Lifestyle
Plant-based living extends beyond diet. Animal products are so common in our society that they are present in lots of other commodities as well, such as clothing, toiletries and cleaning products. Thankfully there are many vegan and compassionate choices out there - buying animal friendly goods is easier than ever before.
Clothing
Many of today’s fabrics and materials we use for clothing are animal derived. The most common types of animal derived fabrics include:
- wool
- leather
- silk
- cashmere
- suede
- fur
Many of the industries that produce these fabrics rely on the mass exploitation of animals to produce a cheap and accessible product. Although many people think that there is no harm in using leather, for example, as it is a by-product and would ‘otherwise go to waste’ - this is a false assumption. The beef industry does not produce leather as a by-product, it rather relies on the sale of cow skins to support the meat industry. This is also the case with sheep and wool.
Alternatives to clothing made of animal fibres and skins include:
- cotton
- hemp
- synthetics like acrylic, polyester, elastane
- linen
Shoes
Many different types of shoes are commonly made from leather, but fortunately there are also quite a few good vegan options around these days. Shoes made from hemp, cotton canvas, synthetics and vegan faux leather are widely available.
If you can’t find any in a store near you, try looking on the internet. Most companies will allow you to exchange footwear if it’s not suitable or the wrong size, providing you haven’t worn them outdoors. Be sure to check each store’s policy before ordering if you think you might need to return shoes.
Online vegan shoe stockists include:
Toiletries & Cosmetics
It’s also common for toiletries and cosmetics to contain animal products. Some animal products commonly used include:
- lanolin
- beeswax
- shellac
- tallow
- elastin
- urea
- gelatine
- chitin
There are many more, but thankfully there are also lots of vegan toiletries and cosmetics available to buy from vegan companies as well as companies who are striving to become greener by reducing their reliance on animal products.
Many cosmetics and toiletries may have also been tested on animals at some stage in their development unless they have a label stating otherwise. Some products will feature logos like those below to show that they have not been tested on animals:
Cleaning products
Cleaning products are also frequently tested on animals. To find out which companies don’t test on animals, visit the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) Online guide to shopping cruelty-free.
Social activities
Social activities like fishing and hunting or visiting circuses and zoos can also be challenging for vegans. Many people who adopt a plant-based lifestyle no longer take part in these types of activities as they see them as exploitative and unethical. However it is of course up to each of us to decide how far our compassion extends and to make judgements for ourselves accordingly.
