fueled by someone who is angry that may be a minor thing at first… I am undecided with BP… it was an accident, yes I guess some safety things were not done, but I think that happens a lot everywhere, sad to say. they were quick to act on cleaning up & seem sincere in finishing it & helping the people that where affected the most, if the government keeps their fingers out of it. Nestle, I’d have to do more current research on, the last time I did, they where always supplying the formula free to the mothers and they did not have to pay,(the fact that water was not always available was not the smartest idea, but dry was easiest to send, I do not know if they are part of the groups that also try to dig wells in the same areas) unless the war lords got hold of it, like most foods & $$ sent over to help poor countries does and it never makes it into the hands of the ones we donated to help… I may be mistaken but they also came up with a food supplement that provided all the nutrients they needed in a pouch that eaten by an adult or child could live on if no food was available. Nestle Chocolate is not far from me, so I know a lot of people employed by them… I have not looked at other foods in my pantry to see who the parent company is that makes it. I guess I am more worried about any boycott that is about companies or organizations that defiantly sent monies to promote terrorism & send it to countries that hate America & our freedoms & way of life… yes we have to pick & choose our battles..
Faythe´s last [type] ..Cha- cha- cha- chia
FUCK. I am already struggling with Nestle. L’Oreal is my fave drugstore beauty company and I used to be a huge fan of The Body Shop (although not so much anymore, as I actually just covered in my last blog post). Having to avoid Target… That’s so tough.
Luckily I’m not behind boycotting Walmart, as I care a lot more about third world moms and gay rights than I do about how employees are treated, especially when some people don’t even HAVE jobs. Choosing your battles, like you said.
I love your Sargento story – too funny. Could see myself doing that – connotations like that are hard to break.
Janine – Alternative Housewife´s last [type] ..The Importance of Organic- Beauty Products
That’s nice to know. I like Target but I don’t shop there often. The area it is in my city is just too inconvenient for me. I personally don’t like the idea of any company, who takes our hard earned money, donating to any political party or cause, even mine, because they really need to be neutral in political matters. However, if they openly support causes that I adamantly disagree with – then that’s a problem for me. I can’t say that I’ll never shop there again but I’ll definitely think twice about it.
FrugalGal´s last [type] ..Kids Eat Free in August – IHOP