This Is Probably Why I Have No Money

March 27th, 2014 - filed under: Furthermore » Feedback

Photo on 3-27-14 at 5.39 PM #2


A few weeks ago I tweeted

“My ethics get in the way of my income. Like, constantly.”

But that was about something else entirely.

Tonight I’m talking about Tom’s toothpaste. With all of you. Which is sort of unexpected.

To be fair, at first I was just talking to Jeremy, while getting ready for this gallery opening that we’re now sort of late to. But he was like “Um, why don’t you just ask your readers?” and I was like, ” . . . Well . . . Yeah!” So I snapped that pic up there, and scribbled down this little post, and here we are.

So this is the thing. Tom’s toothpaste has offered me a not-insignificant amount of money to partner with them for the next year. This would mean writing for their blog, hosting a twitter chat, stuff like that. And I am conflicted as to whether or not I should do it.

In the pro:

1. I like that Tom’s is cruelty-free, widely-available, and easily accessible to people from all walks of life and in all sorts of situations. I like that this brand is big enough to have “reach”, and thus a healthier option is available to many more people.

2. I use Tom’s. Truth! Jeremy uses it exclusively, and I use it along with my homemade stuff, as well as a few other products. But I do use it, because it is inexpensive and available at Trader Joe’s, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.

In the con:

1. This brand is owned by the parent company Colgate. Which obviously, is a giant corporation and NOT a natural company. So . . . do I say no to the good part of the bad company, because of the bad part? OR, do I say yes to the good part of the bad company, to help them see the importance of the good part?

2. That’s pretty much it. Number 1 is really the issue I’m having here.

~~~

So, what do you guys think? Of course, it’s entirely possible that by writing this very post, I will ruin any chance that I had of this actually happening at all.

Which is sort of the story of my life, haha.

But anyway, it’ll be interesting to hear all y’alls thoughts, and good for me to think about for next time. So please, weigh in! How would you feel if I partnered with Tom’s? How do you feel about this brand?

Thanks all! ♥ ♥ ♥

~~~

Thank you all SO MUCH for such wonderful, thoughtful input! I’m touched by how many of you took the time to share your thoughts, and you’ve given me lots to think about. Thank you for being involved, thank you for the support, and thank you for being such an incredible community. You guys are amazing – THANK YOU!

I won’t be able to respond to every comment, but please know that I’ve read them all – at least twice, haha – and I appreciate every single one. ♥

  • Rachel from The Vegan Mishmash

    I love Tom’s toothpaste. I think the positive impact you would have outweighs (in my opinion) any negative aspects. I imagine you’d have plenty of opportunity to spread awareness of cruelty-free beauty, animal testing, and veganism and environmentalism. <3 But, do what feels right for you in your gut. We, as your readers, will support you no matter what you choose.

  • Meha

    I use Tom’s as well. If it were me I would do it. Help make the “Good” part of the company more widely known and acknowledged, so that those values become the norm and the bigger “bad” part of the company will have to change its ways too someday.
    I feel like by people keeping out of the good product names and companies, because their sister/parent company doesn’t have the same cruelty free- natural- vegan what have you morals, that it doesn’t help the situation. People seem to think by staying silent it shows that they don’t support or enable the bad “Cogs”, but really it just keeps both sides from being known. (The good part of a product and the bad things about the others)

  • Victoria

    Do it. Every little vegan company is bought by a big conglomerate sooner or later but the reputation sticks — i.e., Aveda is owned by Estee Lauder but can never be animal-tested due to stipulations of the sale. I believe that every time we have a chance to partner with somebody big who’s doing things even sorta right, it’s a great blessing. When you’re famous, tell everybody you went to Main St. Vegan Academy.

  • Lauren

    I personally feel like I’m making a better choice when I choose a company that exclusively makes cruelty-free, eco-friendly, etc. products and is not owned or affiliated with a larger corporation that sells the bad stuff.

    I know it can be tough, weighing these choices (especially when finances and our livelihoods are involved), so best of luck coming to a decision.

  • Sheena

    I use toms too. I say go for it. Spread your shine! It would be different if you thought it was unethical to use toms but were willing to be paid to work for them.

  • Elizabeth

    I say, every chance you get get to make the better choice, and help others make the better choice too, go for it! Sure, Tom’s is owned by a big company, but that also means that they have the bucks to get the message out there, and from now on, consumers will have the knowledge to select the socially/ethically/environmentally conscious option. And you can be a part of that! (All the while making money, without selling your soul or compromising your beliefs) Plus, Tom’s is awesome!

  • Elizabeth

    Perfectly said!

  • Andrea Clausen

    I think you should do it.

  • Bon

    I would also seize the opportunity if it was me – helping to maximize the potential of an ethical brand in a (perceived, alleged etc) unethical Industry may help to flag up to big business where the interest and conscience of their consumers truly lies. If Tom’s is vegan, has good ethics and practices AND has an international platform behind it – win/win! Promoting a cruelty free brand can never be bad for that reason.
    Also on a personal note: You deserve good things.

  • Kendra

    Ugh…I hate these types of ethical dilemmas!! I buy 99% of the products I use from vegan, ethical companies or make my own products. However, I know it can be difficult and expensive at times to promote this so I encourage people to also purchase cruelty free products from companies with “bad” parents. I feel that even as 1 consumer we can make an impact and if we are to change the world for the better and move towards more ethical/environmental/natural products we need to show those companies/products our support. I would go for it:)

  • http://www.femgeek.co.uk/ Han

    I’ve never heard of toms but I only recently found out that toothpaste wasn’t vegetarian and started using kingfisher. Even if toms is owned by colgate – they still make a natural product that could help inform other people about the meatyness of their toothpaste and that can’t be a bad thing! and you never know maybe something good will go up the chain! i say go for it and spread the non fleshy toothpaste word!

  • theveganchickpea

    i love tom’s. i used the fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant. yes, they are owned by colgate, but tom’s is cruelty-free. they are part of the leaping bunny program. i would do it.

  • Bernadette

    I would do it if I were you. If you can support a good thing, even if it’s owned by a big company, why hesitate?

  • Lynn

    For whatever it’s worth, I think you should do it. Tom’s may be owned by a major corporation, but the baby steps that even big companies are taking in the cruelty-free movement need to be recognized. The more this kind of thing is brought to the forefront, the better. Of course it is ultimately your choice and you need to go with your gut, we support you no matter what!

  • Lindsey

    Do it! Do it! Do it! My sister isn’t vegan, but buys products not tested on animals if given the option at Target, Walmart, etc. She uses Tom’s toothpaste. I’m vegan and we use it because it is convenient…and works!!
    Keep up the good work!!!!!

  • Taryn Oakley

    I use Tom’s too. And heck- if you can make some money writing for a good product… why not?

  • Lindsay

    Our family uses Tom’s pretty much exclusively, desipte the fact that they are owned by a bigger, “non-green” company. This seems like a great opportunity to use your voice for good. I think if you analyze any situation too hard you will come up with a potential pitfall – but this seems like a win/win for your family and the many people who will ultimately hear your message

  • Deirdre

    Maybe like your work with the SB Earth Day celebration, this will be a doorway for you to raise/rally for some changes in the parent company.

    Also, good of you to be so transparent…what else is there if we don’t source each other to grow and learn.

    Trust that you’ll make the right decision.

    XO

  • stephie137

    Hey, I don’t know what to tell you. I feel your pain. It’s really hard to make perfectly easy/ethical choices all the time. Kids are neat cause you have some control in the early years and you know you are making good decisions for them. Being an adult is way harder. Know that I will not be disillusioned whatever you decide. I am an environmentalist and take my salary from a corporation that does significant damage to the environment. I console myself by reasoning that it’s better that someone who cares and can make a difference is working there rather than someone who doesn’t care at all. And because I care, I’ve been able to make huge contributions-the impact of the company is so large that and improvements I make also have huge impact. Maybe I will be carbon-neutral over my lifetime because of my job! If you feel that you can do good by using your platform and voice to change people’s mindset and purchasing decisions, I think you should do it.

  • Emily

    I say, say yes to the good part of the bad company! Because you’d be supporting the good stuff and promoting that healthy/happy stuff. Plus it’s your chance to make a difference with the good. Just my thought!

  • http://thegreenpenn.blogspot.com LIndsey at TheGreenPenn

    For me, this situation is no different than shopping at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or any other grocer for that matter. We love that they have great cruelty-free products, but not everything there lives up to our vegan standards. We just have to shine light on the great products out there, highlight what these companies are doing “right”, and hope that they are listening to our feedback. If you like Tom’s (I use it myself, on occasion), you shouldn’t feel bad for helping promote them. After all, they’re doing something very well. Maybe if their parent company sees how important cruelty-free, natural products are to the masses, they’ll make a change in the way they conduct business. It’s all about trying to make steps in the right direction, if you ask me. You have an amazing blog with a legion of loyal fans who know how passionate you are about your ethics. If a voice as loud as yours can lead to consumer dollars being spent on better products, I think that wonderful. Besides, we’d like to see you make a living doing what you love. ;-) Thanks for the amazing content here, by the way. I’ve not commented before, but I’ve practically stalked this blog since I found it. I only wish I’d found it before I became pregnant two years ago and gave up veganism (only for my pregnancy) because I was tired of the questions and accusations that I was hurting my baby. FYI, I now have a smart, beautiful daughter (who’ll be one this weekend) and we are both 100% vegan!

  • Kyleigh

    I used to use Toms all of the time until I read more about their ingredients on the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep page. They may not be tested on animals, and they may use naturally sourced ingredients but even still, some of those ‘natural’ ingredients are toxic alone, or toxic in the combination that they’re presented in.

    http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/Tom's_of_Maine/
    http://naturalsociety.com/the-natural-truth-behind-toms-of-maine-products/

    But, in the end you have to do what’s best for you, and best for your family. There aren’t always perfect choices. Sometimes we have to do things we may not like to be able to do the things we do. =) Good Luck with your decision.

  • lexie

    Say yes to the good part of the bad company. Like others here have mentioned, most small environmental friendly or vegan businesses usually get bought out at some point by big corporations. Like it or not, the only way we can effect change is by working with these companies, either as a consumer or an affiliate, to show them why we like the brand to begin with and how we want it to change for the better (instead of being green-washed). I know you won’t be a high level exec, but you will be able to lend your voice about issues and that can make a big difference.
    P

  • Nina

    If you’re fine with Toms, then use it. My recommendation is to stick to homemade stuff if you’re comfortable with it, though. I figure the more people know how to take care of themselves the less we’ll be dependent on companies to do our work for us.

  • Kielecia

    I think you should, yeah! Trader Joe’s is owned by the same person who owns Aldi, and you shop there. I think there really is no way to be perfect, and a lady’s gotta eat too. If you support their products, I don’t see how this would be unethical at all. But of course it’s your choice!

  • Lisa B.

    I appreciate the remarks of many of the commenters who’ve expressed that they think you should go for it. To be frank, I’m not sure I feel the same. Based on a bit o’ research, it appears as though Tom’s of Maine became a partially owned subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive in 2006. Prior to that, Tom’s was founded by two individuals in the 1970′s (apparently founded with only $5k in tow!). According to Tom Chappell (owner), Tom’s seeks to retain their autonomy despite being partially owned by Colgate. It’s not at all uncommon for smaller, “green”/natural companies to sell shares or the entirety of their entity to larger corporations (e.g. Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox). Often, the move to sell to a larger corporation is an attempt to appeal to a larger demographic and, in turn, receive larger profits and greater brand recognition. There’s nothing wrong with making profits; after all, regardless of the scale of the company, at their core they are businesses.

    HOWEVER, based on your previous gripes with greenwashing and the corporatization of vegan/cruelty free/ecofriendly products, I have trouble viewing your role as an ambassador for Tom’s as consistent with your ethical compass. Personally, I would want to obtain more information on the actual degree to which Tom’s of Maine retains its autonomy. I also want to add that I think that corporations that engage in corporate social responsibility — whether that be through purchasing more “ethical” companies or by creating their own initiatives — are worthy of our attention with a receptive yet critical eye. Perhaps it would be useful to look a bit more closely into Colgate-Palmolive’s CSR practices and whether or not those jive with your ethics.

    Bottom line: Do what works for you. While I think it’s great to be cognizant of both the pros and cons of this potential gig, you should also ask yourself: how important is the money? Will its presence in your life outweigh the potential cognitive dissonance you experience as a result of (potentially) breaching your personal sense of ethics? If not, go for it! If yes, maybe wait for another opportunity that seems better suited to who you are as a person.

  • Person

    Brush with baking soda and use peroxide as rinse mix equal parts peroxide and water a tablespoon is good

  • Sarah C.

    Interesting opportunity that sounds like it would work for you and your desire to be upfront about your sponsorship opportunities (I mean, writing for their blog under your own name is a whole different project than turning over your own blog to the whims of whatever press release some conglomeration sends your way – as lots of “healthy living” blogs do). We use Tom’s in our house (and I honestly didn’t know about the Colgate thing but I’m pretty sure if I think about it I’ll agree with most of the commenters here who say that this is par for the course with small companies with good ethics – they can’t help but be bought up; that’s capitalism!).

    And on another note about you and money: I had this thought this morning while applying my $8 natural deodorant that you could make a bundle by packaging and selling your homemade stuff. I know the ingredients on my store-bought package are pretty similar to your homemade ingredients, but I’ve clearly paid 8 bucks for the convenience of someone else making it for me. Why not you?! (And yes, I think it’s creepy that you popped into my head while applying deodorant; sorry about that – I promise it hasn’t ever happened before!).

  • Sarah C.

    I’m sorta confused (at the same time that I totally appreciate this comment). The link here to the EWG (which I love and use all the time) seems to be for Tom’s products as a whole – like their soaps and stuff. The toothpaste alone seems to get a green light (1s and 0s). The second link claims their toothpaste uses triclosan (which is indeed The Devil and I would never buy it ever) but in the one EWG listing for a toothpaste I don’t see that listed as an ingredient: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/534412/Tom%27s_of_Maine_Anticavity_Baking_Soda_Fluoride_Toothpaste_Peppermint/

  • Sam

    Do it! If they asked you to do this, and they did their homework, then they already know you speak your mind. Just continue to be yourself, pursue your beliefs, and enjoy the bigger platform!

  • sire

    I completely avoid Tom’s because they are owned by Colgate. I’ve been using Nature’s Gate toothpaste for a few years and have loved it.

  • Sam

    well said.. .I think you are strong enough to resist becoming an “abassador”

  • Emily

    This is something that I struggle with quite frequently- do you avoid the large corporation altogether in order to make a statement, or do you take advantage of their vegan options which in a way is showing demand for the vegan products? One of my life’s biggest conundrums haha. I use Toms, but am thinking of switching over to a different brand soon, because of the Colgate thing. I suppose if you partner with them, an end goal could be converting more and more people to Toms users, thus sending the message to Colgate that natural is much more in demand and renders the other, chemically products obsolete. Sorry if that was confusing but those are my thoughts! Whatever your decision, I respect it and will continue to read your blog, obviously!!

  • e2louise

    Maybe try mentally removing the money piece of it altogether. Consider how you feel about the idea with the money aspect removed. Do you find the idea attractive at all? Do you feel like you could do some good things through this project? Or does the idea feel totally abhorrent to you? I’m not saying that whatever you feel if you try this little exercise is going to be the clear answer – just that it might be informative for you and be helpful in sussing out how you feel when you then allow yourself to reintroduce the salary benefit. I suspect that you often feel so conflicted about monetary gain in the first place, that it could even be the idea of getting paid to do it that’s getting in the way for you. (Or not…just a thought!) Anyhow, it might be worth a try.

  • http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com/ Monika {windycityvegan}

    If I was in your shoes, I’d be inclined to do it. I think it is important to draw attention – and support – to the smaller brands/companies/etc that are striving to be ethical and responsible.

  • MathTutor

    You know how some kids are born to or married into families with terrible parents? You know how some of them turn out ok, actually good, people? I think the same applies to Tom’s. Plus, if you could in some way increase the demand for a product like Tom’s, Colgate will notice and invest in more products like that. I work for and have worked for big corporations in the best…we go where the market interest is so increase the market interest for natural products! Also, I agree with stephie137. Why not do what you can to improve the company than step back and let them continue doing things in a way you don’t agree with?

  • Katie

    Do it if you need the money. Changing Colgate for the better, though, only strengthens Colgate; the benefits to the consumers and to the corporation are not commensurate. The consumer might benefit because a slightly better alternative is on the shelves, but ultimately, that only gives the corporations more control over the choices of the individual consumer and other smaller businesses and producers. The more that it becomes common, accepted knowledge that vegan and other ethical companies just “can’t help” but be bought up by big conglomerates, the more that becomes the only option. So, Colgate only wants to be more ethical to the extent that it’s more profitable for them, and it’s ultimately the power of companies like Colgate that have put you (and all of us) in a position where we have to pit ethics against survival. This is accumulation by dispossession at work. Look at Colgate’s effects on the environment around the world; look at the decision you’re being forced to make.

  • Stefanie

    At the height of my early-20′s, idealistic proselytizing phase, my mom once said to me, “you know, it’s not a crime to put food on the table.” Acquiring resources gives you power and power gives you a voice. Getting paid to plug a product you love sounds like a win-win. Use it as a step to even greater things.

  • http://www.carrieonvegan.com/ Carrie @ Carrieonvegan

    First off, congrats on the opportunity! I think a partnership with this company would be a great way to reach new people and support the Tom’s brand. I had a situation last year where I Instagram’d some vegan products I found at Walmart, and I got a lot several negative comments about buying there. If not being able to shop where the budget dictates is a requirement of being vegan, then the movement is not going to get very far. I admire you for addressing this issue.

  • Slow

    Baking soda is abrasive to tooth enamel.

  • Emily B

    Do it! Do it! You deserve an amazing opportunity that endorses something you actually use, regardless of who owns them. I think by showing support for the good that they do is one of the most beneficial things. We support people going vegan right, even if they aren’t totally there yet? So I think you should show Colgate how to do it right by promoting the good things they are doing.

    I also wanted to say how incredible it is to see honesty and transparency in what you’re doing. I think all of your readers would agree that it makes your blog shine above so many others. Thanks for what you do!

  • Caitlin

    I think you should definitely partner with them! I know the parent company is “bad” but it helps send the message that people want to support brands with ethical ideals.

  • magicandmayhem

    New reader/fan weighing in…. At first, my natural inclination was towards saying no, just because I’ve noticed as a blogger that any type of payment situation with companies really starts to steer me away from being 100% authentic in expressing my views (along with other good reasons that others have pointed out) but then what got me is that you will have a wider reach to really positively affect many other people with the good stuff you spread. And THAT could be a pretty neat thing for everybody. :)

  • Yoona

    I say do it because overall, you are advocating for something positive.

  • Cara

    Sayward,
    I stopped buying Tom’s when he sold out to Colgate because I can’t support such a ethically problematic corporation. I also stopped buying Burt’s Bees for the same reason.

    I read a really interesting book by Fran Hawthorne
    Ethical Chic: The Inside Story of the Companies We Think We Love & one of the companie’s is Tom’s. I know you’re overwhelmed but you might want to get it from the library & browse the Tom’s section.

    The thing is that if you promote Tom’s, you’ll be putting money in the coffers of Colgate & I doubt your promoting one of their brands will make them any less likely to do animal testing or use harmful ingredients in the others. Also, do you, who’s so careful about your ideals really want to be associated with Colgate?

    It’s a dilemma but you need to arrive at the answer that’s right for you. I think if you don’t do it you’ll miss the money, but that if you do, you may feel sullied by your association. After all, they want you and your reputation to, in my opinion, greenwash them.

    Best of luck whatever your decision.

  • http://exileinmomville.blogspot.com/ Joselle Palacios

    Do you own Apple products (not such a nice company but I’m pretty certain we both have iPhones). Drive a car? Benefit from white privilege? I could keep going. But, point is, you can’t separate yourself from the world. It’s imperfect and there are corporations we have to live with. There are individual people in corporations like Colgate that you might like, maybe even love.

    Yes, we should live our ethics as much as possible but if you try to completely separate yourself from things like parent companies, well, I think it’s impossible.

  • Cary MT

    I think you’ve already started. You’ve posted about them, which led to a large discussion. Judging by the comments, your support on this page has lead others to seek out this brand, or feel better about using it. Your post is already publicity.

  • http://www.rldelight.com/ RedTwill-Renee-OR

    I started reading your blog because I admired your choices when under the hardest burden, your health. I will still read your blog whatever your choice on this topic is because you are you. Everyone has their own path to walk. Just don’t expect me to buy Tom’s! :)

  • Laura

    Oh wow! Congratulations! That’s quite an opportunity! I’d say go for it, but under the condition that you continue to (are allowed to!) remain truthful to your readers! We all trust you. Sadly, most of the little all natural companies that start out with good intentions end up under the umbrella of a giant, like Colgate, right? But maybe if you could give voice to Toms it could help them to maintain and promote their original concept of the brand. May actually turn out to be a great opportunity for all parties involved! Maybe just negotiate the contract a bit to allow an out if you feel like things start heading in the wrong direction ? Again, whatever you decide congrats on the opportunity! Very well deserved!!!!

  • http://kellisvegankitchen.com/ Kelli

    That’s a tough one… technically Tom’s isn’t a vegan company since they use beeswax. They say that their bee products are sourced with no bees being harmed, but I honestly can’t see that a product that is mass-marketed can ensure that no bees are harmed in the processing. Maybe that’s an issue in itself, that they make this claim that doesn’t seem quite believable. But on the other hand, I can see some benefit in making some money by promoting a company if I used it and believed in wholeheartedly. I guess that would be my question – you use Tom’s, but do you still believe in the company wholeheartedly, being owned by Colgate? If you have any reservations, I’m not sure if I’d do it. You clearly have a very strong moral compass, and I can see it being problematic if you have any issues promoting their products. I mean, that’s why they can offer a “not insignificant” amount of money – the backer is a huge conglomerate, not a small vegan business. And I guess there are some things that we don’t truly know the answer to… does helping promote the “natural” part of the big company build up anything besides their wallets? I know that we all use things from & shop at stores that are big corporations, but simply using them when our budgets dictate may be different than writing for them and helping their sales…..