I’m in a book club that started out reading Wendell Berry, moved on to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and we’re currently devouring The Omnivore’s Dilemma. It’s been an interesting progression with recurring themes of simplifying one’s life, food systems, community, and sustainability.

So JT and I are still relatively new to all of this “buy local”, “go organic”, “fair trade”, “sweatshop-free” stuff. It takes more effort and costs more, but we’re trying to be conscientious and “vote with our money”.  I must admit the more I read/watch/learn the more frustrated and jaded I’ve become. I’m only on the “Big Organic” section of Pollan’s book, but reading how watered down (yet expensive) the organic title has become just deepens my mistrust and cynicism. Walking around Costco, I’ve noticed more and more of my trusted organic brands popping up, which frankly, is a big part of the reason we shop there. They now sell: Naked juice, Muir Glen, Earthbound Farm produce, Boca Burgers, Pacific Natural Foods, etc., but now I realize that this is because said companies have been bought by major corporations (like Pepsi, Kraft/Philip Morris – Altria, and General Mills).

I stumbled upon an article that sums up my frustration and sheds a little light on the marketing ploys that have made me feel like a boob. It’s titled Burt’s Bees, Tom’s of Maine, Naked Juice: Your Favorite Brands? Take Another Look — They May Not Be What They Seem

“What’s important to keep in mind is that these big corporations are getting into organics not because they have doubts about their prior business practices or doubts about chemical, industrial agriculture,” said Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organic Consumers Association. “They’re getting in because they want to make a lot of money — they want to make it fast.” He said the companies couldn’t care less about “family farmers making the transition to organic farms.”

I shouldn’t be surprised by this and I guess I’m not, but I’m definitely disappointed. I mean Ben and freaking Jerry’s sold out?! Where have I been?

For readers that are less likely to click on links, here’s a short list of companies and their owners that may surprise you:
Burt’s Bees (Clorox), Tom’s of Maine (Colgate-Palmolive), Odwalla (Coca-cola), Glaceau, the maker of Vitamin Water, Fruit Water, Smart Water and Vitamin Energy (Coca-Cola), Kashi (Kellogg’s), Seeds of Change (Mars), Body Shop (L’Oreal/Nestle)

For a great, comprehensive list of industrial organic companies and their parent corporations, check out endgame.org. Another interesting site with graphics including the one below, is Phil Howard’s site.

For obvious reasons, Few companies identify these ownership ties on product labels.

For obvious reasons, few companies identify these ownership ties on product labels.

My question is which of the larger natural/organic companies are legit? Apparently I haven’t been paying attention so do any of you all know? Two companies that seemed to check out were Organic Valley (dairy products) and Seventh Generation (cleaning products, diapers). We’ll be changing our toothpaste (among other things) so if you have a suggestions, lemme know.