Making a switch

I have a dog which I love probably more than people. I love dogs and animals in general with exceptions of a few, like household rats, cockroaches, geckos, most insects and lizards, and basically any other pests that bring nothing but diseases and disasters and would be better off gone entirely from the world. 

I also believe that no animals should be harmed or kept in captivity just to entertain humans, and satisfy our greed and ego. That's why I always avoid zoos, animal circuses, and all acts of animal entertainments served in many tourist areas. I never thought, however, to go cruelty free with my life until a week ago.

It wasn't a rash decision, and was something I'd been researching into for months. I'm not a vegetarian, though I'm planning to be, and I still live with my parents, so I always have to compromise in many different areas of life, making it more challenging for me to live completely cruelty free. Bathroom supplies, for example, are shared between the three of us, and in Indonesia, people have very low awareness of cruelty free products. Indonesian companies are also as clueless and hopeless, mostly because making profits is always the main priority and they're willing to compromise just about anything to reach that goal. That makes it even harder for me to find cruelty-free toiletries and bathroom supplies in Indonesia. I either have to go with small home-industries brands, which I know are cruelty free but with much higher price tags, or buy cruelty free American/European brands which are more difficult to find. As a teacher with low income, I can't always buy mindlessly. Most of the times I need to let go of hefty price tags and aim for cheaper alternatives. With those concerns in mind, it will be long before everything I use is cruelty free, but I'm taking adequate steps toward it.

My first step is to stop buying make up and skin care products from non CF companies. I currently own some non CF products from Clinique, Maybelline, The Face Shop, Skin food, The Saem, and Secret Key. I can't just throw them away like a princess who can buy new make up everyday. So I've decided not to waste them and use them like usual, but will not buy anymore from them. As unfortunate as it may seem, I believe I will be better off without those brands, until they're cruelty free again someday. My make up tools, luckily, are all from CF brands, so I can continue using them without worries and guilt. 

Another thing that may cause me problems in the future is regarding Korean brands. There's very little information about non CF companies, though KARA has quite a comprehensive list, but is far from enough because there are so many other smaller, less popular brands I'm dying to try out, without any statements what so ever about their animal testing policies. I wish any new products I pick up later in the future will still be CF. I'll try my best to research the company thoroughly before purchasing.  

The second step I can implement instantly is regarding my wardrobe. I never really like the ideas of using authentic animal leather or skin on my body, so it isn't hard to switch completely to synthetic. I have to be careful about my mom's wardrobe though, cause the last time we went to China she bought some leather hand bags. Well, people can think that real leather is cool and long-wearing, but I personally think sacrificing animals just so we can wear them as our clothes or accessories is ridiculously selfish. Same goes for fur. Wool might be another different thing entirely, since the sheep's wool can be shaved humanly. Despite that, I know most practice of collecting wool is still cruel and inhumane to the sheep, so I'll avoid it unless it comes from a reputable, CF brand. 

That being said, I'm ready to begin my journey on this new cruelty free life. If you have any brands suggestions/recommendations, or advice to begin with, I'm open to them and would really like to hear from you. Let's go cruelty free and free animals from gruesome animal testing.