People tend to empathize with dogs more than other animals. I was guilty of this as well, even as an avid animal lover. A couple years ago, I adopted a mini Lop Rabbit, Buttercup, after my beloved Daisy, a Rex bunny, passed away unexpectedly. Adopting Buttercup opened up my eyes in many ways that I could have never expected. A few months after adopting her, I realized how attached she was to me, and the bond we had formed. She would chase after me in a room, run around my feet, kiss my face— all in joy of seeing me in the morning. As she would greet me with these happy dances, I would get ready for class, applying my makeup and what not. My mind began to wander. . . if she has these kinds of emotions, this sort of personality, then what about animals like her that are used to test on for the very makeup I was using?
One of the biggest reasons big companies test on animals is because China does not allow for products that are not tested on animals to be sold in their country. But the reality is that these companies don’t need the justification of money to abuse and kill these animals. Companies like Axe, MAC, Stila, Dove, Clinique, etc. all test on animals. They don’t need the extra money that comes from China; they are already worth billions of dollars, and they don’t ethically have to make any sacrifices whatsoever.
There are tons of brands that are cruelty free, and alternatives for brands that aren’t. I was recently assigned to give a persuasive speech, so I picked a topic I was passionate on, hence my inspiration to share this information with the student population here at UMass. Companies like Lush don’t test on animals and advocate for issues that go beyond animal rights, (like environmental issues and taking steps to reduce plastic and waste). The reality is that companies that care about animals will have more natural ingredients in their products, because they are ethically producing these products, rather than focusing their energy on money. On top of this, almost all beauty products contain palm oil, which is something that is killing our rainforests every single day. Avoiding the use of this can be difficult, but Lush does not have products containing it. Not only are you saving a life while supporting cruelty-free brands, but you are also saving a home. The trees that are cut down to provide our excessive need for palm oil are where koalas, monkeys, sloths, etc. live.
If this comes down to convenience, surely the brands who test on animals would change their policy if their sales were cut down? If that’s what it takes, then try a new shampoo or mascara. You might even save some money, as there are tons of cruelty-free brands that are affordable as well.
To take the extra second to look at the back of a shampoo bottle is worth the life that you could be saving. Every animal that is tested on is killed, typically by decapitation, regardless of the outcome of the treatment. There really is no reason why this should be going on, as we have other successful options for testing products. Take a stand for those who do not have a voice. There is nothing you have to change in your routine to make a difference. Next time you’re out shopping, look for the “cruelty-free” symbol on your product, and invest in companies that risk their income in the name of justice for animals.
Cruelty In The Name Of Beauty Products
By Grace Smith
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November 2, 2018