How to Support Cruelty Free Companies

Taking a stand against animal cruelty is an easy decision, but practicing it is another story. It's hard to know which companies to avoid and which to support. With a bit of research and determination, you can make your feelings known and patronize only cruelty free companies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Do a bit of research online. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has an extensive online library detailing the horrors of animal cruelty, from circuses to inhumane slaughter to animal testing to the fur trade. PETA's website is a good place to start (see Resources below).
2. Donate money and time to organizations dedicated to halting animal cruelty in all its forms. Examples include PETA, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and In Defense of Animals (IDA).
3. Consider becoming a vegetarian or vegan. This is the best way to support cruelty free companies. Make sure you know how to change your diet so that you still get the proper amount of nutrients from your food; you can take a daily multi-vitamin to help with this.
4. Buy products that aren't tested on animals. A good rule of thumb is to stop using all the products of a parent company if any of their subsidiaries test on animals. You can get a list of all brands manufactured by the parent company by going to their website.
5. Stop wearing fur, leather and sheepskin. The origin of faux-fur is also controversial, so it's best to avoid that as well. Shop at companies who have stopped offering these items in their stores.

Tips & Warnings

• While doing research, be careful as some websites show graphic images and videos of animal cruelty. Scroll down the pages slowly.