CONSUMER POWER: "Tell-A-Mother"

Never under-estimate the power of a mother. Why? It's simple; we all know how much influence mothers can have on us. Recipes and remedies are passed along to us from our mothers. We recommend that our children and friends use products that our mothers used. Mothers look for products that are safe, healthy and reliable. Not surprisingly, these products can also minimize and reduce health and environmental hazards. (We might not put it in those terms, but where safety is an issue, mothers choose the safest products.)

There are three powerful ways to market a product; 'tell-a-phone,' 'tell-a-vision' and 'tell-a-mother.' Consumer marketing professionals know that when women become mothers, they also become very interested in the "facts" about the products they use. As mothers, they will change brands if they become concerned about buying something unhealthy or harmful.

Mothers share this information with their loved ones and other mothers, and influence their purchasing decisions, because they give advice with genuine love and concern. The 'tell-a-mother.' network reaches deeply into peoples lives.

Because of their trusted position among family and friends, mothers can also be incredibly effective activists. The effects of their activism ripple outwards; members of their circle reach out to affect other circles.

Women have always had incredible PURCHASING POWER, responsible for the purchase of over 85% of all manufactured goods (including 74% of men's clothing!). After all, who chooses the color of the kitchen cabinets and curtains? We can use this consumer power as a tool for change, to ensure that products are manufactured responsibly, and that healthy, safe alternatives are available at retail stores.

Women can DEMAND to buy only100% cotton tampons, processed without rayon or chlorine. After all, we buy 100% of menstrual care products! This might involve ordering products direct from manufacturers, buying through "mail-order," or letting your favorite retailer know what you want them to stock.

Bio Business strongly encourages women to use their CONSUMER POWER and the 'tell-a-mother.' network to change the way that tampons are made and sold. You can begin by asking questions like:

What kind of company am I buying from?
Does this company make products that can harm my body, my family or the environment?
Do I really feel safe about using these products? Should my family and friends?
Does this company advertise in ways that honor or degrade women?
How does this company respond to my questions about their products?

We welcome your comments on this information, and invite you to explore other products and to USE YOUR WOMAN-POWER! to demand safe, responsible manufacturing and advertising.

In health,

Willi Nolan
willi@biobiz.com
http://www.biobiz.com/terrafemme/