So what's the deal with The Body Shop?

[Trillian]

Liz, it would not surprise me in the least if something like that was going on. It could certainly be seen as a way of covering their bases.

[Traveller]

I wonder how much say Nestle have in this. I wonder if it's a dirty tactic to "buy" an ethical company to keep money coming in even tho it's a conflict of interest. If the campaigns of TBH meet with tremendous success... could they pull the plug on it?

It just seems strange to me. Perhaps it's the old saying of Keep your friends close but your enemies closer...

This is my suspicion, and the reason that I would prefer my money go to companies or charities who do not have the nestle influence in the background. I distrust them that much.

[Lulu]

Hmm, I dunno. Loreal took them over...and Nestle have 20% share in Loreal yeah? They have their fingers in everything, but with a 20% share is that enough to call the shots.

Aren't Nestle too busy waiting for the next natural disaster so they can air drop formula all over the place? lol

[Trillian]

LOL Lulu, because getting women to use formula after a natural disaster when there is no clean water to bathe in, let alone drink is a top idea

A 20% stake may not be enough in some situations, but even with only 20% if they were the single biggest shareholder, then yes, they would have significant sway when these things would get voted on. In that situation, Nestle would only need votes from other shareholders totalling 31% to gain a majority vote, but if they only owned 10% for example, then they would need 41% of the other shareholders to vote with them, which is a bigger task kwim?

[Traveller]

Also, for every penny of profit that TBS makes, 20% goes to Nestle. That 20% is used to fund formula ad campaigns, formula giveaways, pay for bribes and legal action to stamp all over smaller and more ethically aware businesses, yadda yadda yadda. To say the good that TBS does is worth it, is akin to buying only one nestle product because they are running a voucher campaign to buy books for Oz schools. It is all just marketing and a way to build their reputation. And I am not buying it.

[Trillian]

No one is saying you have to 'buy it', but that's entirely up to you. Again it comes back to what is most important to you. For me, I would rather have those communities breaking the poverty cycle and doing something that will support them and enable their children to get an education and hopefully a decent shot at life.

[meow]

With regards to animal testing, Anita was always against it and had "not tested on animals" printed on her products. In the early days a law was proposed to make all european makeup HAVE to be tested on animals. That's when she became vocal and fought back. She changed the labels to "against animal testing" and roused up enough people to fight the change in laws.

I think Anita was an amazing woman and highly recommend her autobio. She changed the face of business. Such a ground breaker!

It's great to hear from some others who still see the benefits of TBS. I've bene unsure since the Loreal buyout but of course the fairtrade products are still there and there is still plenty to support at TBS.

[Lulu]

She WAS amazing, I met her and she was this amazing ball of energy and inspiration.

[Kitt3n]

Also, for every penny of profit that TBS makes, 20% goes to Nestle.

OK from this and another post I am assuming that L'oreal bought a share in TBS, is that correct?

'tis enough reason for me to stand clear if that is right. Don't get me wrong, I haven't bought TBS stuff since I was about 15, but if it's fairtrade, ethically produced cosmetics that you are after then there are plenty of other companies that I would rather support.

[Lulu]

No Loreal bought the WHOLE thing.

Fair enough chick, better for that reason than crap that is totally UNtrue.