17 different women, 36 crazy children, 0 babies in utero
Adventures, Advice and Questions from a group of Mormon women who met in Queens, NY and have now scattered all over the place.
 

Friday, April 11, 2008

An inconvenient truth...

To say I am nutso about animals is sort of an understatement! I am not afraid to admit that I have twisted emotions at times where I would rather see a human suffer than an animal. I know, extremist. But it is the way it is for me. I have come to accept it and those who know and love me have to. I LOVE animals!


I am an activist too. I don't 100% agree with PETA and their tactics, but I can empathize with their plight. I, like most people would much rather live in the naive state of life where I know nothing about animal abuse or cruelty. Where I just assume we have come so far in science that they can't possibly need animals anymore to see if make-up works or not. But lets face it you can only be naive for so long especially when your love for animals runs so deep.

I have made many commitments in the name of stopping animal cruelty and my most recent choice has my stomach all in knots and not sure where to start. I have decided to boycott all products that do animal testing. Last night I just googled exactly that and was astounded and horrified to see how many products are still associated with animal testing! And I own 90 percent of those products. So here begins my newest sacrifice. Re evaluating the products I buy before I just go buy them. No more huggies, even though I have only used them since my kids were born. No more Oil of Olay moisturizer. No more Lancome mascara. No more visine. No more crest toothpaste. No more tide??? Are you following me? As I was using the last of my spray and wash tonight on a load of laundry, I felt sick thinking about what it stood for and how many innocent animals died so I could use it and then the reality of it set in... how hard it will be to not use it cuz I make a special trip to buy it in bulk at costco. I use ALOT of spray and wash!

I need help. I need support. I need to know I am not the only crazed animal lover out there willing to do this. And please, what advice can you give me on products to use? After determining which companies still test, I thought now I need to print the list of products that don't. A good place to start I suppose. It is just going to be tough when so much of it is a daily part of my life. It will require discipline and knowledge and study before I go shopping. UGH~

I just can't live in the naive state of mind anymore... but that state is so easy!!! Sometimes I wish I was one of those people who don't care about animals or believe they don't have a soul!

posted by Kelly @ 4/11/2008 08:20:00 PM   add to kirtsy


17 Comments:

  • I think I understand what you are saying. I can understand that compassionate feeling of wanting to help and support only the products that are not hurting any living thing to be put for sale and consumption on store shelves.

    One reason I find that an overwhelming choice (why I couldn't do it) is that I also think about the insane amount of injustices/abuses/neglect happening to children in every part of our world today. In AMERICA as well as those commonly talked about third world type of countries where atrocities seem to be more the "norm" than the exception. If I DO happen to have enough energy beyond my own little world, I would like to use it toward some good cause dealing with abused/neglected children.

    That's not to say the two are exclusive of eachother... I am just saying that it seems quite overwhelming a task to take on!

    I personally do believe that all abuses of child/adult/ and animal will be reconciled in heaven and I certainly cannot understand why so many happen in our world today. It is sad and tragic.

    I hope that wasn't too depressing a comment! I just hope you acheive what you are aiming for and maybe someone out there will have some great advice for you on it!
    posted by Blogger Rachel H at 4/12/2008 09:00:00 PM  



  • Well, that's quite a list. I don't see Oil of Olay or Lancome. on it. Are they made by one of the larger companies listed?

    Very eye opening.

    I hope you don't mind, though, if I continue to kill scorpions when I see them.
    posted by Blogger The Wiz at 4/13/2008 09:35:00 AM  



  • Oh, I have a question as I was re-reading your post. You were made sick by how many animals died for the Spray and Wash. How do you know they died? Do you know what exactly goes into animal testing for each product?

    I guess my question is, are there different levels of animal testing? Are some products tested somewhat humanely, while others are cruel and fatal? Do you know? Is there a way to find out?
    posted by Blogger The Wiz at 4/13/2008 09:48:00 AM  



  • Great post! I also don't use products that are tested on animals. You will find as you investigate that there are plenty of products that don't (they just might not be the cheapest) and there are many companies and organizations committing to ending animal testing every day. I also have some issues with PETA's general obnoxious tone - I have found that the Humane Society is a much more effective and trusted source for action and information. Here is a link with great information: http://www.hsus.org/animals_in_research/animal_testing/

    Also if you go to leapingbunny.org they have lists of companies that are cruelty-free, and you can even print their purse-sized 'shopping guide' so you have the list with you at the store. PETA has stuff like this on their site too.

    I use Almay and Aveda products which are cruelty free and I can still get at the drugstore. Avon also is cruelty free, as is bath and body works, clinque and many others - cosmetic companies came under the fire in the 90s for this testing and so many have stopped doing it.

    For house cleaning products The Method line that you can find at Target is both cruelty free and better for the environment.

    Its great you have decided to do this - don't get discouraged and good luck!!
    posted by Blogger Julie at 4/13/2008 10:27:00 AM  



  • Zinone, I applaud your dedication, though I'm not ready to join you in your commitment yet. But I think, in general, it is really good to know what goes into the products you use on your body and in your home - there are so many things to be aware of.

    Like julie, I'm a fan of Method, but I'm also falling in love with the Mrs. Meyers line - also not animal tested, natural, etc. Their dishwashing detergent makes my whole kitchen smell lovely, and the All Purpose Cleaner is amazing and lasts forever. http://www.mrsmeyers.com

    I also found this blog entry that specifically talks about different stain removers - since saying goodbye to your spray & wash is one of the harder challenges (I know I would miss my shout stick terribly...) you can read it here.

    Thanks for the thinking...
    posted by Blogger marian at 4/13/2008 10:43:00 AM  



  • Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the great suggestions and encouragement so far. Please keep em coming!!

    I am still sick about all the things I am learning that I have to get rid of. I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. My deoderant for the love of pete... my soap. My feminine products. No more Botox? UGH~

    For the Wiz I think that all animal testing for the sake of us looking better is wrong. But to answer your question it is my understanding that after a test has been done on an animal they end up euthanizing them shortly after so they don't have to suffer too long. So yes, the animal ultimately dies in the testing. Sometimes not for days after excruciating prolonged pain. Veins exposed, paralized diaphrams so they can't breath... just terrible! No testing is good testing. And certainly not necessary in the day and age that we live. And yes it is the larger companies IE: procter and gamble, Johnson and Johnson that make the smaller items that we use. It takes alot of research to see if the product is included. That is what I am discovering through this new journey.

    Rachel H. You are absolutely right and we could write a whole post on the atrocities that happen to babies here and everywhere. I love what you said about all will be reconciled in Heaven. Thank goodness for that thought or it would be too much to bear.

    Julie and Marian thank you for the great links. I really appreciate it.
    posted by Blogger Kelly at 4/13/2008 12:52:00 PM  



  • Zinone - I applaud you too! Your list had me thinking twice when I was shopping at Target yesterday. If there is another product that I could use that does not test on animals, why wouldn't I buy that one instead? I'm not quite as hard-core in my commitment, but I think this makes total sense especially knowing what an animal advocate you are. Maybe just take baby steps and as you run out of a current product you have, such as your deodorant, do a little research and choose another one. What about Shaklee products? I haven't done the research on them, but I know they are extremely environment friendly. www.shaklee.com. Keep us posted as to what you find out, and again I really appreciate the information because I would really love to know that most of the products I buy don't test on animals. I was gonna pass along the info on my favorite stain treatment, but grrrrrrrrr.... it's manufactured by Proctor & Gamble.
    posted by Blogger Beth at 4/13/2008 03:47:00 PM  



  • Z, you know how impressed I am by your committment to animals. It was largely Z's example that led me to adopt a vegitarian lifestyle last November...and really changed my life.

    I really applaud this next layer of your committment. You've given me some more food for thought...
    posted by Blogger Sara at 4/13/2008 05:09:00 PM  



  • I to am a huge animal lover - but unlike you, I can not bear to think about this subject. I guess I just prefer to remain blissfully ignorant. :( I know a bit about it from looking into the practice while in middle school. I still remember some of the pictures that I saw to this day - about 20 years later. They were heartwrenching and quite disturbing.

    I know that Europe instituted a europe-wide ban on most animal testing beginning in '09 or '10. Perhaps that will push the US into getting on board.

    Im sure that animal testing will never be completely done and gone with. Medications and products that have to be tested for toxins will probably always require some sort of animal testing. But yes, the unnecessary testing needs to stop. Thank you for your post...and reawakening me. I am going to try to do my best to stick with non-animal tested products in the future.
    posted by Blogger Ellen at 4/13/2008 06:01:00 PM  



  • Check out this site and the list of non-animal tested products. You can even search by category (cosmetics, household cleaners, etc). Method (at Target) and 7th Generation are both safe...good to know!

    http://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping.php
    posted by Blogger Ellen at 4/13/2008 06:06:00 PM  



  • Just remember to not run faster than you are able. Powerful beliefs are one thing, extremism is entirely another.

    You bring up an important topic and you will, no doubt inspire many people. Good luck!

    And if you find any worthwhile cleaners out there please post about it. After the birth of my first child I went all mother-earthy and tried to make my own natural household cleaners. They don't work worth beans! Specifically I am looking for laundry detergents, stain removers, and non water based dry cleaning products for furniture.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 4/14/2008 07:30:00 AM  



  • You know, outside of pharmaceuticals, I had no idea animal testing still went on. I thought it disappeared when everybody made a fuss about it in the 90s.

    Shows what I know. Thanks for the info.
    posted by Blogger The Wiz at 4/14/2008 10:08:00 AM  



  • I'm curious, are you vegan as well? or is your main stance on testing animals. I'm a newbie vegetarian but not really for animal rights, it's mainly because animal protein isn't good for you. off the topic, I'm always looking for vegetarian/vegan recipes and that would be a fun follow up post if you are vegetarian!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 4/14/2008 11:49:00 AM  



  • You may want to check out Desert Essence for beauty products (face wash, deodorant, etc.). They sell it at Trader Joes and Whole Foods. I'm not sure about all of their products but I know the facial cleansing pads I use are vegan and cruelty-free.
    posted by Blogger brenbot at 4/14/2008 12:26:00 PM  



  • Anon- there was a vegetarian post a while back that you might useful.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 4/14/2008 03:28:00 PM  



  • Anonymous - if you click on my name it will take you to my blog. And while I am not strictly veg anymore (because of my husband) I have quite a few vegetarian recipes on my blog, and many that aren't but are easily adapted to be. I am always posting recipes and if I don't get too busy, there will be several more veggie recipes on there this week :)
    posted by Blogger Julie at 4/14/2008 03:57:00 PM  



  • I just want to post in support of what you're doing. I think it's great. I am also an animal lover, and I've had people tell me I'm crazy for doing things like rescuing an injured kitten and spending thousands on nursing her back to health, but I've found that people are wrong about things like that. Listen to your own heart and do what it tells you to do. You'll be greatly blessed by it. Good luck!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 4/20/2008 03:45:00 PM  



Post a Comment

<< Home