Want to know how to choose personal care and household products to decrease animal cruelty? I ask because I learned my favorite deodorant is made by a company that tests their products on animals. I mean, I don’t want to stink, but really, that’s ridiculous! I’m disappointed to find many cosmetic companies still test on animals, too.
And it’s ironic – not in a cute way – even some dog food companies test on animals. Of course, these aren’t tests where the researcher flourishes 2 different bowls of dog food before a hungry, happy dog and asks, “Which tastes better?”, gives them a belly run and sends them home with their person. This gives a new meaning to animal cruelty, don’t you think?
I found all this out when I did a bit of research.
Easy ways to make informed, cruelty-free buying decisions
(As I write this, 4 out of 5 of my animals gather closely around me. They hope you’re listening!!)
First, take a deep breath. You’re gonna be shocked at the number of companies that test on animals in the US.
1 – Check out Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny shares information on cruelty-free shopping in the US and Canada. Use the Leaping Bunny Logo to choose personal care products that aren’t tested on animals. Want to know their mission? Read below.
“By 1996, ‘cruelty-free’ shopping had become popular, but it was also confusing, sometimes misleading, and ultimately frustrating. Companies had begun designing their own bunny logos, abiding by their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without the participation of animal protection groups.
“In response, eight national animal protection groups banded together to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo. We work with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy.”
2 – Read “Myths and Facts”
Learn about animal testing and cruelty-free products. Be enlightened!! Here’s one myth:
“If a product isn’t tested on animals, it might not be safe for humans.”
“Not so! There are many reliable alternatives to using animals available, including cell and tissue cultures and sophisticated computer and mathematical models. Companies can also formulate products using ingredients already determined to be safe. Cruelty-free companies can use a combination of methods to ensure safety, such as employing in vitro tests and/or conducting clinical studies on humans.”
3 – Peruse the Bunny Army Cruelty Free Shopping Guide
Learn about all kinds of products.
4 – Download the Cruelty-Free Bunny app or Cruelty-Cutter app
Download to your Smartphone and use them when you shop!
5 – Sign up for an animal rights/welfare organization newsletter
Then send their emails asking organizations to stop animal testing. It’s effective and easy!
Perfection not required
Don’t worry about being a Perfect Saver of Animals. Instead, figure out an action you can take. Be open to new information. Feel good about whatever you’re doing.
I’d love to hear about other resources you’ve found such as other phone apps. Please share what actions you’ve taken to decrease animal cruelty – or other ways to decrease animal cruelty in the comments below.
Maribeth – Thank you for writing about ways to help end animal cruelty. Perfect timing for me as I search for my purpose in this area. I’ve started writing children’s books with an ethical twist in hopes of planting seeds of kindness towards all animals in young readers (who are our future).
Carolyn, I’m so touched to hear this! Warms my heart@
I have been using an app called “Buycott” for several years now. Anti-animal-cruelty is my first priority when I’m buying a product, but Buycott allows me to also identify products to use (or avoid) based on other criteria as well, such as companies that give back to causes I support or that do not exploit child labor, for example. I have a bunch of criteria set and the Buycott app helps me make informed choices.
Great information, Crystal – I’ll check it out, thanks!