Purchase products that have not been tested on animals and do not use animal ingredients. Experiments to test household products and cosmetics on animals and the use of animal ingredients in these products is cruel and unnecessary. Many companies have stopped testing products on animals. Cruelty-free products are widely available. Many products which are cruelty free and vegan will indicate this on the packaging.
Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in Australia, however most major cosmetics companies still test on animals in other countries. Another issue to be aware of when it comes to animal testing is that unfortunately many charities fund animal research, often without making it clear to the public. Luckily, Humane Research Australia has a list of humane charities that do not test on animals. This list makes it easy to support organisations who are helping people without conducting animal testing, which causes pain, suffering and death to animals.
Back to household products and animal testing/ingredients, see this list for companies that are certified cruelty free. You should also check for non-vegan ingredients in products such as milk protien. There is also this Vegan Cheat Sheet which list vegan body care products, cleaning products, cosmetics and skin care, fragrances, hair care and colour, soaps, sun protection, toiletries, and much more!
Vegan Companies:
All of Arbonne‘s products are free of animal testing and products.
EcoTools produce makeup brushes with synthetic bristles, handles made of bamboo and recycled aluminium is also used. Available at Priceline.
White Glo toothpaste is vegan and available at pretty much any supermarket in Perth. See the White Glo website for more information.
Companies who provide some Vegan Products:
Eco Store do not test their products on animals and most do not contain animal ingredients. They sell laundry products, cleaning products, soaps, hair care, baby products and more.
Natio do not test their products on animals and nearly all are also free of animal products. Natio women’s skincare, men’s skincare and eau de toilette ranges, as well as their makeup and nail polish range are entirely vegan. Some of their lip products contain lanolin or beeswax, and the Natio Lip Colour in Pretty contains carmine. Available at most chemists.
Nourished Life have a wide range of vegan products including soaps, make-ups, shampoos, lip balms, toothpaste, mouth wash and much more. Available online – all of their vegan products are listed here.
Homemade natural cleaning products
A quick search of the internet reveals countless natural, eco-friendly cleaning recipes. In fact, you probably have the building blocks of an all purpose cleaner just lying around the house (baking soda and vinegar)!