Beyond the Kitchen: Other Vegan Goods

Many people think of diet when they think of being vegan. The commitment to an animal-free lifestyle extends beyond the kitchen, however, to nearly every part of our lives as consumers. Widespread animal testing of household products means that everything from mascara to floor cleaner has the potential to have harmed animals. Even something as simple as buying a new pair of tennis shoes can become complicated when you have animal welfare in mind. Here’s a guide to maintaining your veganism, beyond the realm of food.

Personal Care and Beauty

You’re not usually thinking about ethical issues when you wash your face in the morning, but if you’re a vegan, you probably should be. Many beauty and personal care products have a dark underside; in order to produce them, many animals have been harmed through cruel animal testing. Luckily, animal testing isn’t industry-wide, and there are plenty of vegan companies out there making cruelty-free beauty goods.

  • Dr. Bronner’s: This eccentric soap company makes cruelty-free products for all your basic personal care needs.
  • Crazy Rumors: Here you can find natural lip glosses and makeup. 
  • Giovanni Cosmetics: You can find this salon quality shampoo at your local Target.
  • Urban Decay: If you’re a makeup maven who loves a trip to Sephora, you’ll be happy to know that the high-end makeup company Urban Decay makes vegan products.
  • Earth Essentials: Check out this facial care line at your local Whole Foods supermarket. Their products are all cruelty free, although some contain beeswax.
  • PETA’s Beauty and Skincare Section: This is a great, frequently updated blog about vegan personal care products.

Clothes

Clothes are another area where non-vegan products abound. Wool and leather are the two most common non-vegan products that pop up when you’re strolling the mall. Whether it’s a new handbag or a fabulous cardigan you’re looking for, here are some animal-friendly clothes sources, so you’ll know that no animal had to suffer for your wardrobe.

  • Tom’s Shoes: This shoemaker has a wide variety of men’s and women’s boots, tennis shoes, and slip-ons.
  • Vaute Couture: If you’re looking for high-fashion vegan clothes, check out this line designed by a former model.  
  • Tom Bihn: Need a great bag for school or a tote for your laptop? You can find a smattering of Seattle-made vegan bags here.
  • PETA’s Vegan Clothes Companies: Here’s a long list of different fashion-forward companies that don’t use animal products.

Household Products

Household cleaners are still one of the worst consumer goods, when it comes to testing on animals. Think about it: there are many cleaners that are harmful to humans if ingested or if gotten on the skin, yet they still test them on animals and end up marketing them to people! Here are a few ways to avoid purchasing these cruel products for your own home.

  • Make DIY Cleaners: You don’t necessarily need to purchase a fancy cleaner for every type of cleaning. Here is a guide to making cheap, earth and animal-friendly cleaners at home.
  • Method Products: You can find this cruelty-free cleaning line at your local Target.
  • Seventh Generation: These detergents and cleaners can be purchased at most grocery and big box chains.