Lush have started a full blown initiative to put an end to animal testing for cosmetics; they've launched the "Fighting Animal Testing" campaign in collaboration with the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.
Cosmetics testing on animals is banned in Europe, so the campaign will mostly be rolling out in stores in United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia (although the picture above is of a shop window in Devon where customers have been signing the window to show their support).
"At Lush, we are committed to ending animal testing forever," said Brandi Halls, North America campaigns director for Lush. "We have what we believe is the strongest stance against animal testing in the industry and can't sit back and simply accept the horrific side to cosmetics. This global campaign is just the first phase of what promises to be an ongoing fight from Lush, our staff, our fans and our customers."
Probably the first step is to raise public awareness - Kate Willett, director of regulatory toxicology, risk assessment and alternatives for HSUS, told WWD, "Consumers are largely unaware that some shampoos and lipsticks still involve chemical poisoning of animals such as rabbits and mice. Science has moved us beyond this and there is no place for cosmetic testing on animals in modern society."
Lush will be working with HSUS and HSI in Canada, Australia, Europe and India to convince legislators, regulators and scientists to press for change. So how can you get involved? "Be Cruelty Free" petitions for the cause can be found in Lush stores as well as at fightinganimaltesting.com (which I just signed). To find out more visit Lush's campaign site here.
