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Why cruelty-free?
- Kristen Nelson
- Nov 30, 2016
- 5 min read
"I don't have the time"
"Out of sight, out of mind"
"Too expensive"
"Can't find the products easily enough"
"But I REALLY love this product"
These are a few of the reason's I've heard from people when I explain that I'm cruelty-free, and what that's meant for my household. It's as though people feel the need to explain themselves, thinking I'm going to judge them.
I am not.
I promise.
Of course I believe that everyone should be cruelty-free, because then it would take it away as an option. If all the major companies were no longer making a profit on their products, they would have to make a change. But it still comes down to everyone's beliefs and which ones they hold higher than others. I don't tell people that I've gone cruelty-free for attention, or to get a pat on the back. I don't do it to feel superior, or make others feel poorly. I do it because I am an animal caretaker, and have been my whole life. I am deeply touched by the suffering of animals, and will always not only have love to give, but also fight against mistreatment of them.
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a veterinarian, I would of course not charge clients anything so they could always afford to treat their animals; and I wouldn't perform any euthanasia's. The mind of a child...I had it all worked out in my head and I just KNEW that was what I was going to do. I didn't land too far off the mark, I am a veterinary technician and also own my own pet sitting business. Which essentially means I get to play with, love on, and care for animals of all shapes and sizes EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Not to mention that I have FIVE animals of my own (four dogs and one cat), all who are curled up next to me...or on top of me, as I type!
So, not only am I surrounded by animals on a daily basis, in charge of caring for those who are sick and injured, I also believe passionately in animal rights. It is not a far leap for me, nor was it a hard decision to no longer support any company that does test on animals. But why shouldn't you?
Again, I have no judgement if don't change your buying habits. I simply aim to educate people on animal testing, showcase that there are products you wouldn't think of as being tested on animals, and display that it is easier than you think to make the switch. I'll be honest, until recently I didn't even think testing on animals really existed any more, I knew it was a thing way back when, but I thought we had "worked that out" awhile ago...like when Pamela Anderson joined forces with PETA and continued wearing fur coats.
Animal testing is not limited to make-up or hygiene products, it can also include cleaning supplies, pet food (!!!), candles, and nail polish to name a few. Here is a SHORT list (this is by NO means exhaustive) of the most common types of "tests" done:
Chemical toxicity exposure, including force feeding, inhalation, chemicals forcefully rubbed on already raw skin (poor shaving, previous tests) and injections (muscle, eyes, or abdomen)
Exposure to drugs, chemicals or infectious disease at levels that cause illness, pain and distress, or death
Skin and eye irritation tests, rubbed on animals skin or dripped in their eyes
Food and water deprivation
No exercise or adequate living quarters
Inflictions of burns or wounds to study healing
After testing is complete, or an animal can no longer withstand further testing they are killed, often by decapitation or neck-breaking.
I am still discovering brands to replace mine and my husbands hygiene products, pet food, and household items. I'm loving trying new ones, so if you have a great brand I haven't mentioned, please comment or email me! Here are my top favorites so far, general price point, and where to find them!
e.l.f. - $ Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens etc
Pacifica - $$ Target, Fred Meyers
Alba Botanica - $$ Wal-Mart, Target, Fred Meyers, Market of Choice
Sonia Kashuk - $ Target
Badger Balm - $$ Market of Choice, Whole Foods, Fred Meyers (sometimes)
Method - $ Target, Market of Choice, Whole Foods
Halo - $$$ PetSmart, Market of Choice
Fromm - $$$ Boutique pet stores, dog.com, or their website (frommfamily.com)
L - $ Target.com, their website (thisisl.com)
In regards to pet food, you're probably thinking, how can a pet food NOT be tested on animals? While you are correct, the Association of American Feed Control Officials regulate all pet food sold within the United States and require a 26 week feeding trial; companies who are verified cruelty-free use volunteer animals (usually employee's pets), provide the food at no cost to the owner, and the animal is kept at home.
Where other pet food companies conduct their feeding trials using sick or dying animals in laboratory kennels. Often the animals are in their kennels 24 hours a day, as it is easier to clean up waste in the kennels then take them all outside for multiple bathroom breaks. They can also be used for beauty product testing at the same time as a food trial if a laboratory handles both (some only do one type of product). All of these things combined can skew food trial results as animals often become in appetent while in pain or during periods of stress/depression.
At first switching to cruelty-free can be a little daunting, in my opinion it is worth it. Once you educate yourself a little about how to identify true cruelty-free brands, it doesn't take any longer than your normal shopping trips. Sure you have to try new brands or products, but I've read numerous articles that say using the same products repeatedly on your body can cause them to stop being as effective. There are a few products that are more expensive, but I have yet to find one that is over $10 what I was paying (and most products I use the difference is $3 or less). Overall I haven't noticed that much of a difference in my pocket book or the time it takes me to shop. A lot of the brands I use even donate a percentage of their profits to different charities who's beliefs line up with mine. I've actually enjoyed trying new products, finding it exciting when I run out of something...even when it's toilet bowl cleaner! Some things I've found I like even better than "traditional" products. Plus, it gives me a reason to buy new things, and who doesn't love that?!
*While writing this I debated on adding photographs of animals who've undergone testing, which are quite graphic in nature. I chose not to, because I understand this is NOT the lifestyle for everyone and I didn't want to appear as though I was attempting to "guilt" anyone in to becoming cruelty-free. However, the photos can be quite informative and demonstrate how cruel some of these tests really are.
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