I am a clueless consumer, I have a new mission. I wish to leave a lighter footprint.
The objective: to replace my makeup, bathroom cleaner and kitchen detergents one by one with cruelty free, not tested on animals products. If someone else is considering the same and finding it difficult to find info I hope this is somewhat helpful... Here goes...
*(I have also not eaten meat in four weeks but I can't with conviction swear to honour that forever, I am trying though)
In the beginning
This is a story and idea born out of a mixture of both concern and boredom. Paradoxical, yes.
I am a Gemini, an unemployed day-dreamer and as I live in thirsty California the environment is on my mind.
When I first considered embarking on this eco conscious journey of
which I have yet to come up with a clever name, I thought it would be an
easy thing to do. Millions have paved the way before me. However this quest
to find everyday products that do not test on animals or are cruelty free, (I’m
still unsure of the difference here) is proving itself a little
complex. It's a minefield out there. My intent is an attempt at new lifestyle choices. Before the haters start to hate, I simply wish to be more eco conscious, animal friendly and reduce the size of my footprint whilst softening the blow of my beautifully heeled footstep. Did I mention I love shoes?
My exploration began as so many do with Google.
I googled & googled and the more I googled I had to google some more. I found it difficult and frustrating. Both the Leaping Bunny and Peta websites are very informative but what I wanted was a one stop shop for information. How much would this new lifestyle set me back, where could I buy the products and were they any good?
Vegetarian ism, ist & ness
I first toyed with the idea of a veggie diet a few months ago. Could I really do it, do I even want to and why do I want to?
As the days pass me by I’m falling further and further into this rabbit hole of planet consciousness and animal welfare and as I've read and been told not eating meat is very good for the planet (never mind the animals) I'm willing to try. I'm not committing fully to this vegetarian way because I have been known to love a good steak and a spicy chicken wing but as they say little baby steps.
I am ashamed to admit I considered a vegan diet for a fleeting moment after Beyoncé & Jay Z looked so good doing it (yes I'm that influenced) well really, hands up who didn't. I flipping LOVE cheese, the creamier and mouldier the better and as dairy is actually linked to my feelings, vegan was definitely out. Never mind not knowing how to lose weight without eggs in the picture. I also contemplated paleo for a nano second, again after hearing of it’s weight loss effects; which leads me here. You can picture me now, a round sort of shape.
I was eventually convinced of giving a vegetarian diet a go after a visit to the Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, CA and I’m not at all ashamed to say it wasn’t for weight loss reasons. (Finally) it was for planet earth and the cute cows. However, if weight loss is a by-product of this I’ll be shouting it loud and proud and flaunting it in always photoshopped always filtered selfies. Watch this decreasing space...
Product placement
Anyway upon this visit to Santa Clarita my concern for all things animal was switched on. I immediately thought of my makeup bag and the products that I use everyday being tested on animals. For those that this has happened to it is an itch that must be scratched. I can't ignore it, kill it or put it to sleep. I just have to go with it.
So here I go researching and looking at my makeup bag/ bathroom cabinet/ cleaning products whilst not eating meat and might I also add with respect to full disclosure haven’t used deodorant in approximately 14 days and it's hot as hell. I thought by now after this long my body (odour) would have regulated itself ... apparently not.
I am a little in -scent-sed.
Balls to the wall though I’m all in and ready to give this a go.
What products are out there, where can I get them? how much do they cost? Are they any good?
Will that clean my toilet or my knickers, like for real?
Disclaimer : All views expressed on this blog are my own unless otherwise stated.
I cannot be held responsible for any adverse side affects you may have after trying something/a product written about on this blog. We can all have different reactions to particular products or foods.
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All I want to be is a little kinder and find satisfactory, you won't need to
You can’t please all of the people all of the time….
But I do have feelings so please be nice.
Forgive my punctuation, I haven't been to school in a while.
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