Leaping Bunny Approved

Leaping Bunny Approved

By KALLIE FLEMING

Copy Editor

When you go to the store to buy shampoo or toothpaste, you probably don’t put much thought into how it was made and tested. The sad truth is that the majority of the toiletries and cosmetic products on the market are still tested on animals. These tests leave animals with chemical burns and deformities and this suffering is so often overlooked and cast aside.

I have been a vegetarian for six years now and consider myself an outspoken animal rights activist. While giving up meat is a big sacrifice to make, there are other ways to make a difference in the case for animal rights. A simple way to make a difference is to start buying cruelty free products. I can assure you that every product that you use now has a cruelty free alternative.

It is easy to make the switch to animal friendly products when you know how greatly the animals in testing labs suffer. The animals often have chemicals and cosmetic products applied to their skin (after being shaved or stripped of feathers) or applied directly to their eyes (humanesociety. org). The labs look for negative reactions to decide if the products are safe to sell to the general public.

The most common animals used for testing are rabbits, mice and birds. While some animals (such as dogs, monkeys and horses) are protected under the Animal Welfare Act, animals including birds, mice, livestock and “farm animals” are not protected (gpo.gov). This means that these animals are not guaranteed humane treatment and proper care.

Statistics show that around 115 million animals a year are used for testing and the United States is the country that conducts the most animal testing. These animals are bred in laboratories, are tested on their whole lives and then are killed and thrown out with the trash (crueltyfreeinternational.org). Why is it acceptable to treat sentient beings as disposable resources for our benefit?

Another thing to consider is what companies are putting in their products that require safety testing. Do you want to use potentially harmful chemicals on your body? Many of the cruelty free and vegan products are also made with all natural, organic ingredients, so you can be reassured that you are treating your body right!

Some of the most popular brands that still conduct animal testing are Dove, CoverGirl, Maybelline, L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate, Procter & Gamble, O.P.I., Old Spice, Axe and – unfortunately – many more. All products that are cruelty free will be clearly marked on the packaging.

A fun alternative to buying products tested on animals is making your own toiletries and beauty products! I have made my own toothpaste, coffee scrub and exfoliant and lip scrub! If you aren’t interested in making your own products, I would recommend looking for these brands: Burt’s Bees, Toms, Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap (you can use this as body wash, laundry detergent and multi-purpose cleaner), Aveda, Lush, Tarte, Elf, Method and Mrs. Meyer’s.

You can start saving animals today! There is hope in action and there are so many cruelty free companies to support. If you want to make the switch, I would be more than happy to give you some more product recommendations!