We all love animals, but many of us have most likely not considered the impact we have on them by way of our everyday choices. For example, did you know that many of the animals we keep as pets are also used to test cosmetics, like shampoo and cream? It’s hard to imagine our beloved companions suffering in laboratories across the country, but this is the reality of animal testing in Canada.
Terrified rabbits, mice, rats and guinea pigs regularly have substances forced down their throat, dripped into their eyes, or smeared onto their skin – all without pain relief. I personally don’t think that any product is worth an animal enduring such suffering… do you?
Today is World Animal Day, a perfect occasion to weigh your purchasing preferences with their corresponding consequences. If you haven’t already, why not take a look at the products you use every morning and night – are they cruelty-free? If not, it’s easy to make that change. These days, there’s a cruelty-free alternative for every animal tested product on the shelf of your favourite store!
Here we revisit our ‘How to #BeCrueltyFree’ guide, originally published last year. Hopefully it provides the inspiration to help you make that change!
Baby steps
Make sure your goal to #BeCrueltyFree is realistic. You can start by replacing one product with its cruelty-free counterpart when it runs out rather than pushing yourself to replace all your products at once.
Understand the issue
Learn as much as you can about cosmetic animal testing – the cruelty animals endure, the current regulations in Canada, and why these outdated methods are no longer necessary. A great place to start is by reviewing previous posts, as well as our campaign webpage. Ask questions. Knowledge is power.
Bite-sized goals
A bigger goal can be easier to attain when you break it into smaller steps. First, compile a list of trusted resources and keep it on hand to check the latest campaign and cruelty-free news; visit the #BeCrueltyFree campaign webpage and join us on Facebook; shop only cruelty-free; visit www.leapingbunny.org and www.logicalharmony.net for the latest information on which companies are cruelty-free and which aren’t; sign the petition to end cosmetic animal testing in Canada at www.becrueltyfree.ca, and contact your MP and let them know that you’d like to see the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act become law.
Talk about it
Create awareness for the issue and let others know about the cruel and unnecessary reality of cosmetic animal testing. Share your resource list with everyone you know.
Track your progress
Keep a record of all your accomplishments to refer to on those days when you feel unmotivated. How many people signed the petition because you asked them to? How many products have you replaced because you didn’t give up? Progress is progress, incremental or not.
Don’t beat yourself up
There are always going to be setbacks when adapting one’s lifestyle. Positivity coupled with a clear vision of what you want will help you stick with it. You’ll get to your #BeCrueltyFree goal, just stay focused!
Keep trying
Don’t worry if you’re not progressing as fast as you had hoped. The important thing to remember is that you are trying to make a difference and every step counts.
Your money speaks volumes
Voting with your dollar is the strongest voice for the animals that you can have. Together, we’ll see an end to cosmetic animal testing in Canada; animals will no longer suffer through painful toxicity tests for cosmetics. Be the solution!
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