Intro
Since our government refuses to protect the working class, we must stay informed on our consumer choices. Do you know who your money is going to or supporting when you spend it? If you specifically choose not to spend money on a business due to its leadership or policies, you send the message with your wallet. This is something that may not make a big difference immediately, but over time and with more people joining, this can be an effective tool to fight power structures.
It's hard to do a deep dive into each company that creates the products we need, so I don't. For non-necessities or luxuries, I try to buy from companies whose values align with mine.
Nuance
Yes, I know that a single person choosing not to purchase a product from a brand may not effectively make a change. Some brands, such as Google or Walmart, are more resistant to boycotts since they're so deeply ingrained in our culture. If more people use it, one person's cancellation or disinterest means less to their bottom line. I've chosen more realistic brands to boycott here! (That isn't to say that you shouldn't try your best to avoid these brands whenever possible..)
It is a personal choice whether you continue to purchase these brands or not. I, personally, don't care what you do. But by continuing to purchase from them, you're making a statement that their ownership's actions and beliefs don't matter to you. If you make that purchase, your money may be funding pedophiles, sex traffickers, wars, etc. It shows your ethics, morals, and what you truly care about.
Victoria's Secret
Les Wexner, the owner of Victoria's Secret, was friends with Jeffrey Epstein
There are multiple pictures of them together, and he even made Epstein his power of attorney at one point. There are many emails between them that have been released as well.
Limited Too & Pink
I'm more familiar with Pink, which is a branch of Victoria's Secret aimed at expanding the lingerie market to teens & pre-teens. Both brands helped manipulate the culture to accept the sexualization of children. Why does a 15-year-old girl need a pair of panties with a saying across the butt?
Bath & Body Works
Also owned by Les Wexner
We already covered the pedophilia and Jeffrey Epstein connection above. Inshallah, bro is gonna rot in hell for his sins.
Cancer!
Robin E. Dodson was the lead researcher of a 2025 study that found formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in Bath & Body Works lotions. The carcinogen is in products to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life, but is also used to help straighten hair and smooth curls. Dodson and the other researchers found this data while studying the ingredients of personal care products used by Black women and Latinas. Bath & Body Works' products are poisoning you with carcinogens.
Is not animal cruelty-free
From what I can find, it looks like the company B&BW does not test on animals, except when government regulations require it. It looks like there is a requirement in China that cosmetics must be tested on animals before being sold. The company has been very vague about being animal cruelty-free. It seems like the company doesn't do animal testing*, but they may purchase ingredients (mass-produced binders, fillers, bases, etc.) from companies that do test on animals.
Starbucks
Workers' Rights!
From union busting and refusing to pay their employees a livable wage, they suck.
Hyatt hotels
Workers' Rights!
Union busting and threats/intimidation tactics are not slay. Will not be staying for as long as the strike is active! Here is an article from WIBV about the Hyatt employees' struggle for fair working conditions.
Fast Fashion: Shein, Temu, H&M
Health Concerns!
Multiple studies are being released showing that fashion garmens produced by these companies contain an unsafe levels of toxic and carginegnic chemicals, including formedyhyde, lead, and PFAS.
Environmental Concerns!
The production methods of these companies cause the mass dumping of waste water, which includes the chemicals used in the dying process.