Avoiding mistreatment and the use of animals for aesthetic purposes undergoes many names. We often use these terms as synonyms, but what are the similarities between cruelty-free, plant-based and veganism?

Cruelty free

The cruelty-free movement is based on the emphatic repudiation of tests carried out on animals. 

Muriel Dowding popularized this term in the 1950s under the slogan “Beauty without cruelty”. Years later, in 1981, PETA broke out denouncing and stopping animal abuse inside a laboratory in Maryland where 17 monkeys were found living in tiny rusty cages completely covered in dirt.

Source: https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/silver-spring-monkeys/

Although animal testing for cosmetic products has been prohibited in the EU for a long time, we recently told you about the havoc that the cosmetic industry has caused (and still continues to cause) around the world:

A survey of the world’s top 50 cosmetics companies revealed that 88% of them use animal testing. Meaning that of the 50, only 6 are cruelty-free. This means that globally, it remains a matter of concern.”

Also, according to a 2019 study by GlobalData, 35% of consumers actively look for “cruelty-free” claims on beauty products. Consciousness is spreading!

As a sum up: a product can be considered “cruelty free” when none of its components, whatever their type, are tested on animals. You can check before buying for certifications issued by international organizations such as PETA and Leaping Bunny.

Scroll into some of our favorite cruelty-free products!

👀🚨(SPOILER ALERT: our whole marketplace is cruelty-free) 👀🚨

Plant based

In general, when we refer to the term plant-based it is about food. A plant based diet focuses on the consumption of plant foods that are as natural and close to nature as possible.

The main characteristics of a plant-based diet are:

  • Focusing the diet on the consumption of a great variety of plants
  • Eliminating foods of animal origin
  • Minimizing refined and processed foods

Meet Plant B in our marketplace: Frozen and plant based ready meals delivered at your doorstep!

Is there a difference with veganism?

On occasions, the food industry has taken advantage of the “vegan” label, leaving aside the nutritional quality that we all require to live healthy. 

While in vegan diets the focus is on not harming animals, in plant-based diets the main focus is health.

The term plant-based comes to complement veganism by proposing a varied diet, as close to nature as possible, free of animal suffering including awareness of production practices.

Try not to drool while you order these plant-based chokladbollar:

Veganism

Although veganism is commonly thought of as the exclusion of animal products from meals, being vegan involves a much broader lifestyle change.

It is a choice that proposes to move away from everything that implies the exploitation of other living beings.

This can extend from the consumption of animal products, makeup and other cosmetic products, clothing and other aspects of life such as animal exploitation for entertainment.

Being vegan is a more respectful and loving way of life with ourselves, but also with our environment and the sentient beings around us.If you are just starting out on this path, we also recommend this article from our friends at Dutch Review on why veganism it’s achievable in the Netherlands.

Source:  https://veganuary.com/ 

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of trying vegan, you can sign up in https://veganuary.com/ . You’ll get cookbooks, easy meal plans, nutrition guides and coaching emails! 

At Bluehouse you can rest assured knowing that none of the listed products and brands harm animal life, nor insects. All products are vegan, including shoes, bags and clothing. Also, our cosmetics & wellness products are cruelty free. We are proud to be a 100% vegan online store.

🎄🎁We help you find the perfect sustainable gift for this holidays season 🎄🎁

Also, don’t miss the best conscious discounts HERE!

See you soon!