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Let's Help Canada #BeCrueltyFree!
This is incredible news! #BeCrueltyFree is finally making its way to Canada. The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act has been introduced in Canada's Senate as of June 18th, 2015!
This is incredible news! #BeCrueltyFree is finally making its way to Canada. The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act has been introduced in Canada's Senate as of June 18th, 2015!
What is the #BeCrueltyFree campaign?
The #BeCrueltyFree campaign is a global initiative by Humane Society International to end all animal testing for cosmetics.
Due in large part to this campaign, animal testing in the cosmetics industry has been banned in New Zealand, Norway, India, Israel, and across the European Union. There are also a number of countries approaching this conclusion including the United States, Brazil, Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, and now Canada!
Learn more about #BeCrueltyFree here!
What is the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act?
The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (Bill S-234) is a Senate Public Bill that was sponsored by Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen. Its goal is to amend the Food and Drugs Act to "prohibit cosmetic animal testing and the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing in Canada."
What does this mean? It means that if this bill passes no cosmetics will be tested on animals in Canada and no products contain ingredients that have been newly tested on animals in other countries will be sold within our borders. It's about time!
Humane Society International's director of research and toxicology, Troy Seidle, said: “Today is an historic day for animals in Canada thanks to Senator Stewart Olsen’s leadership in championing this progressive legislation. We look forward to working with Senator Stewart Olsen and our national industry to make Canada the next country to #BeCrueltyFree.”
Why should we care?
I don't know about you, but I care about the other living beings on this planet. Not only will I not contribute to animal suffering of any kind, I also want to help end it for good. More than 100,000 animals suffer and die each and every year due to animal testing for the cosmetics industry. This can not be allowed to continue!
Bunnies, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and hamsters are shaved to have chemicals rubbed on their bare skin, have chemicals dripped into their eyes, and are force fed huge amounts of a chemical to determine the fatal dose. These tests can (and often do) lead to birth defects, blindness, intense pain, convulsions, internal bleeding, organ damage, and death.
They are not given any form of pain relief and at the end of the test they will be killed (often by asphyxiation, having their neck broken, or decapitation).
Learn more about the cruelty and scientific limitations of animal testing here.
What can I do to help?
I'm glad you asked! There are many things you can do to help end animal cruelty.
First off, head over and sign the petition to support the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act!
(p.s. This is still an ongoing issue as of November 2016 - don't forget to sign the petition above to convince our government to do better! If Taiwan can do it, we can do it!)
Next, share this post on facebook, twitter, google +, instagram, and anywhere else you can think of to get the word out! Click the little icon to the right of the heart at the bottom of this post to share everywhere! Also be sure to tell your friends, family, and coworkers about the petition to get as much support as we can.
Also, start buying cruelty free makeup! Get started even before the bill is passed and send a message with your $$ that we only want cruelty-free beauty in Canada! Check out my list of cruelty-free beauty brands to get started and take a look at the resources I link in that post for reviews of the many cruelty-free brands on the market!
Last but definitely not least, go vegan! I have a multitude of posts on the benefits of veganism, not only for the animals, but for our health and for the environment! Take a gander and consider going plant-based to truly end your contribution to animal-cruelty!
Why Going Pescatarian Doesn't Cut It
The Truth About The Dairy Industry
We are entering a new and kinder age and I am so excited to be here to experience it!
Until next time,
I signed the petition. Have you? I want to know in the comments!
Sources:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/legisinfo/BillDetails.aspx?billId=8055480&Language=E&Mode=1
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=8055486
http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/news/releases/2015/06/canada-becrueltyfree-bill-061815.html
http://www.hsi.org/world/canada/news/releases/2015/12/canada-cruelty-free-cosmetics-act-121015.html
Holiday Gift Guide for Kids - Vegan Edition
What on earth do you get for the children in your life when you (or they) are vegan?? Let me give you a couple of ideas!
What on earth do you get for the children in your life when you (or they) are vegan?? Let me give you a couple of ideas!
This post contains affiliate links.
This book comes HIGHLY recommended from many vegan moms and will definitely be something I will be adding to my bookshelf when I'm eventually expecting!
2. Wee Can Too Naturally Safe Finger Paint, $29.99 (for 4 paint grab-n-go set)
These plant-based, wheat-free, non-toxic paints are safe to eat for the baby and toddler artist on your list. Their parents will love you for it!
This art kit contains 21 pieces, perfectly packaged in its plant-based 8x10 carrying case!
4. Herbivore Clothing Circle Onesie, $10
According to the description on their website: "Beware. When you put a baby in this onesie the cuteness factor is multiplied by a kajillion and you just may explode from it." Sounds about right!
5. Watermelon Clip-On Bowtie, $12
For the dapper fruitarian on your list, this bowtie is sure to bring about a chorus of "awwww"s!
6. Panda with Cookie Tofu Scramble Pirate Plush Set (Asparagus, Tofu, and Mushroom), $58.28
Unfortunately these only ship within the United States (cue my Canadian tears) but all you Americans should snatch up these adorable tofu scramble pirate plush toys ASAP! (And send me a set, *wink wink*... just kidding. Or am I?)
7. Cynthia King Original Vegan Ballet Slippers, $24.95
These 100% vegan ballet slippers come in children's and adult sizes and full or split sole. Pick up a pair for the aspiring ballerina on your list!
8. Herbivore Clothing Compassion is Invincible Sticker, $1
Kids loves stickers. Heck, I love stickers! Why not get them a couple that remind them that their compassion is a superpower.
9. Boogie Booties Vegan Elephant Baby Shoes, $27.75
These are the perfect gift for the baby boy or girl in your life! They are so adorable, made with vegan materials, and will keep their toes toasty warm all winter long!
10. Whimsy Tails Mint and Lavender Mermaid Tail Blanket Bag, $60
I think these blanket bags are just the cutest! Make the little one in your life a mermaid (in a variety of colours) or even a shark... and make them one happy fishy :)
11. Melissa & Doug Wooden Cutting Fruit Set, $19.99
A cute play set for even the tiniest fruit-lover!
This BPA-free lamp is great for kids! They can choose their favourite colour and grab a ball to walk with when they get up in the middle of the night.
And there you have it! 12 fun gift ideas for the vegan kiddo on your list. What gift guide should I do next? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
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Holiday Gift Guide for Foodies!
Welcome back for this year's third holiday gift guide, one I'm very excited for, the vegan foodies gift guide! (Missed the first two? Not to worry! Check out my gift guide for Yogis and Beauty Lovers as soon as you finish lusting after the items in today's guide!) Whether the person on your list is a long-time foodie or just getting into the glorious world of vegan food they'll absolutely adore the gifts on this list. Who doesn't love a gift that helps keep them well-fed?
Welcome back for this year's third holiday gift guide, one I'm very excited for, the vegan foodies gift guide! (Missed the first two? Not to worry! Check out my gift guide for Yogis and Beauty Lovers as soon as you finish lusting after the items in today's guide!) Whether the person on your list is a long-time foodie or just getting into the glorious world of vegan food they'll absolutely adore the gifts on this list. Who doesn't love a gift that helps keep them well-fed?
This post contains affiliate links.
The perfect gift for the coffee-fanatic on your list! A classic french press with gorgeous design, this is an appliance they'll never want to store in the cupboard!
Help your loved-ones take their snack-game to the next level! This powerful dehydrator comes with 4 trays but can support up to 12 (think Sims expansion packs) and takes less time than ordinary dehydrators.
3. Vegan Cuts Subscription Box, $59 for 3 months
Want to give the gift that keeps on giving to that guy or gal on your list who's too busy to take a breath? Why not send them a 3 (or 6, or 12!) month subscription to a curated box of vegan snacks to keep them going and guessing?
4. WonderVeg Vegetable Spiralizer, $20.32
A must for all of your trendy vegan friends. Zoodles to the rescue!
I use this blender and I LOVE IT. It's a great affordable option! No need to splurge on a Vitamix to make delicious hummus, sauces, nana ice cream, and more!
6. Dr-Cow Tree Nut Cheeses Sample Box, $85
Give the gift of vegan cheese and feel the love from your family and friends!
7. Thirstystone Marble Serving Tray, $64.22
Every foodie needs an understated marble serving tray for entertaining, breakfasts in bed, and beautiful instagram shots!
8. Milk and Honey Luxuries Vegan Hand Stamped Fork, $21.92
An adorable gift for the hungry vegan in your life!
A great recipe resource for new and veteran vegans alike.
10. Acme Humane Not Cow's Milk Ceramic Creamer, $35.62
A clean and simple creamer for your vegan foodie's favourite non-dairy milk!
This is definitely on my wish list this year... Jason and I are sprout fiends! Who wouldn't want to make their own sprouts at home?
I was never what I would consider a foodie until after transitioning to a plant based diet (I'm still not compared to some!) but now I love cooking, trying new foods, and getting creative. I would love to receive any of the gifts in this guide, and bet the foodie on your list would too!
Until next time,
Did I miss and foodie essentials? Let me know in the comments!
Holiday Gift Guide for Yogis!
I'm back with the second instalment of my 2015 holiday gift guide! (Didn't catch the first gift guide for the beauty lovers on your list? Here it is!) This one is all about yoga... you're sure to find the perfect gift for every yogi on your list!
I'm back with the second instalment of my 2015 holiday gift guide! (Didn't catch the first gift guide for the beauty lovers on your list? Here it is!) This one is all about yoga... you're sure to find the perfect gift for every yogi on your list!
1. Alo Yoga Goddess Leggings in Ombre Blue/Steel Heather, $94
This slimming and flattering legging comes in a multitude of colours to fit every yogi's tastes!
2. Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat in Dreamscape, $68
There's no need for a towel with this gorgeous mat! It's been specially designed to reduce slipping and is made with eco-friendly materials.
3. Hugger Mugger Pure Mat & Gear Wash, $9.95
This natural lemon and tea tree spray can be used on your mat pre-practice to reduce slippage and post-practice as a cleanser.
4. Daughters of Culture Infinity Bra 2.0, $60
This gorgeous bra will make the yogi on your list swoon! Super stretchy, sweat-wicking, and anti-microbial properties put this bra a notch above the rest.
5. Swell Water Bottle in Teakwood, $35
I am obsessed with this water bottle! Not only is the stainless steel bottle painted beautifully to imitate wood grain, but each bottle sold from the wood collection results in a tree being planted! It comes in three sizes, will keep liquid cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and is non-toxic and BPA free.
6. Gaiam Sol Natural Cork Block, $15.98
A must for any yogi, new or experienced, a cork block is a wonderful and inexpensive gift that your loved one will actually use!
7. Manduka To and Fro Mat Carrier, $36
A utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing mat bag for male and female yogis alike.
8. Free People Myna Headband, $24.08
This cotton headband comes in a wide variety of patterns and is great for keeping hair out of your face during your practice.
9. Teeki Mermaid Fairyqueen Teal Mermaid Tank, $38
This lightweight, unlined, tank is great for yoga, swimming, and anything else your day might throw at you!
10. Gaiam No Slip Yoga Towel, $23.98
So they already have a mat, and it's not a Yoga Design Lab combo? Grab them this sweat-absorbing towel to keep them grounded all class long.
1. Arima Designs Namast'ay in Bed Graphic Tee, $36.86
A great choice for the reluctant yogi on your list, or the one who loves to sleep in!
2. Colour Moon Breathe Print, $15.70
A beautiful minimalist reminder for your home practice room.
3. Brogamats Yoga Joes Green, $25
A funny gift for anyone on your list, these little green army men come packaged in box that looks like a mini yoga studio!
4. Brogamats Quiver of Arrows Yoga Bag, $35
"Turn your muscles into a band of merry men." Well don't mind if I do!
5. Shiny Little Blessings 3 Sterling Silver Lotus Charms, $10.92
Great for a group of yogis, this dainty lotus can be worn on a chain as a necklace, on a bracelet or anklet, or as a charm on keys or yoga bags.
6. Bohemian Earth Designs Turquoise Wrap Bracelet, $53.22
The tree of life for love and strength and turquoise for wisdom and protection, this bracelet is a beautiful addition to any yogi's collection.
7. Think Typography Motivational Poster, $20.46
A motivational poster for the real-talk yogi in your life.
8. Gaiam Organic Cotton Yoga Strap, 6 ft, $7.98
A helpful prop for moving into more advanced postures.
9. Hugger Mugger Standard Bolster, $72.95
The perfect practical gift for the friend who enjoys restorative yoga at home!
I hope this guide gave you lots of gift ideas for this holiday season, and maybe one or two to treat yourself with! (I may have added every one of these items to my wish list as I was putting this post together. Oops!)
Until next time,
What gift guide would you like to see next? Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly Plant Based Bride newsletter (form below the comments)!