It’s kind of difficult to ignore the large quantity of little pink ribbons that cover the pair of high fashion rain boots I pass when walking through the mall. The sign above them reads, “Purchase today and a portion of the profits goes towards breast cancer research. You can help save lives.” I actually need a pair of rain boots, and pink is one of my favorite colors. Plus, I’m always a sucker for a good cause, so this offer is intriguing. I mean, honestly, how often do I have the chance to purchase an item that is apparently necessary, according to my rain-soaked jeans, while gaining the satisfaction of helping to save a life by purchasing that much needed item? The answer is simple. Very often.

Lately, everywhere I go I see bright pink ribbons displayed on all types of products. It seems that many companies have followed the hype surrounding the charity-driven, consumer-supported donating world. They’re not backing down until they gain awareness for their associated charity, or at least get enough publicity through this well-known affiliation for them to be financially set. Obviously, not every company uses the bright, friendly pink ribbon with good intentions.

I mean, honestly, how often do I have the chance to purchase an item that is apparently necessary, according to my rain-soaked jeans, while gaining the satisfaction of helping to save a life by purchasing that much needed item?

The symbol, known as a beacon of hope for breast cancer patients, also serves as an excellent advertising agent that brings generous, concerned customers to companies’ stores to purchase products and “help” those with breast cancer. However, the consumers’ purchases are more likely to benefit the company selling the products than the charity the company is supposedly helping. Out of all of the profits of the merchandise said to benefit breast cancer research, only a minimal amount is ever actually seen by the charities. For example, Eureka vacuum cleaners launched a campaign called “Clean for the Cure,” where a portion of their profits goes to help breast cancer research. What they don’t advertise in the campaign is that Eureka donates less than 1% of the sales from the vacuum to breast cancer charities. According to Breast Cancer Action at www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org, Eureka donates one dollar from every two hundred dollar vacuum. How’s that for a donation? But make-up companies such as Revlon and Mary-Kay, and pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, are at the top of the list of selfish, greedy companies. These three powerhouses, and many other similar companies, claim to support the fight against breast cancer with a united front by selling some “great” products. They donate a part of their profits to breast cancer charities, just like the other companies out there. What they don’t tell consumers is that they sell cosmetics made up of chemicals called parabens and phthalates that are actually known to cause breast cancer. While these are only a few examples, there are plenty more companies, such as those in the automobile industry. Their cars put carcinogens into the air that are linked to breast cancer. Besides being a catalyst to the awful disease that takes over so many women’s lives, these companies actually have the nerve to display those beautiful pink ribbons across their chemical-filled products, and say they’re there to help those with breast cancer.

On the other hand, I can’t forget about the companies that actually want to help. For example, iTunes teamed up with popular music artist Sheryl Crow to create a “breast cancer anthem.” The song, entitled “Not Fade Away,” is sold through iTunes, costs $1, and one hundred percent of the profits from the song purchases goes directly to charity. While I can’t expect all companies to be able to donate one hundred percent of their profits to charity, it’s nice to see that there are some generous companies that put their whole heart into the charity they support.

While some companies out there want to help, others use their connection with charity to further their sales. Is this fact really that shocking though? How many consumers research the stores’ policies regarding how much money the charities will actually receive? Now, I know I said I’m a sucker for a good cause, but I’m not sure if donating through consumerism can exactly be considered a “good cause.” Obviously, purchasing high quality cancer-causing make-up will cancel out any good intentions that I have, and 1% of the profits from a vacuum doesn’t sound too helpful either.

As for the pink ribbon rain boots… I exchanged them for an off brand pair. I decided to spend my money wisely with a direct donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If you’re going to the store with the intentions of helping a charity by buying a pink ribbon product, don’t waste your time or money. Just write a check. Don’t flood your closet or dressers with unnecessary breast cancer products unless you know the facts behind the companies that sell them. As for the pink ribbons… maybe someone should tell the companies they’re a symbol of hope, not an advertising agent.