Ever since I could remember I have adored animals, not just the typical soft cuddly kind either. I love all animals from the traditional pets like cats and dogs to the more unconventional bearded dragons and snakes. I’ve never met an animal that I couldn’t love. So, my affinity for animals has always been there, however I have to admit that like many of us, I am guilty of picking up items in the shop (particularly beauty products) that aren’t 100% cruelty-free. So, this year I have decided to make a more conscious effort to make my life as cruelty-free as possible.

1. Food

Whilst I am not vegetarian or vegan (anymore!), I think it’s still important that I do my part to make sure that I am not contributing to animal cruelty. As someone who eats meat there are still things I can do to safeguard animals when I am shopping for food. Since I’ve moved out of my parents house I have always made sure that when buying eggs I am not purchasing ones from caged hens. “Free-range” eggs and eggs from farms that don’t have caged hens are easy to identify on pretty much all egg cartons. When it comes to meats these should also be free range. Again, this just means that the animals that are being farmed for food are not just kept in cages all day - they actually have the chance to roam around freely and be animals. And finally I will be having a handful of vegetarian and/or vegan meals a few times a week. This ensures that I am not endorsing any meat or dairy products that have been farmed in a harmful or unethical environment. Also, by eating vegetarian or vegan for about 3 - 6 meals a week I am limiting my investments into the meat industry.

2. Fashion

To be honest I have actually never worn any fur - however like many I have purchased leather shoes, jackets and handbags. But after some research, I’ve realised I don’t need to purchase real leather goods to ensure I have a quality piece. Since Christmas, I have in fact come into possession of two pairs of vegan leather boots. One pair are pointed ankle boots that were marked as “vegan leather” in M&S. The other pair are some vegan suede knee high boots from Koi footwear. I’ve found both of these leather alternatives just as good as the original. They are comfortable, sturdy and are very easy to clean.

3. Beauty

This is probably the one aspect on the cruelty-free list that I know I could alot better at. So, after deciding to disembark on living as much of a cruelty-free life as possibly I did a little bit of research into what brands were and weren’t cruelty-free. I started off on the world-famous cruelty-free kitty. For anyone who is at the start of this journey like I am, I would definitely recommend that you take a look at the cruelty-free kitty, not only do they list many major brand and discuss their cruelty-free status, they also have a large bank of helpful articles about what you can do to live a more cruelty-free life.