It’s officially 2023, and we’re urging everyone to make this year count with new goals and habits that help animals! Make your resolution to go cruelty-free in 2023 and start saving lives by checking out some of our tips below.
1. Buy Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, Household Products, and Personal Care Items in the New Year
Over 100 million mice, rabbits, dogs, and other species are tortured each year in the United States in pointless experiments for household items. We can take a stand against this cruelty by not purchasing any cosmetics, household products, or personal care items tested on animals. It’s easy! All you have to do is look for text that says “not tested on animals” or “cruelty-free” on the product. Brands like Pacifica and Honest are cruelty-free and offer moisturizing lotions, face masks, bath products, and more. The cruelty-free brand Method can be found at stores like Target and Walmart and makes hand soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, and so much more. Please be aware that just because something is labeled “cruelty-free” doesn’t mean that it doesn’t contain animal products, so also look for “vegan” on the label!
2. Choose Animal Sanctuaries Over Cruel Roadside Zoos and Marine Parks in 2023
Animals trapped at roadside zoos or marine parks are often denied everything that is natural and important to them. When we support places that exploit animals for profit, we are contributing to their suffering and funding the cruelty. If you’d like to see animals, visit a true sanctuary that doesn’t display them for profits or for “entertainment” or promote forced interactions with the public. The Gentle Barn, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and Farm Sanctuary are great options if you’re in the United States!
Catskill Animal Sanctuary Founder Kathy Stevens with Tucker the cow (Courtesy CAS)
3. Make it Your Mission to Eat Animal-Free
Eating cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and products derived from them not only causes immense suffering to sensitive animals but also devastates the planet and harms human health. Luckily, it has never been easier to choose mouth-watering and compassionate plant-based options. Try ordering a Beyond Burger or pick up plant-based patties in your local grocery store, and swap cheese made from cow’s milk for vegan cheese instead! Brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Chao are delicious and widely available at grocery stores. If you like sweets, you can choose from the vast array of plant ice creams made today, like Ben and Jerry’s Boom Chocolate Core Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert or So Delicious dairy-free products! Please note that “non-dairy” can be a misnomer, however, as the Food and Drug Administration allows that label for any product containing 0.5 percent or less of nonhuman animals’ milk by weight. Products labeled “dairy-free” or “vegan” will be your safest bets!
4. Do a Wardrobe Makeover by Purchasing Only Vegan Clothing and Accessories
Don’t buy fur, wool, or leather in 2023 – or ever! Animals used for clothing are typically kept in filthy, cramped conditions on fur farms and are abused their entire lives before being violently killed. We can avoid contributing to this cruelty in the new year and beyond by never purchasing the furs and skins of animals. Look for the words “faux fur” or “all man-made materials” instead when buying coats, wallets, or shoes. Brands like Save the Duck, Noize, and Stella McCartney are 100 percent vegan and offer stylish clothing and footwear options. Popular stores like Target, H&M, and Gap have offer countless options, too.
We at Lady Freethinker hope you have a great start to the new year! We are always here to help along the way as you “Go Cruelty-Free in 2023!” If you have questions about how to make kind and compassionate choices for animals in the new year, please email [email protected].
