Called Nestle today to inform them I was participating in Int'l Nestle Free Week...

[lactationlady]

I had to hold while listening to information about how wonderful Nestle infant formula's are. :Puke

I gave the woman my spiel about why I will not be buying Nestle products this week or in the future. She sounded kind of shocked and then put me on hold. She cane back and read a statement about how they follow the WHO code as it is implemented in each country and they only market formula for those who can't or CHOOSE (her emphasis) not to breastfeed. I politely disagreed with her and named common Nestle violations of the WHO code. She politely thanked me for my call and said she would pass the information to her superiors.

Has anybody else called or chosen to participate this week?

[shelbean91]

Just FYI- the person you spoke to is paid about $8/hr and is trained to click a box and read a script. Yes, the results of your call is logged and passed to supervisors (and nestle themselves- she likely works for a 3rd party company pd to answer questions) who look at the numbers and don't do anything with them.

[lactationlady]

I realize that, but it made me feel better to call.

ETA:

I have been thinking about this issue alot today. I have people tell me all the time that they don't boycott Nestle, or don't call their congressman or whatever because it "really doesn't make a difference". And they are right. One person boycotting a large multi-national corporation makes absolutely no difference to that company. However, if thousands of people follow through on their convictions and *do* something, be it making a simple phone call or sending and email or whatever then things will start changing. If no one does anything then nothing will change.

[shelbean91]

I know- we all do what we can.

[Momtwice]

If she was shocked, you educated one more person. Good for you!

[Caden's Mom]

Where can I get more info on this? The week long nestle boycott? I keep seeing blips in the ads up top.

[lactationlady]

http://www.babymilkaction.org/resour...estlefree.html

Let Nestlé know that you’ve taken notice of their unethical actions. This week, call their hotline and tell them you won’t be buying any of their products.



The number to dial in Canada is: 1 800 387-5536.

The number to dial in the USA is: 1 800 225-2270.



The lines are open from 8 am to 8 pm.



Follow the instructions that let you talk with a representative. You may have to hold for a few minutes. Tell them what’s on your mind or read from the text below. Remember, let them know how strongly you feel, but be polite!



Hello, my name is _______. I’m calling to let you know that this week has been declared International Nestlé-Free Week. I, and many others like me around the world, will not be buying any Nestlé products this week because your company engages in the unethical marketing of infant formula. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 million children die every year because they were not breastfed. Nestlé contributes to these deaths by convincing mothers in poor nations not to breastfeed through aggressive and misleading advertising. Until Nestlé stops these immoral actions and complies with international marketing guidelines, I will be Nestlé-Free.

[snowbunny]

Done. A lot of the information in the designated spiel was incorrect (i.e. that the AAP only recommends breastfeeding for 6 months).

[tuansprincess]

This site and this blog are great sites to get info on all things anti-nestle!

P.S. calling DOES make a difference!