Guilt and animals
Feeling guilty actually makes me want to indulge in the sweet delights that in turn causes me to cheat myself and my weight loss progress.
What makes me feel bad? Using products that have been tested on animals. I’ve come to a place in my life where I am not sure what my purpose is and I am just not sure if I need to help people in the same way I have. I am moving in a direction that is unknown. Anyways, the one thing that has always tweaked my interest is the fury creatures. They are helpless and have no voice in this world that is crowded with greedy and uneducated people. I am one as I do not know what is behind every product. But David and I did the couple thing this weekend of picking a shampoo. Man it seemed to take a very long time! :) But anyways, we picked a large bottle of Dove shampoo guessing that it would be okay. Well sure enough Unilever is on the list of companies that test on animals. *SCREAM* So now we have this big bottle of shampoo (bought the big one because it would mean less recycling). So, no way can we keep it.
I was even shocked to learn that some candy bar companies are even testing that junk that we put in ourselves on little animals. HOW…. I do not know. So indulging too much can actually cheat me. But it also says that I accept the treatment of these little and cute critters (even mice). Sure some might say “I have enough to worry about, I do not need another concern. Well animals need voices too. FINE! Let’s eat meat to our hearts content (I feel healthier eating a little meat, but really prefer less), but suffering animals so we can have what we want! No thank you.
But here is a list of companies that test on animals if you care to read.
http://home.netcom.com/~axleplus/stuff/hotstuff/company.html
This is where I am at.
These are my products/the companies that test on animals. Tide unscented laundry detergent is hiding behind all the other products. I/we will never buy them again. I will be using the laundry detergents up (not the Spray n Wash) and will be taking the others to a place that will discard of them safely. Most chemicals at some point have been tested on animals, the key is, are these companies continuing to test? Even The Body Shop is likely crap. They certainly are not the green or ethical company I always thought they were!
http://www.mcspotlight.org/beyond/companies/bs_ref.html (Use to use their wonderfully scented burgamot and lime shower gel.)
I kind of feel like an idiot because I was concerned many years ago, but it slipped away from my thought and I kind of just thought, WHY would they still continue to test???
KNOWING….. that every choice can be a choice for the better.
My favorite companies/products are BioVert (dish soap and diswasher detergent), Jason Natural Cosmetics (everything), Beauty without Cruelty, Burt’s Bees, Kiss My Face, and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula emollient.
Poor choices today: Having a bowl of Rice Crispies, milk and marshmellows. Ok, a better meal choice can be made today - Supper: Borsht, fish, sweet potato and salad. The marshmellows would have been okay if I was in a better state of mind. So, moving on. 
Good choices: getting this shampoo and other products out of our new bathroom and condo, not taking any more clients from my current/former employer, choosing Weight Watchers points for the next 30 days. (Intuitive Eating, though AWESOME, has not been working for me. I will try it again in the New Year, though I am not forgetting the principles). Being fatter at Christmas will not impress me or fill me with festive cheer. What I am cheering over - GOING TO JAMES BLUNT THIS WEEKEND…. I am so excited!!! I also did my pilates today and ate steamed broccoli tonight when hungry and had already ate 30 points for the day. I had enough calories today, but I did need to respect my hunger. Kudos to me…hehe
Cheers to good choices and moving on from the not so productive choices.
Yep, this is a some what manic blog. Life. 
I am GUILTY as charged!! I get so overwhelmed with everything we have to concern ourselves with—like the environment for example! Sometimes I feel as if I can’t even take good care of myself and my health, so how am I to care for things such as the environment and what happens in far away lands? BUT here you are talking about animals and being an animal lover myself (specifically a DOG lover), well, you’ve gotten my attention. I am scared to go to that list and read—-SCARED because I’m afraid I will be giving up things that I have always found comforting—-you must rest assured though, that I got your message LOUD and CLEAR and I am one of those who forsees myself, slowly, but surely banning products tested on the little furry creatures!! I am always defending the underdog (no pun intended) because you’re right, sometimes we need to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves!! Ok, now you’ve got me on my soap box.
Anywho, I have been reading Intuitive Eating—-I have to tell you Jenn, I am not convinced, but I am still in the first few chapters, so we will see!! I can’t let go of the control I have yet—it’s working for me, know what I mean?
Sending mucho love and tea cheers your way!
Thanks Jo. As soon as I can get a picture I will post what is in my house. I was shocked when I looked and found all the products…. my dental floss company tests on animals!!!
I know EXACTLY what you mean Jo!
It is so tough.
I guess I have known many companies that test on animals, but I have become a blind shopper.
Omg… If you think that is bad you should know what u r eating! Poor pigs and cows suffer tremendously before going on your plate… Visit PETA website. Also the book “skinny bitch” tells you alot about milk, even skim milk.. I completely stopped drinking milk… Did you know that milk actually depletes your bones of calcium?
Anyway the worst part is what the animals go through while awaiting their death.
“Wet n Wild” make up does not test on animals… And now there are millions of all natural cleaners and soaps… Like I said PETA.com, or goveg.com. Please visit the site!!! Thank you… Good luck!
BTW…. Just wanted to leave u a website that has all natural products… www.ecos.com. As far as cleaning goes, there are actually concoctions you can make out of food! Apple cider, Vinegar, orange peel… Look it up, hope it helps. I am a strong animal rights activist, so I’m happy to see someone concerned on here other than me. With this friggin nonsensical no carb diet, ppl are just helping the torture. Please pass this info on to friends and family!!!
Hi there MsWeightloss I think Skinny Bitch is awesome - Eye opening, funny, entertaining..etc., but I do not believe that a diet that high in soy is good for most long term. I think most things in moderation is ideal. I too agree that the high protein craze is just stupid - both for our health and the state of the environment. I have not been to PETA as I find them a tad radical and I do not wish to go there. I have discovered those other sites though. And thanks. I think that people will eventually chose a more vegetarian lifestyle because of their persistant health issues. Really there are countless health conditions that will get people to start thinking that a primarily veg. diet is better for everyone and the planet. But I think ranting about the planet, though for many that is their voice, often falls on deaf ear. I am one, I have had to feel the pain of weight and the effects on perservatives and chemicals before changing. Though I have always loved animals, it took some time to figure out what this means. When I eat meat I am thankful for it. It is more like my body is asking for it. It is wonderful to not having it be a staple in our house. Like cookies, it’s a Sometimes food…lol The best is being thankful for all that goes in me.
As for cleaning, for months I have been using things like vinegar, Borax in small amounts, baking soda, tea tree oil. If anyone has any other natural cleaning product concoctions, please share. Thanks.
Another question… does anyone make soap?
Very interesting blog. I guess I’ve never really considered what actually goes on to produce products that are placed on the grocery shelves. I do realize I can’t live in a bubble either.
Thanks for the eye opener. I love animals. I also eat animals. But to test on animals AFTER a product has passed the test, well, that’s just cruelty!
Maybe it’s not such a bad thing to go back to natural homemade remedies and cleaners that my great grandmother used to swear by. I believe this world is coming to a point where we will ALL be forced to go back to those ways of living again. We won’t have a choice.
Big huggggggggggs and thanks for making me “think” today,
Shan
Wow, now you have got me thinking about the stuff I use. I have this book that tells you how to make cleaners etc from salt, Borax, etc. I think I had better pay attention, thanks!
Jenn I see you posted the picture!! Tres kewl! Ok…I will educate myself and will go from there—you have gotten my attention! I am bracing myself because I know there is A LOT of stuff I am used to that I am going to HAVE to give up, but I am joining the ranks!! You my darling should be very proud of yourself! I am scared sh&*less, but I love God’s furry little creatures too!!