The Scene staff
Life is complicated, particularly right now, so we don’t always think about what goes into our everyday products.
When using our favorite lotions or shampoos, we don’t think about animals being abused. When eating our favorite desserts, we don’t think about human rights being violated. When buying our favorite clothing, we don’t think about the environment being destroyed.
Maybe we should do more thinking.
Growing up, I didn’t know about the harm that was being caused by the products I was using. It wasn’t until I entered young adulthood that I became more socially conscious.
It started with my love for animals and nature. I believe animals deserve to be treated humanely, so a couple of years ago, I decided to go vegetarian. I wanted to practice what I preached.
The next thing I realized is that it isn’t just when animals are used for food that they’re harmed. Even in the production of non-food items, animals are abused and sometimes put to death.
Many products are tested on animals before being released for human consumption. That includes cosmetics, cleaning supplies, drugs and pet food. When animals are used as “guinea pigs,” they are not only exposed to dangerous products, they’re sometimes put in horrible living conditions and mutilated.
After learning about all this, I decided to go “cruelty-free,” meaning I buy products from companies that don’t test on animals in any way.
Another area that I’ve been working on is increasing my general environmental awareness, learning about the impacts of human habits on the world and thinking of eco-friendly changes I can make in my personal life.
Many products people use every day are harmful to the environment, and the processes of producing them can also have negative effects.
Plastic packaging is a huge issue. It doesn’t break down. Tons of disposable packaging gets thrown away and piles up in landfills, or worse, it pollutes oceans and other natural habitats. Many beauty and cleaning supplies contain dangerous chemicals, and they end up in the environment as well.
The production of items such as packaging, food and clothing use energy and many natural resources, such as water. It also leads to trees being cut down.
To fix this problem, we can use eco-friendly products that are biodegradable, sustainably made and reusable.
Biodegradable items, including biodegradable packaging, break down naturally. “Sustainably made” means products are produced with natural resources that are used responsibly, without harming the environment.
The current system creates a human toll as well.
During International Education Week last semester, I joined a viewing and discussion of the documentary “Invisible Hands,” which examines child labor and other unethical practices in the production of everything from chocolate to clothing.
Many companies source from producers who practice modern-day slavery. They force children to work under grueling conditions and essentially take their childhoods away from them. It’s completely unethical and inhumane.
People know about these issues, yet they allow them to exist. We need to do something.
Through my research, I have come to realize that many of the problems with big industries and their products are huge. But I’m trying to do my part to support companies that are ethical and purchase products that are good for animals, humans and the environment.
I’m sharing my personal story because I believe that we all should be working to make the world a better place.
I’m now in the process of changing my habits and giving my business to companies that are ethical. I’ve bought cruelty-free, ethically sourced facial and hair products, and I’m searching for new sources of food, clothing and home items.
This is where I’m starting, and it’s where everyone can start.
Over the years, I’ve found many helpful resources. Here are a few of them:
- On the Invisible Hands website, you can learn about forced labor, actions you can take and companies you should support and avoid. Go to http://www.invisiblehandsmovie.com/.
- Cruelty-Free Kitty is a website with information on animal testing and companies that produce cruelty-free cosmetics, hygiene products, clothing and other necessities. Go to https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/.
- The Food Empowerment Project website has information on veganism, ethically produced food, healthy eating choices and environmental issues related to food. Go to https://foodispower.org/.
- The Good Trade website has resources for ethical and sustainable fashion and lifestyle products. Go to https://www.thegoodtrade.com/.
I know the problems of animal cruelty, environmental destruction and child labor can’t be solved overnight. But small steps, such as supporting the right companies, can help. If we all join together and take positive action, we can make a difference.