BY RHIANN MOORE
Going cruelty-free, particularly with cosmetics, can seem like a daunting task at first. Walking through the local drug store people typically look for the sales, without giving much of a thought to the bunnies and mice trapped in a distant lab. But, it’s important for consumers to take an active role in the products they use, after all they’ll suffer for their ignorance as well. Animal testing has proven alternatives that are not only kinder, they are more accurate to human biology. It’s the rare, cruel individual who wouldn’t agree that they’re against the general idea of animal testing – but how do they know how to avoid it? Is it even possible?
Yes! Going cruelty-free has become immensely easier in recent years; as the public demand for cruelty-free cosmetics has grown, cosmetic companies have seen that it’s in everyone’s best interest to make that shift. While the United States and China are lagging behind in large-scale regulation, places like New Zealand and the European Union have taken huge steps to insure that new cosmetics hitting the market cannot be tested on animals. The world seems to be catching up in this particular field, however, there are still far more companies testing on animals than not so it seems time for the consumers to take the lead. By stopping and consuming cruelty-free products you can make all the difference.
Like going vegan, going cruelty-free seems like a massively intimidating idea. But it’s not so bad, like anything else break it down into simple steps and move at your own pace. Nobody is asking you to toss out every product you own, but before you replace them it’s worth doing some research about the product you need and finding out a cruelty-free alternative that’s in your price range.
Look out for the cruelty-free bunny logo (but make sure you’re not getting duped!), that will let you know the product has been approved by a third-party to ensure it hasn’t been tested. Although this is worth looking for, don’t rely on it – research brands. Consult sources like Cruelty Free International, Humane Society International and comprehensive blogger lists. It’s not out of the question for brands to stop somewhere from their alternative testing to stores for some bonus wildly unnecessary animal testing so look for the companies who not only use the leaping bunny logo, but who have spoken publicly about the subject, make sure it’s a part of their moral code.
The other great thing about going cruelty-free, beyond the direct benefits like better skin and more natural products, is the companies who have been putting in the effort for years often support a great deal of charities. These companies are worth giving your money to, unlike the ones who are doing anything to make a profit, no matter how immoral. At the end of the day, going cruelty-free is as easy as deciding to go cruelty-free. Stop giving your money to evil companies, do a little research and buy products that you know are good for you and that were made with kindness. Take the leap!
