Ethical Gifting: Are You’re Stocking Stuffers A “Stuff You” To Animals?
‘Tis the season to surprise and delight those you love with thoughtful little trinkets, lollies, snacks and small essentials in a traditional Christmas Stocking. But how do you know that what you’re giving didn’t take from animals?
Here’s our gift guide on what to avoid – and what to buy – when it comes to stuffing a stocking this Christmas!
Chocolates Can Kill Cows
Non-vegan chocolate contains dairy, made from the milk that mother cows produce for the sole purpose of nourishing and bonding with their babies. Like us, cows carry their young for 9 months and look forward to nursing them. In the dairy industry, they’re denied the chance because their calves are removed at just a few days old. This cycle repeats, with babies becoming either veal or milk machines, until their mother is slaughtered.
Beware Tendons Lurking in Lollies
Commonly found in lollies and gummies, gelatine is one of the weirdest ingredients ever invented. Made by boiling the skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and/or bones of cows, pigs, or fish that have usually been sitting on filthy slaughterhouse floors, it’s truly disgusting.
Choose Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
Lip balms, eyeshadows, and other beauty products are popular, but some contain ingredients derived from animals, and many are still produced using animal testing, despite Australian laws. Always check the ingredients for items like lanolin, beeswax, and animal collagen, or look for a certified vegan and cruelty-free logo.
Spa Day, Not Blood Bath
The holidays are the perfect time to pamper someone, but don’t make their spa session a stressful nightmare for animals. Choose vegan collagen serums, animal and cruelty-free facemasks, and never be tempted by inhumane gimmicks, like those containing snail mucus or animal placentas (ew).
Wool Socks Suck For Sheep
Socks are a stocking staple, but those made of wool condemn gentle, playful sheep to a lifetime of suffering that also wreaks havoc on the planet. Aside from the cruelty revealed inside over 150 wool industry operations on four continents, including Australia, raising sheep for wool is one of the leading drivers of deforestation in Australia, and is responsible for immense greenhouse gas emissions.
“Gourmet” Can Be Gory
If your recipient has more of a savoury palate than a sweet tooth, make sure to choose vegan cheeses that spare cows the horrors of the dairy industry, honey-free gifts that help bees, and, of course, remember, meat gifts are a fast pass to Santa’s naughty list.
Cruelty-Free Gift Ideas For A Stunning, Sustainable Stocking
Vegan Chocolates
There are so many vegan chocolates available nowadays; the challenge isn’t finding them, but narrowing down your selection. Spoil them with vegan versions of their faves from Totally Vegan by Charlie, visit the Vegan Chocolate Co, or grab some Pico or PANA Organic at Woolworths, or some Lindt Vegan or Sweet William chocs at Coles!
Vegan Lollies
Steer clear of connective tissue and gift vegan sweets instead. Allen’s Vegan Jelly Beans, The Natural Confection Company Vegan Fruities, and other plant-based lollies are sure to please.
Mindful Meat, Kind Cheeses
Did you know that vegan jerky is a thing? Kind of a Jerk from Fine Fettle is a decadent, chewy protein hit made from mushrooms and vegetables for a salty, satisfying hit, minus the animal. As for vegan cheese, try Lauds Aged Cashew with chives, or spoil them with a selection from La Petite Fauxmagerie.
Benevolent Beauty
Pamper them without hurting anyone with vegan and cruelty-free luxury. This hair balm from Eleven Australia will keep flyaway hairs at bay, while Australian Glow drops will sun-kiss them without the damage. Or, for a fancier filler, they’ll adore deliciously scented VAHY vegan perfumes.
Planet Positive Plant Wool
As shoppers become more aware of the impact of wool on animals and the environment, sustainable and cruelty-free plant wool is gaining popularity. These Boody chunky bed socks are made from a blend of cotton and bamboo, and pair perfectly with this linen scarf from Australian fashion house NOMAD.
Trinkets That Help Animals
The best stocking stuffers are practical and save lives! Pop in some Beevive, a cute little keyring full of syrup to nourish exhausted bees, a few native or vegetable seed packets to grow nourishing plants, and a humane bug catcher to help them relocate spiders safely.
Drop in a Donation
Australian animal shelters, charities, and rescues will be inundated this season with unwanted, abused and neglected animals. Help them save lives, with a feel-good donation in your recipient’s name.
Christmas is all about family, friends and kindness. Animals have family and friends they love, and appreciate kindness, making cruelty-free gifting the only way to truly give in the spirit of the season.
Inspired to extend your compassion to all species? Start the new year right by joining our 30-Day Vegan Pledge!
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