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A combination of advances in technology and testing practices, growing concern about animal cruelty and an ever increasing desire to protect the environment and all the living creatures on it, has seen the cruelty free movement become more mainstream over recent years. Whilst protests against animal testing were once the domain of fanatics and militants, now a large number of consumers prefer to buy cruelty free products, be it organic cosmetics which are not tested on animals, clothing made from materials which respect animals rights, or organic food which offers a more caring approach to animal husbandry.
How can you be sure?
If you want to be certain that you are buying a cruelty free product, you need to check for particular labels on the packaging. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have a bunny rabbit emblem that is often used to identify products made without abusing animals. Another thing to look for is the words "not tested on animals".
Where to shop?
Health food shops are still a great place to go for cruelty free cosmetics. These days, many supermarkets also stock ethical products. As with so many other areas of retail, the cruelty free movement has been quick to see the opportunities made available by the Internet and the rise of online shopping and there are a number of great cruelty free websites – many of which sell goods which have not been tested on animals.
Fashionable cruelty free alternatives
In the past few years we've seen a swing away from beauty at any cost to a more animal rights conscious fashion industry. Campaigns like PETA's famous 'I'd rather go naked than wear fur' advertisements, which featured famous models naked, have raised awareness and fueled interest in cruelty free shoes and clothing.
Faux, not fur – whilst some still cling to their furs, others have made the move to faux fur. These days faux is a classy product with both the feel and look of the genuine article, but without the ethical issues. It also comes in great fun colours too!
Artificial Leather – there are a few alternatives to leather and their quality gets better all the time:
• Pleather – is a synthetic leather substitute made from plastic and leather.
• Vegan leather – is another increasingly popular material for those who prefer to wear artificial leather to the real thing. Vegan shoes are often made from vegan leather.
• Pormeric imitation leather – is artificial leather which has a high gloss, making it a hit with the military, police and so forth.
• Koskin – is not, as the name implies, cow skin, but a fake leather. It is currently used mainly to cover consumer goods.
Cruelty free food
It isn't just cruelty free beauty products, clothing and shoes that people are looking for nowadays. Disgust with the food industry from both health and ethical perspectives has led to a growing anti–factory farming movement and many people choosing to buy organic or free range. We will cover organic farming and produce at a later date, so look out for updates on this website.
Vegan Diet
Of course, if you really want to make the ultimate statement of solidarity with animal rights, then veganism is the way to go. Following a strict vegan diet isn't easy and you need to ensure that you are getting sufficient nutrients from the food groups you can consume. However, although it takes commitment and a bit more care when shopping, it is far from being the impossible regime that it once was. Food labeling on supermarket packaging has come a long way and makes it far easier for both vegans and vegetarians to make informed shopping decisions. Plus there are a lot more products out there that have no animal additives and many more shops and restaurants that specialize in vegan food. Again shopping online is a good way to find vegan products.
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